Are Phalaenopsis seedlings better grown in a large pot or a small pot?

Growing flowers really is a subject with knowledge at every turn. When growing Phalaenopsis, choosing the pot size is key. Many people wonder: can Phalaenopsis seedlings be grown in a large pot? Which is actually better, a large pot or a small pot?

Many beginners think a large pot offers plenty of space so the seedling can grow freely, but that is a misconception. The roots of Phalaenopsis are different from those of other plants: they are aerial roots that love a ventilated, airy environment. In a large pot there is plenty of space and the seedling has few roots, so after watering the bark (the growing medium commonly used for Phalaenopsis) in the pot dries out very slowly. Over time, that soggy environment becomes like a "steamer," and the seedling's fragile roots, soaked in it, are especially prone to root rot and black rot. What's more, a large pot holds more water and higher humidity, which also easily breeds pathogens and pests.

So is a large pot or a small pot better for Phalaenopsis? Simply put, a small pot suits the vast majority of situations. The benefits of a small pot are many! First, its volume is small, so after watering the moisture evaporates quickly, keeping the growing medium moist but not wet - exactly what Phalaenopsis aerial roots like, greatly reducing the risk of root rot. Second, a small pot holds the roots in place, keeping the Phalaenopsis steady. With a large pot, the roots flop about and cannot grip the growing medium, and the Phalaenopsis is like an unsteady "little bean sprout," which is terribly uncomfortable for it.

Of course, that doesn't mean a small pot never needs changing. As the Phalaenopsis gradually grows and its roots fill the whole pot, or it blooms less and less, that means it has "outgrown its home" and it's time to move it to a pot one size larger. There is an art to repotting too: don't jump straight to an oversized pot; each time go just one size up from the original. For example, if it was in a 6 cm small pot, repot it into an 8 cm one, step by step, giving the roots time to adapt.

Some flower lovers may worry that the small space of a small pot will restrict the Phalaenopsis's growth. No need to worry at all! Phalaenopsis does not grow rampantly like pothos or roses; its growth rate is relatively slow, and a small pot fully meets its needs in the early stages. Moreover, Phalaenopsis grown in a small pot actually blooms more easily! Because root growth is restricted in a small space, the Phalaenopsis feels surrounded by danger, and in order to reproduce, it works harder to differentiate flower buds and produce beautiful flowers.

Phalaenopsis seedlings absolutely must not be grown in a large pot; start honestly with a small pot,and for adult Phalaenopsis, as long as the roots have not filled the pot, a small pot is the best partner; once the roots cram the pot, then gradually move up one size. Remember these little tips, and your Phalaenopsis is sure to grow and grow.