Several orchids in one pot: is it possible to plant them, how to care for them

Orchid

The orchid is a very unusual and captivating flower. It is often used in interior design of various formats. Florists cultivate many varieties of orchids. Repotting a flower is a serious process that requires concentration. The idea of moving the plant to a new location comes when the root system has noticeably expanded and requires more space.

Is it possible to plant several orchids in one pot?

Orchids are popular among houseplant enthusiasts. Plants can range in size from a few centimeters to 35 meters. Such giants are found in their natural habitats. Orchid leaves are alternate and simple. Certain species contain a trap for pollinating insects within the plant's peduncle.

Note!

Other plants are used to support the flower. However, when growing indoors, it's better to purchase special supports for the plants.

In the wild, nothing prevents plants from growing in different conditions, either individually or in close groups. Therefore, combining flowers in the same container is entirely possible. The main rule is to create optimal growing conditions and maintain pot hygiene.

Main arguments:

visual splendor of the planted group of plants;
natural look;
application of unification to facilitate care.

A picturesque planting is achieved by arranging a large number of plants and their flowers in a single location. Orchids of the same subspecies, such as Phalaenopsis, bloom at roughly the same time, continuing to bloom for six months. This helps create unusual, decorative specimens. With the right combination of color, shape, and quality design, the resulting arrangement will become a dominant feature in both apartments and other spaces.

Advantages and disadvantages of joint planting

Among the advantages of group planting is the space savings required for the plants. Some amateur gardeners achieve a richer, more decorative effect by placing more flower stalks in a single pot. Savings on materials (pots, substrate, soil, etc.) are also worth noting. Another advantage is that two orchids in one pot can support each other.

The disadvantages of group planting include:

The dimensions of the planting container are significantly larger than usual and heavier, which will make it difficult to move.
The risk of losing several plants to disease or pests increases. All flowers in a pot are infested.

Disease can be avoided with proper care and careful monitoring of the collection.

Potential problems when planting in 1 pot

Problems can arise when repotting orchids in the same pot simply because of mistakes made by the grower. Difficulties arise due to improper care and growing conditions. One cause is a disease in one of the orchids. All gardeners face this problem, and it's only a matter of time. The solution is to remove the diseased orchid from the group. The remaining orchids are treated to prevent possible infection.

Root rot. Root rot is a sign of improper care. Therefore, it's not a planting problem, but a problem with the way the plant is maintained. Correcting this is quite easy; just follow these steps:

remove the orchid from the pot;
inspect carefully for rot;
cut off dead areas;
treat the plant with fungicides;
replant a flower.

Watering schedule. Plants should be watered as the substrate dries out or the orchid roots require moisture. It's easier to manage watering when plants are planted in the same pot, saving significant time.

Technology: How to plant several orchids in one container

Orchids, like any flower, need to be repotted at certain times. This could be due to pests, overgrown or rotted roots, old soil, or the time to separate the young orchids. Several orchids can be planted in a single container to decorate large spaces, foyers, or outdoor patios in private homes.

There are many reasons, and the repotting process is definitely a hassle, but don't be alarmed. You can always follow the advice and recommendations of experienced gardeners. When planting two or three orchids together, follow the same technique as for a single orchid.

Note!

This delicate and graceful plant doesn't like to stand with wet roots. Therefore, choosing a "home"—a pot—is crucial to the health, development, growth, and magnificent flowering of any orchid.

Selecting a container

The container should be of the appropriate size: heavy (to prevent the flower from tipping over), wide, and with low sides. Options:

Plastic, with many holes – suitable for orchids with aerial roots (Phalaenopsis). Allows sunlight (except direct rays) and air to pass through, makes it easy to monitor the condition of the roots, and has excellent drainage.
An oval cup is best for sympodial orchids. Plant closer to the edge, leaving room for root growth.
A clay (ceramic) pot with holes is heavy, meaning it won't tip over. It allows air circulation and prevents water stagnation. However, choose a light-colored pot to prevent the soil from overheating.
Blocks (wooden) – this type of container is suitable for spring, as roots grow rapidly during this period. Be sure to mist the exposed root system daily to prevent drying out and maintain high humidity.
Bamboo or wooden planters have many holes, which can cause the soil to dry out, requiring frequent misting. A flower in a mesh bag is placed inside a wooden planter (or ladder), and the holes are lined with moss.
A mesh container is a trendy option; it contains no soil, meaning no nutrients. Daily misting and fertilizing are required.

You can add decorative branches to the pot, and use them to secure the orchids with whimsical arrangements. It's also a good idea to wrap the roots in moss and mist them 2-3 times a day.

Important!

Glass flowerpots and aquarium-style jars don't allow oxygen to pass through, and the sun's rays refract, burning the roots. A glass-shaped pot is a mistake, as the plant's roots grow in width, not depth.

Substrate preparation

In nature, orchids grow on tree branches or are intertwined with roots, receiving nutrition from them. Therefore, the soil should contain bark and sphagnum moss. Florists advise against using ready-made commercial potting mixes, as they are fine-grained and contain excess peat. Generally, the composition of the soil mixture is suitable for all orchid species; only the proportions vary. The acidity, water holding capacity, and air permeability are all factors to consider.

To prepare the potting soil, take crushed (1.5 cm) pieces of bark from conifers (pine without resin and wood) and deciduous trees of the same species. For antiseptic properties, add 1-2 pieces of willow bark. Boil the entire mixture for a couple of minutes and dry in the oven to disinfect. It's important not to burn the bark and leave it slightly damp if you plan to use it immediately. You can add birch charcoal and expanded clay for drainage. Moss is placed on top of the soil. This substrate is preferable for epiphytes. For more moisture-loving orchids, you can add peat, coconut shavings, moss, and pine cones to the soil.

Root treatment and planting rules

Before repotting an orchid, carefully remove it from its previous container. Rinse with warm water and dry at room temperature for 3 hours. Carefully inspect and feel all roots for any that are hollow, rotten, soft, wrinkled, or dry. Trim away any rotted parts with a sterile knife or scissors. Make the cut 4-5 mm higher (to include the healthy portion), then treat with cinnamon or charcoal.

There are two ways to plant and grow 2-3 orchids side by side: in 1 pot or each plant separately, but in one planter:

In one container. Choose a spacious pot for good air circulation, allowing for root and pup growth. Rinse the container with baking soda and rinse with hot water. When repotting, maintain a distance of at least 10 cm between orchids. Add washed drainage material to the bottom. Hold the plant suspended and add soil. Water at the edge of the pot; the soil mixture should be moist. Add bark as the plant grows. Cover the soil with moss. Then leave in the shade at temperatures up to 22°C (72°F) for 3-5 days without watering.
In separate containers. Place the orchid pots in an elongated planter with drainage and a tray. Decorate with expanded clay or marble chips. Cover with a layer of moss, creating the appearance of a small flowerbed.

Note!

When replanting, if the old substrate is not infested with pests, it is recommended to leave a small portion of it to avoid a drastic change in composition.

Fixation and care

It often happens replant an orchid With flower stalks. Then, before adding the potting mix, place a stick at the roots of each flower stalk. Only then add the substrate. If the seedlings are not holding up well, you can secure them with clips or tape to ensure stability. Once the root system has strengthened, remove them.

When caring for the plant, it's important to fertilize it: one month after planting, year-round, using liquid fertilizer; during flowering, use phosphorus fertilizers every two weeks; and during the dormant period, use nitrogen fertilizers. Ensure the correct temperature and humidity in the room. Avoid overwatering the roots to prevent rot. It's also important to protect the flower from pests by regularly inspecting and cleaning the orchid.

Helpful tips

Many experts recommend planting orchids in separate containers. This way, orchids, each in its own individual "house," can be placed in a single pot (round, rectangular, etc.). This makes it feasible to water them by immersion (a large pot is too large for one person to lift). In the event of infection or disease, separated orchids are easier to handle and repot. You won't have to worry about separating intertwined roots, and they will have adequate ventilation.