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Discussion in 'Orchid Culture' started by Sunfighter, Apr 10, 2019.

  1. Apr 10, 2019 #1
    Sunfighter

    Sunfighter New Member

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    Regarding pots, I've read that they shouldn't be too big. I wonder why. I recently received a few that were shipped bare root and I've planted them in my terrarium without potting them at all. Was that a mistake?
     
  2. Apr 10, 2019 #2
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    Location:
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    Based upon my experience, the problem with large pots is that with the evaporation occurring from the top and the pot/medium interface (even with plastic pots), the potting medium in the "core" stays sopping wet - right in the middle of the roots - and suffocates them.

    I believe that the "needing to be pot bound" thing is confusing. The plant wants mechanical stability. On a tree or an artificial mount it does so by extending roots over the surface; in a pot, it wraps around the interior of the pot. Some are so sensitive that they will not even grow if they're too wobbly - probably because of discouraging root adhesion by damaging the tips.
     
  3. Apr 11, 2019 #3
    Sunfighter

    Sunfighter New Member

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    Thanks Ray. My terrarium has a soil substrate that is never allowed to dry out, so I've placed a plastic film over part of it and piled up bark chips retained by a piece of driftwood. The plastic is intended to keep the orchid medium from staying damp from the soil. I'm using a Pentium fan. I hope it's adequate and that it lasts.