6 Best Orchid Pots And Containers (With Buyer’s Guide)
Orchids are one of the most popular houseplants, and as they’re so beautiful it’s not hard to see why.
Orchids have thousands of different varieties, colors, and shapes, but they can be a little difficult to look after and grow.
They’re highly sensitive plants, and although most people give their orchids the appropriate amounts of water, light, and fertilizers, a lot of people don’t realize that orchids need specific pots in order to flourish.
The pot that your orchid comes in isn’t meant to be used for the entirety of your orchid’s life.
Orchids tend to outgrow their “nursery” pots pretty quickly, so you need to consider replanting it into a pot that will promote healthy growth.
But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. We’ve sourced some of the best orchid pots that you can buy, as well as provided a guide to help you select the right pot for your orchid and their needs.
Different Types Of Orchid Pots
Just like there are a variety of different orchids, there are a variety of different pots you can house your orchid in which will help them flourish. There are six main options:
- Clear plastic
- Opaque plastic
- Terracotta
- Pottery and ceramic pots that have draining holes
- Pottery and ceramic pots with drainage holes on the sides and bottom
- Mounted
When you first purchase an orchid, it usually comes in a clear plastic pot which has several drainage holes at the bottom.
The drainage holes allow excess water to run free, so that the roots of the plant aren’t sitting in water.
However, the primary reason as to why orchids are typically grown in clear pots is all about visibility. As you are able to see the orchid’s roots it allows you to observe them and check their health.
If the roots are brown or mushy, it means that they are dead, overwatered roots.
Wet, healthy roots will be bright green, and dry, healthy roots are silver. If the roots have red or green tips, it is also a sign that they are healthy.
As you need to visibly see the roots, you can’t use traditional pots to house your orchid, as clear pots allow the roots to absorb sunlight.
However, there are some more aesthetic ceramic pots that function well for growing orchids.
Quick Comparison: Top Picks For Orchid Pots and Containers
[wptb id="507919" not found ]AT A GLANCE: Our Top Picks for Orchid Pots and Containers
Best Orchid Pots
We’ve picked out a range of different orchid pots that not only make orchid care easier, but also look great too.
Best Overall: RePotme Fluted Ceramic Orchid Pot (6”)
Although this pot is ceramic, it has large airflow holes around the sides and a drainage hole at the bottom.
The pot also comes with a matching saucer to catch the water running through the drainage holes. The bottom of the saucer is also padded to prevent any scratches from occuring to the surface it’s placed on.
What’s most interesting about this ceramic pot is that it is designed to be used in conjunction with rePotme’s plastic orchid pots – which is worth bearing in mind if you invest in this pot.
However, the interior of the pot is also glazed, which means that it can be easily cleaned and helps to prevent bacteria build-up inside.
This pot comes in one size: 6.5” wide and 6.25” tall. This will give a small to medium sized orchid plenty of room to grow, and ensures that there will be plenty of room for airflow around the roots.
This is one of the more attractive orchid pots that you can get, and it is listed as a premium glazed orchid pot.
Because of the materials it’s made from and the intricacies of the design, this pot is a little on the pricier side. However, if you’re looking for a statement pot, then this is perfect.
Pros
- Beautiful glazed ceramic will various color options
- Large airflow holes around the sides
- Good drainage holes at the bottom
- Comes with a matching saucer to place underneath
Cons
- Expensive
Runner Up: Pennington Glazed Orchid Pot (4.75”)
It comes in several neutral colors that will fit in just about any home, and the open lattice design helps encourage orchid health by allowing air to flow through.
This simplistic pot keeps orchid bark in place whilst also providing the roots of your orchid with the necessary oxygen it needs.
You’ll also get a matching ceramic saucer with this pot that will catch any excess water that runs through the drainage hole.
It’s a little on the smaller side – 4.75 x 4.75 x 4.24 inches – so it’s best used for smaller orchids.
It’s also worth mentioning that some users found that planting their orchid directly in the pot was a little awkward.
It may be worth using a clear orchid pot inside so that you can lift your orchid out and regularly check its roots.
Pros
- Beautiful design available in a range of neutral colors
- Good value
Cons
- Drainage isn’t the best
- Too small for taller orchids
- Unable to inspect the roots properly once orchid is inside
Alternative: Allen & Roth Orchid Pot (8”)
The white pot is 8 inches tall and wide, which provides maximum room for your orchid’s roots to flourish. The cutout design is to ensure that your orchid’s roots get all the air that they need.
Although these cutouts are ideal for airflow, they can be a problem if you’re using a fine growing medium as it may spill through the large holes.
So, if you are going to use this pot, we recommend using a more coarse potting medium or using a clear container inside of the pot.
Made from a durable ceramic clay, the pot is covered with a white glaze coating which enhances the design and increases the aesthetic appeal of the pot. This will brighten up any indoor space.
Pros
- Attractive design constructed using a durable ceramic clay
- Large side and bottom holes are great for drainage and airflow
- Ideal for mature orchids
Cons
- Large holes are an issue if you use fine potting medium
Alternative: RePotme Crystal Diamond Orchitop Carousel Orchid Pot (5.25”)
The design is unlike traditional pots, and instead it has a series of vertical lines, which provides drainage and encourages airflow to make for a happy plant.
The lines are also slightly flexible so that they can be pushed in any direction – they will not restrict growing roots.
It also comes with a matching saucer that can be removed to empty the excess water.
At 5.25”, this pot is perfect for most orchids, and although this pot is clear, it comes in a series of different translucent jewel colors that will brighten up your home.
Overall, we really like this pot. Not only is it functional, but it’s also really pretty, which sets it aside from other basic clear orchid pots.
In addition, many users have stated that they’ve managed to save several ailing orchids using this pot.
However, the main issue is the price: it’s a little on the expensive side, but if you’re willing to pay, it’s definitely worth it.
Pros
- Unique functional and attractive design
- High quality
- Available in a range of sizes and colors
Cons
- Expensive
Alternative: Zirka Clear Orchid Pots (4.3” – 7”)
They’re available in a range of sizes, including 4.3”, 5.5”, and 7”, and come in packs of six, which is perfect if you own multiple orchid plants.
What’s great about these pots is their flexibility. You can use them on their own, or place them inside a decorative pot.
Not only will this prevent any damage to your orchid, it also means that you’ll still be able to easily observe its roots.
They also come with several side and bottom holes for drainage and ventilation.
If you’re not a fan of ceramic or mesh pots, then clear pots are extremely easy to use, and can be reused time and time again.
They’re also affordable, which means that you won’t break the bank trying to care for your orchid properly.
Pros
- Large holes for optimum drainage and ventilation
- Available in a range of sizes including 4.3”, 5.5”, and 7”
- Suitable for both young and mature orchids
- Comes in a 6 pack (value for money)
Cons
- Not very sturdy
- Doesn’t come with a saucer
Alternative: RePotme Slotted Clear Orchid Pots (3” – 6”)
RePotme makes some of the best orchid pots around, and their clear plastic pots come in sets of different sizes, including 3”, 4”, 5”, and 6”.
They’re also more interesting than other clear plastic pots as they come in a range of different colors, so you can pick one that fits in with your home decor and style.
Made from UV protected plastic, these pots come as an 8 piece set – 2 of each size – making it great value for money.
They’re also made using a sturdy plastic, and the shape of the slots and pot promotes better root growth.
The size of the slots means that your orchid plant will benefit from ventilation, and the bottom vents provide excellent drainage, so your orchid’s roots won’t drown.
Also, as orchids love sunlight, the transparency of the pot will provide them with the sunlight they need, whilst allowing you to easily monitor the root health.
Pros
- Comes in a set of 8 pots in four different sizes
- Available in 4 different colorways
- Sturdy
- Shape of pot promotes better growth
Cons
- Pots don’t come with saucers
Buyer’s Guide
Before purchasing a new pot for your orchid, there are a few different things that you need to consider in order to create the optimal conditions for your orchid to thrive in.
Ventilation
An orchid’s roots need proper ventilation, otherwise they will suffocate and die.
So making sure you have a pot with sufficient ventilation holes means that the roots will get the airflow they need to stay healthy, and be able to absorb moisture and nutrients properly.
As well as providing roots with the right amount of air, a ventilated pot allows the growing medium to dry out quickly. This is ideal for orchids as they don’t like to be kept in soil that is too moist.
There are a few different ventilation types that can be found on orchid pots. For instance, there can be slits or holes, or even large cutouts.
To make it easier to pot your orchid, you might want to opt for a pot that has smaller ventilation holes, as it means that the potting medium won’t be able to fall out.
Drainage
Another important factor you need to consider when choosing an orchid pot is drainage. As mentioned, orchids aren’t big fans of moisture.
In fact, a lot of orchids die after being overwatered. You can tell when an orchid is getting too much water by observing their roots. If the roots are brown and mushy, the orchid is dead due to overwatering.
As well as limiting your watering habits, you need to choose a pot that has a good drainage system.
Make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom of the pot so that the water can run through the growing medium and out of the pot.
Drainage holes are important as orchids don’t like sitting in water, so making sure a pot has sufficient drainage is a number one priority.
Transparency
It’s true what they say about orchid pots liking sunlight on their roots, and this is why when you buy an orchid, they usually come in a transparent pot.
Not only do the roots benefit from the sunlight, but they also allow you to keep track of the roots and quickly identify any issues.
For example, if the roots start to look compacted, you know it’s time to repot your orchid.
You’ll also be able to gauge whether or not the orchid bark needs changing, as over time bark mix breaks down and can suffocate an orchid’s roots.
One downside to transparency, however, is that you are limited to plastic or glass pots.
Quality
There are a number of high-quality orchid pots that suit everyone’s budget.
So, if you’re trying to stick to a budget, there’s no need to sacrifice on quality. Just make sure you check out reviews before you go spending your hard earned cash.
Size
Making sure you purchase the right sized pot is critical to maintaining your orchid’s health.
If a pot is too big, the roots can be easily overwhelmed as there’s too much potting medium preventing them from getting sunlight. They may also struggle with finding air access, and may end up suffocating.
If you’re going to repot your orchid, it’s essential that you use the next size up pot from its current pot. Take note of the dimensions before you purchase a pot.
Cost
Orchid pots vary in price: from super cheap to expensive, you’re guaranteed to find something in your price range. Notably, plastic pots tend to be the cheapest kind of orchid pots, and can be purchased for just a few dollars.
If you’re looking for a more robust pot which has a pretty or interesting design, you may need to raise your budget as these are priced somewhere in the mid to high ranges.
Material
As we mentioned earlier, there are a few different materials that are commonly used to make orchid pots. Different materials can have different effects on things like drainage, transparency, cost and design.
Opting for a glass or plastic pot makes it easier for you to see the orchid’s roots, and also provides the roots with some much needed sunlight.
However, glass pots are much heavier, and as it’s harder to create ventilation in glass than plastic, and they tend to cost considerably more.
Plastic pots tend to have a lot of ventilation and drainage holes, and are relatively cheap as they’re easy to make. But, plastic pots are far less attractive or stylish, so if that’s something you prioritize, it’s worth looking at different pot materials.
Terracotta pots are environmentally friendly, and tend to have great ventilation systems. However, they’re not the most budget-friendly options.
Similarly, ceramic pots are usually the most varied and most aesthetic pots, but they’re heavy and it can be difficult to properly ventilate the roots.
Picking a pot material depends on your budget and design/style preference. However, you need to consider which materials function better, as ultimately your goal is to keep your orchid alive and growing.
Best Orchid Pots and Containers FAQ
How Do You Pot An Orchid?
Orchid pots function like any other plant pot. Gently remove your orchid from its existing home, and loosen the roots so that they will be more spread out in the bigger pot.
Check the roots for any disease or damage, and trim any dead or diseased roots.
Next, simply fill the base with a growing medium – for orchids we also recommend using bark mix – and set the orchid’s roots into the pot before filling it up with more growing medium. Water the plant immediately after planting.
One of the biggest differences between orchid pots and regular pots is that there are several ventilation holes.
Although these are necessary for your orchid to grow properly, it can be a problem if you’re using fine potting mix.
Because of the large ventilation holes we recommend using a coarse potting mix or orchid bark, as it won’t fall through the ventilation gaps.
How Do You Look After A Potted Orchid?
You’ll want to make sure your orchid is getting a sufficient amount of light without placing it in direct sunlight.
Ideally, try and place your orchid in an east-facing window, as they will receive a good amount of natural light throughout the day.
If an orchid doesn’t get an adequate amount of light, they will produce poor flowers. However, if they receive too much light, their leaves can yellow.
Growing orchids inside also requires the right temperature. Although they can tolerate both warm and cold temperatures, orchids thrive in night temperatures of 55 – 66°F, and day temperatures between 70 – 80°F.
It’s also important to let orchids dry out in between waterings, as overwatering can kill them.
To check if your orchid needs water, dig your finger about an inch into the soil/bark. If it’s dry, it’s time to water your orchid.
Another great way to keep your orchids moist and humid is to fill a tray with pebbles and pour some water over the top. Then place your potted orchid on top of the pebbles – this will boost the humidity levels.
Other general care instructions involve fertilizing your orchid during growing seasons, pruning your orchid to promote healthy growth, and keeping an eye on signs of pests and diseases.
Do Orchids Have To Have Clear Pots?
Orchid roots love to breathe, and favor humid conditions.
However, our homes are not nearly as humid as they need to be for orchids to truly thrive, so using a pot can hold some moisture around the roots of an orchid.
However, it’s important not to smother roots as that can lead to root rot.
As roots are the number one indicator of an orchid’s health, many orchid growers prefer to use clear pots as it makes it easier to see when the roots are healthy and when they’re not.
Also, orchid roots love sunlight, and they need to engage in photosynthesis. Using a clear pot makes photosynthesis by orchid roots possible.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pot is essential to your orchid’s health, growth, and ability to bloom. With so many pots to choose from it can be overwhelming to find the right one.
We provided a review of a range of different pots such as ceramic or clear plastic, and pots suited for both young and mature orchids, to help you find the best one for your orchid.
Out of all the pots, we preferred the clear plastic pots the most as they are more versatile, available in a range of sizes, and often come in multipacks which can save you money.
Moreover, clear plastic pots can be used both indoors and outdoors, and they also allow you to quickly and easily observe your orchid’s root health.
However, they are often not the most attractive of pots, so if you do prioritize aesthetics, they may not be the right choice for you.
