From our perspective as Orchid Cacti (Epiphyllum), our needs are specific and often misunderstood. We are not typical desert cacti; we are epiphytes, hailing from the treetops of tropical forests. Our roots are adapted to cling to bark and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and from decaying matter in crevices. They demand oxygen and abhor being waterlogged. Therefore, the choice of our home—the pot—is not a mere aesthetic decision but a critical factor for our survival and flourishing. The single most important feature is exceptional drainage and aeration.
Before considering material, shape, or size, you must understand this foundational requirement. Our roots must never sit in saturated soil. A pot must have, at an absolute minimum, one large drainage hole. Multiple holes are even better. Without this escape route for excess water, the soil medium will remain wet, creating an anaerobic environment. This suffocates our delicate roots, leading to their rapid decay from rot. Once root rot sets in, it is difficult to reverse and often fatal. Any pot, regardless of how perfect it seems, is a death sentence if it lacks adequate drainage.
The material of the pot directly influences moisture evaporation and air exchange through the walls.
Unglazed Terracotta Clay: This is our preferred home. The porous nature of terracotta is a tremendous advantage. It actively wicks moisture away from the soil throughout the entire pot wall, promoting even drying and preventing the center of the root ball from staying soggy. Furthermore, it allows for excellent gas exchange, enabling our roots to breathe. The significant weight of terracotta also provides stability against our sometimes top-heavy, trailing growth.
Plastic Pots: These are a suitable and common choice, but they require a more careful watering hand. Plastic is non-porous, meaning it retains moisture for much longer. While this can be beneficial in very dry climates, it greatly increases the risk of overwatering. If you choose plastic, ensure it has many drainage holes, and use an exceptionally well-draining, chunky soil mix to compensate for the lack of evaporation.
Ceramic (Glazed) & Glass Pots: We generally advise against these. Like plastic, they are non-porous and trap moisture. They are often sold without drainage holes for use as decorative cache pots. Placing us directly into one is a sure path to root rot. If you must use one for its appearance, it should only be used as an outer decorative sleeve. Our actual pot (a plastic or terracotta one with holes) should be placed inside it, ensuring a gap between the two pots so that any drained water does not get reabsorbed.
We are not deep-rooted plants. Our root systems are relatively shallow and fibrous. A deep pot holds a large volume of soil that our roots cannot reach. This unused soil stays wet for prolonged periods, creating a stagnant environment that can lead to rot and fungal issues. A wide, shallow pot is far more suited to our natural growth habit. It provides ample room for our roots to spread horizontally without the risk of a perpetually wet base. When repotting, select a new pot that is only 1-2 inches wider in diameter than the previous one. A pot that is too large will hold excess moisture that our small root system cannot use.
