Have you been cultivating orchids for some time and have been very successful with it? Sooner or later the question will probably come to your mind as to whether two orchids can get along together in one pot. Is there enough space for them and what about orchids from two different genera? Do you have that?Repotting your flowersIf you are planning to try this experiment, please read our tips and tricks first. Because two plants living together is not always a good idea. In the following lines we will explain to you what you should pay attention to and consider if you want to grow two orchids in one pot.
Two orchids in one pot – yes or no?
Under the right circumstances, two orchids can actually thrive in a shared container. Accordingly, you can plant 2 orchids together as long as you pay attention to a few things. You should also know what possible negative consequences this could have. We summarize the most important things:
Plant the same orchids or combine species?
Anyone who has ever taken a closer look at the...Orchid care busyAnyone who has orchids from different genera (e.g. Phalaenopsis, Oncidium and Dendrobium) knows that they all have different needs. Above all, anyone who wants to enjoy a second bloom should know to what extent the care of the respective orchid species should change.
For this reason, it is less recommended to grow two orchids in one pot if they are of different genera. Instead, choose two Phalaenopsis, for example. They are cheaper and the loss is more manageable in the event of failure. You can combine different flower colors for a more colorful flowering period or use the same colors for a more lush flower appearance.
Also make sure to use plants of approximately the same age. Older plants are more dominant in their growth and would simply displace a younger plant. This is especially true for the roots, which do not reach the edge of the pot, which means they do not receive enough light for photosynthesis and, in the worst case, then deteriorate or at least cannot bear flowers.
Is there enough space in the pot?
If there are two orchids in one pot, it should of course be correspondingly larger. But also keep in mind that the larger the containers, the more difficult it is to control the moisture through watering. So that increasesRisk of root rot.
In addition, it becomes a little more difficult to meet the high nutrient requirements if two of these plants have to share a container. They compete with each other, which can cause one of the plants to secrete enzymes, hormones and pheromones (called allelopathy). This effect can be beneficial in some cases. Then the plant releases nutrients into the air in this way, which benefits the others. However, the opposite can also occur, with one of the two producing and releasing toxins instead, causing the other to become ill.
You can reduce this risk by combining two identical types of orchids, as already explained, and of course byfertilize sufficiently.
Disadvantages of growing two orchids in one pot
So it is entirely possible to grow two orchids in one pot. But does that also have certain disadvantages? Well, as you know, the roots wind their way through the substrate. This sometimes makes repotting or replacing old substrate a little more complicated. If the roots of two plants twist into each other now, it will be difficult or impossible to get them apart later without injuring many roots. But that's not a problem in itself if you want to leave the two plants together anyway.
However, there is also the problem that diseases and pests could spread more quickly from one plant to another. It is therefore important to check your plants again and againin case of illnessor a pest infestation to act immediately. And that also means taking the plants completely out of the substrate, treating them and planting them in new substrate. This is the only way to prevent it from spreading to the other plant.
Alternative idea for two orchids together in one pot
If you like the lush arrangement of several plants, it can be easier to put together without all the complicated hassle. Simply grab a large container (e.g. a basket, a box/box, a small tub, or a bowl). Place the orchids and their pots inside and fill the free areas between them with decorative material (raffia, gravel, pine cones). Moss (preferably Spanish moss as it stores less water) is also well suited and popular.
This means you can combine more than just two orchids in one pot, but still have easy access and can care for them as usual - without competition, lack of nutrients, lack of light or the other risk factors mentioned. You can also fill in the gaps with other plants that have the same light and location requirements.
