If there really is such a thing as a green thumb, then I think we may have it in my family. My grandmother was a Master Gardener of Roses in Bradenton, Florida. Her Rose garden was unrivaled, but she always kept a few special Orchids in the grove. They were amazing to me as a child, and my interest in these persnickety plants has not waned over the years.
I have owned and enjoyed working with Orchids for a few decades, and I have consistently kept dozens of orchids over the years. But, I really became obsessed with them as the Pandemic overtook us in 2020. With more time on my hands, and as I learned about the thousands of varieties to grow, it seemed like a limitless hobby, As my attachment to my newfound family of Orchids increased exponentially, I experienced so very many problems. Root rot, crown rot, bugs, and fungus...overpotting, media types, pot types, fertilizer, seaweed, really? There was so much to learn.
Then, one day I was speaking with an elderly orchid grower who explained that Orchids just want to live in the Habitat in which they are accustomed. So, the odds of successfully growing an Orchid grown at the top of the Himalayan Mountains in Southwest Florida are very slim. I knew then that I had to create a way to give MY orchids what they wanted.
Most of the Orchids that I grow, and probably most of the ones that you will grow as well, are accustomed to getting very wet in rainstorms and then they dry out completely. The next day, the cycle repeats. By putting your orchid into media and giving it a home, we interfere in this watering cycle. It takes too long for many orchids to dry after watering. Although some like to stay damp, most want to dry out completely. To accomplish this seemingly easy task and to allow me to water my Orchids frequently during the extremely long and hot summers, I needed a superior Orchid Pot, that would aggressively drain and also allow superior aeration so that an Orchid's roots can literally breathe!
Another major problem that I faced with my Orchids being outside and around a lot of cats, was keeping them from tipping over. It was a constant battle, and every time I'd bring an Orchid back from death, somehow it would tip again. Stability for Orchids is a must. They really don't like moving around, because after all, so many would naturally be attached to a tree in a Rainforest.
Using mathematical ratios effectively, my pots have quite a large surface area, so they dry fast. Their shape is conducive to rapid draining and drying. They are so very stable, I have left Dendrobiums with 3 foot canes waving in 40 mph winds, and these Orchids were stable. What more can I say other than I did my best to create the perfect home away from home for our treasured Orchids.
My Orchids are beyond happy and healthy! I have faster growth, more vibrant leaves, and if you could see my roots, it's possible that root envy may strike! Our pots are NOT a substitute for your love and care, but they DO make it much easier to love and care for your Orchid.