Growing Orchids in Wet Pots

Background

• Wet Pots are available in the United States in a few sizes, each of which consists of an outer clear glass pot and an inner terra cotta pot. Gardeners partially fill the glass container with water and the terra cotta pot with a plant potted in a planting mixture. Placing the potted plant in the glass container allows the pot to absorb water through its clay walls. Sellers recommend the medium-size pot for orchid growing. This consists of a 7-inch-deep glass container, 7 1/2 inches in diameter, with a 5 1/2-inch-diameter terra cotta insert.

Water Needs

• Although there are many thousands of orchid species, most are epiphytes, which have different root systems and water needs than traditional houseplants growing in soil in pots. Epiphytic orchid roots can easily rot from overwatering. Wet Pots providing consistent moisture to orchid roots can be a problem if the growing medium holds too much water, but if you use the recommended porous bark medium rather than potting soil, the roots should stay white and plump. The Wet Pots are designed to supply higher moisture levels when the outer container is filled to near the top. Orchids' lower water needs indicate that it is best to keep the water level low until you determine the level you need to keep the potting medium moist, but not wet.

Humidity

• Most orchids prefer higher humidity levels than are found in the typical home; the American Orchid Society recommends about 60 percent humidity. Because the water placed in the Wet Pot's outer glass container not only keeps the growing medium moist, but contributes to the moisture levels in the air, Wet Pots can help increase humidity around your orchids. You may prefer other ways to increase humidity levels. For example, placing your plants on a tray with gravel or pebbles with a water level kept below the height of the stones is a way to provide humidity for any houseplants that require moister air. Whole house or room humidifiers for your own comfort will also benefit your orchids.

Considerations

• If you are a notorious underwaterer, Wet Pots might save your orchids from drying out and eventual death. If you tend to overwater, however, you may find that topping up your Wet Pots provides too much moisture and can rot your orchid roots, even if you've used a proper growing medium. You may need to modify the water level in your Wet Pot to best meet your orchid's water and humidity needs. Keep the level higher when outdoor temperatures soar or when you are heating your home during colder weather. If you want to try self-watering containers to grow orchids, there are other designs you can purchase. Alternatively, you may find homemade self-watering containers just as effective as Wet Pots.