From our perspective, the choice of pot is fundamentally about the health and function of our root system. We are epiphytes, meaning in our natural habitat we anchor ourselves to trees and rocks, not soil. Our roots are adapted for clinging and for rapid water and nutrient absorption. They are thick, covered in a spongy white tissue called velamen, and require exceptional air circulation to function properly. A pot that is too large or made of non-breathable material creates a stagnant, moisture-logged environment. This suffocates our roots, leading to rot, which compromises our entire ability to hydrate and feed ourselves, ultimately threatening our survival.
The ideal pot size is not determined by the size of our foliage, but by the mass of our roots. You should select a container that allows our root system to fit snugly inside with just a little room for new growth—typically no more than 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) of space around the entire root ball. This "snug fit" is crucial. It ensures that the potting medium dries out at an appropriate rate after watering. A pot that is excessively large will hold water for too long around the periphery where there are no roots to absorb it, creating the perfect conditions for the anaerobic bacteria and fungi that cause root rot to thrive.
More important than the precise dimensions of the pot is its ability to provide drainage and aeration. This is non-negotiable for our well-being. The pot must have multiple, large drainage holes in the bottom to allow water to flush through completely. Many dedicated orchid pots also feature slits or holes on the sides. These are highly beneficial as they dramatically increase air flow to our roots, mimicking the breezy conditions of our natural environment and helping the potting medium to dry more evenly and quickly. A pot without adequate drainage is a death sentence for us.
The material of the pot directly influences the watering frequency we require. Unglazed terracotta clay pots are porous, allowing water to evaporate through the walls and air to permeate. This helps our roots breathe and causes the medium to dry faster, making them an excellent choice for growers who tend to overwater or who live in humid climates. Plastic pots, in contrast, retain moisture for much longer. They are suitable if you are an attentive waterer, live in a dry climate, or if our particular Dendrobium variety prefers to stay slightly moist. The key is to match the pot material to your watering habits and our specific moisture needs.
You will know it is time for a new pot when you observe clear signs from us. The most obvious is when our roots have completely filled the current container, often spilling over the edges or pushing the plant upwards. Another sign is when the potting medium has broken down and become soggy, no longer providing the chunky, airy structure we need. Repotting is best done when we are initiating new growth, typically after flowering, as this is when we are most active and can quickly establish ourselves in the new environment with minimal stress.
