If exposed to sunlight, you may get some algae growth.

Good point. Going to watch it closely and see how it does in comparison to the other pots. If it does well I'm going to use them exclusively. Thanks

I like to use opaque plastic pots for my orchids. They're not quite clear, but I can still see the roots and the Gritty Mix medium. The ones I have are like a smoky gray/brown, rigid plastic, and come with saucers.

I received them as a gift from someone... so I have no idea where to find them. A Google search would probably be the ticket if anyone wanted to find something similar.

No, I don't think it appropriate for Citrus roots to be exposed to light. Orchids are very different plants with roots often exposed.

You could slip this into another pot, and then just check the roots every once in a while.

Josh

Thanks Josh.

Actually, heat build-up would be my main concern. Opaque pots either reflect light or absorb it and turn it to heat on the surface of the pot where most of the heat is lost to the air. Clear pots allow light to pass through the pot and be turned to heat when it strikes the soil, effectively turning the pot into an insulating wall that holds heat in.

The other concern, as already mentioned, would be algae growth. I've even had root temp problems with white containers that were only partially translucent. Maybe they'd be ok for shade, or if stuck in a cache pot, but I'd keep in mind the cautions mentioned here.

Al

Actually, heat build-up would be my main concern. Opaque pots either reflect light or absorb it and turn it to heat on the surface of the pot where most of the heat is lost to the air. Clear pots allow light to pass through the pot and be turned to heat when it strikes the soil, effectively turning the pot into an insulating wall that holds heat in.

The other concern, as already mentioned, would be algae growth. I've even had root temp problems with white containers that were only partially translucent. Maybe they'd be ok for shade, or if stuck in a cache pot, but I'd keep in mind the cautions mentioned here.

Al

The neat thing about using the Gritty Mix in my opaque pots is that it dries out in good time, so I haven't seen any algae growth.

I only have my orchids in this kind of pot, though... they're only 3" pots, so none of my bulbs or other plants will fit. I do like them for starting some kinds of seeds, though... so I can see root growth.

I have noticed that many semi-hydro growers use clear pots... but those are kept indoors, so...

If you want to be able to see the roots/moisture but avoid problems, you could probably design some sort of removable sleeve (preferably white or light colored) that can slip over the container.