Terracotta Cone

🏺 Terracotta Cone: The Revolutionary Porous Support for Epiphytic Orchids ✨

The Terracotta Cone is an innovative and highly effective support developed especially for growing epiphytic orchids, micro-orchids and air plants. Made from porous unglazed clay, this accessory imitates the trunks of trees in nature perfectly, allowing orchid roots to cling firmly to its outer surface. The Terracotta Cone works on the principle of capillary action and slow evaporation: when you fill the inside of the cone with water, the moisture gradually seeps through its ceramic walls, keeping the roots hydrated just the right amount without ever waterlogging them.

Indeed, losing plants to overwatering or a lack of oxygen in the substrate is a common problem in the orchid house. By choosing the Terracotta Cone, you completely eliminate the need for traditional substrates, providing an environment where air circulates freely around the entire root system. This growing method is ideal for genera that love to have their roots exposed to the air and that need quick drying cycles, such as Cattleya, Laelia, Dendrobium, Oncidium, Epidendrum and various species of micro-orchids. As well as being functional, its handcrafted design adds a touch of rustic, natural elegance to any space.

✨ Main Features of the Terracotta Cone

• Natural Porous Ceramic: Made from high-quality pure terracotta, ensuring gradual absorption and transpiration of moisture to the outer surface.
• Constant Capillary Hydration: Simply keep the inner reservoir filled with water so that the surface of the Terracotta Cone provides constant, fresh moisture to the roots.
• Perfect Root Attachment: The slightly rough texture of the clay allows the velamen-covered roots of the orchids to attach themselves with maximum security, mimicking tree bark.
• Total Prevention of Root Fungi: As no surrounding substrate is used, stagnant water cannot build up and the roots are protected from the rot that follows.

🌱 How to Mount and Grow on the Terracotta Cone

Mounting an orchid on the Terracotta Cone is simple, practical and guarantees an impressive visual result.

1. Preparing the Plant and the Cone

Before you start mounting, soak the Terracotta Cone in clean water for about 30 minutes to saturate the pores of the ceramic. Clean the orchid, removing any old substrate and dead roots.

2. Positioning and Securing the Orchid

Position the plant on the outer surface of the Terracotta Cone, making sure the base of the new growths sits snugly against the clay. Use nylon thread, honey and silk stockings or soft ties to fix the plant firmly to the cone. You can use a small amount of sphagnum moss next to the base of the roots to help with initial establishment.

3. Maintaining Water and Watering

Fill the inner reservoir of the Terracotta Cone with clean water. On the hottest summer days, lightly misting the outside and the roots will help to maintain ideal freshness. Check the water level inside the cone weekly and top it up whenever necessary.

🧪 Recommended Nutrition and Feeding

Since growing on a ceramic support does not retain fertiliser for long periods, regular foliar feeding is essential for the plant to develop successfully. During the active growth phase and while new roots are emerging, apply Orchid Focus Grow fertiliser diluted in water by spraying it onto the foliage and roots. When the new pseudobulbs have matured, switch to Orchid Focus Bloom to encourage abundant flowering and intense colours.

Discover these and other nutrition products in our specialised category of orchid fertilisers and foliar feeds. For more information and studies on growing epiphytic plants on ceramic supports, you can visit the website of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Get your **Terracotta Cone** today and give your orchids the most natural, beautiful and healthy way to grow!