Repotting

[VandaFan]

Like most others, I only repot my plants in the spring, when growth is active.
A few times I was caught. I found I had to repot in mid/late fall - like right now. The plants were developing spikes and I had to wait for several months to do that in the spring. Sometimes that was even longer esp. with phal., whose flowers may stay open forever. In the mean time, the bark was already in pretty bad shape.
I decided to repot the plants when they were in spike and it turned out to be very successful.
It seems that growing spikes is the period the plants are very active. They have to feed their most important parts. After the repot, the spikes continue to develop with the same speed as before. No delay, even for a few days.
I've done that for phal., dendros, vandas, and even angraecums - those that do not want their roots to be disturbed. Just need to do that when the spikes are still small and the buds haven't been much visible.

Anyone has different thoughts?

[cb977]

I repot every single chid I bring home or get delivered as soon as it gets here, no matter what stage of growth they're in. I've repotted plants in bloom, bud and/or spike and never had a problem.

I always want to know what's happening under the medium where I can't see it. I've saved a number of chids by doing this.

[Ross]

Just repotted a Paph because I didn't like the looks of the mix. I found a big strong root developing. I really don't follow any strict regimen. I have found most of my orchids follow their own cycle - not the ones published in books. I have learned to follow these cycles. I, like Susanne, like to repot (or sometimes remount) new 'chids when I get them, if for no other reason than to inspect the roots and clear out potential pests.

[Don Perusse]

I agree with above. I've never (3 yrs. now) had any trouble with loosing any, rather in fact have probably saved some.

[VandaFan]

Originally Posted by cb977

I repot every single chid I bring home or get delivered as soon as it gets here, no matter what stage of growth they're in. I've repotted plants in bloom, bud and/or spike and never had a problem.


I always want to know what's happening under the medium where I can't see it. I've saved a number of chids by doing this.

Thanks Susanne,
I usually don't repot new ones - esp. when they are carrying flowers. Now I will try your practice - inspect what lies below the surface. I agree that will not only save the plants I've just brought home, but may also prevent bad things from happening to my existing collection. I've brought home pots that had milipedes or centipedes.

[ronaldhanko]

Something I do when I'm not ready to repot a new plant is to put it in a container of water that more than covers the medium and let it sit for a while. The "critters" come to the top and I figure some of the salts and whatever else will drain away (often including a lot of fine particles of mix that clog up the pot

[VandaFan]

Originally Posted by ronaldhanko

Something I do when I'm not ready to repot a new plant is to put it in a container of water that more than covers the medium and let it sit for a while. The "critters" come to the top and I figure some of the salts and whatever else will drain away (often including a lot of fine particles of mix that clog up the pot

Hi Ron,
There will certainly be times when I am not ready to repot - either when I am too busy or when I feel the plant is not ready or not all needed materials and the proper size pot are available.
I definitely can make use of the tips you and others have given me.