Plastic Pots

[Keysguy]

I ran a search and didn't see this having been previously addressed anywhere so forgive me if I missed it but I have a question.......

I have always grown most of my potted orchids (especially epiphytes such as Catts & Phals) in semi-transparent plastic pots under the impression that because they do some of their photosynthesis through their roots this would allow light to the roots vs having them 'in the dark'.

Recently I have been experiencing a significant degradation in those pots, especially the upper rim. Over time they become very brittle and when you go to pick them up they just crumble. I don't seem to have that issue with solid color (green or black) plastic ones. This has really become an issue over the past few years since my collection moved to The Keys. Never noticed it as an issue when they were in a greenhouse. At first I was thinking the plastic was breaking down due to the intense sun/heat/salt air here but if that were the case, why is it just happening to the semi-transparent ones?

Any of you technosavvy growers have any thoughts on this? Is the semi-transarency overrated and I should just go to dark plastic or clay?

Curious

[Chris in Hamilton]

I started using clear plastic a couple of years ago but going back to clay. All plastic becomes brittle after being exposed to sun for a while but there are black ones here that have fiber glass embedded in them. They seem to hold up for a long time

[raybark]

There are "clear" pots with and without UV inhibitors, but the pigments in the colored pots may be even more effective and delaying the degradation.

[Keysguy]

Thanks Ray. I think I'll see if I can find some clear ones with the UV inhibitor and see how they do.
If that fails I guess I'll see if I can find the fiber reinforced ones Chris mentioned.