root bound orchid

[ksb]

I have a new orchid However it is in bloom but it really looks root bound to me. Do they like to have crowded roots? By the way it is a phalaenoposis.
Also, are clear plastic pots better for orchid root growth than clay pots?

[cindiras]

Phals like to be rootbound, doing better in pots smaller than you think they would need. As for clay or plastic, it depends on your watering technique. If you don't water often, plastic will help the planting medium hold moisture. If you tend to rot roots with watering too frequently, clay pots breathe and dry out more quickly than a plastic pot.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Phals like to be rootbound, doing better in pots smaller than you think they would need. As for clay or plastic, it depends on your watering technique. If you don't water often, plastic will help the planting medium hold moisture. If you tend to rot roots with watering too frequently, clay pots breathe and dry out more quickly than a plastic pot.

I agree. Just wanted to add that: The porous clay pulls the moisture out and away from the roots of the plant.

Cheers,
BD

[stefpix]

I prefer clay because with plastic sometime the top is dry but inside the pot is moist.
I like the look of clay pots.

I use now either clay or sometimes plastic net pots [wish they were clear but at the hydroponic store they carry black only]. I also like coconut chips as a medium as they absorb water faster than bark but also they dry fast and I think they are more resistant to mold and fungus. and roots seem to like it

[ksb]

Wow! that is interesting. I was sure you would say to re-pot.
Thanks for the comparison of clay and plastic.
Now I have to l research where to get coconut chips.

[stefpix]

also a good system is to get a tiny net pot and put it upside down inside an clay pot and the phal rest in top of it. mate air circulation and less risk of rot