Big Catts-Little Roots

[DebsC]

Recently I acquired some cattleya divisions that have had they're roots clipped severely, like down to a quarter inch. These are 3 bulb divisions off big catts.

They stand approx. 18 inches tall from tip of leaf down to root zone. New eyes are developing and some have very short new roots showing.

My question is, how do you pot these?

It would be very difficult to stand them on top of the medium and let the roots grown down and anchor them. How would you keep them upright?

If I set them down on the bottom of the pot, they'd be too low and would be buried by the medium.

If I stake them, the stakes don't have enough medium to stablize them.

Any suggestions?

[camille1585]

Last spring I saved a nearly rootless catt, and I was facing a similar problem. I cut pieces off those wire clothes hangers you get from the dry cleaners. I made U shapes with them and used those to ancor the plant in the medium. It worked very well, and it a few months I removed them when the catt had enough roots to support itself.

[lostonthebeach]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Last spring I saved a nearly rootless catt, and I was facing a similar problem. I cut pieces off those wire clothes hangers you get from the dry cleaners. I made U shapes with them and used those to ancor the plant in the medium. It worked very well, and it a few months I removed them when the catt had enough roots to support itself.

:iagree:

This is also the way I do it. Except that I use #12copper wire. Hanger wire works well too.
See photos.

[Becca]

Sometimes I use ryhzome clips to hold them in place, but sometimes that doesn't always do the trick, and sometimes you have to use multiples. Something else I stumbled upon are these ring stakes: Ring Stake - 3"

They might not work on their own to completey keep an orchid from wobbling, but perhaps in conjunction with the rhizome clips they might work. Here is a link to the rhizome clips: Hangers, Holders & Rhizome Clips

I buy the longest rhizome clips possible since I can cut them down to size with wire cutters. And I have found the 3" ring stake is the best size for smaller orchids.

Hope this helps!

[Intruder]

In such situation I fixed the stake to the pot using U shaped plasticized wire and stitched its point (tip) in the bottom. I fixed the plant on its stake using some rafia.

[peeweelovesbooks]

Well, since I pot mine in 100% lava rock, I just stick it in the pot. The lava rock is a great stabilizer. I've bought some divisions and other catts and I repot immediately. They start showing new root growth in about 2 weeks with the lava rock.

[DebsC]

Thanks for all your suggestions, I do appreciate hearing different approaches to the same problem.

I may try a combination of all!

[DebsC]

Originally Posted by peeweelovesbooks

Well, since I pot mine in 100% lava rock, I just stick it in the pot. The lava rock is a great stabilizer. I've bought some divisions and other catts and I repot immediately. They start showing new root growth in about 2 weeks with the lava rock.

I started growing in lava rock last year. It's about the only medium I can get here without ordering online. I do mix charcoal in sometimes.

What size rock do you use? I have to pick and sort through what I get as a lot of the rocks are huge.

How far in the pot do you place a near-rootless division? I've been unsure about placing it too deep.

I'm still feeling my way on watering issues, too. So, anything you want to share would be great.

[peeweelovesbooks]

Originally Posted by DebsC

I started growing in lava rock last year. It's about the only medium I can get here without ordering online. I do mix charcoal in sometimes.

What size rock do you use? I have to pick and sort through what I get as a lot of the rocks are huge.

How far in the pot do you place a near-rootless division? I've been unsure about placing it too deep.

I'm still feeling my way on watering issues, too. So, anything you want to share would be great.

Hi there.

I actually order mine online. I have to check back to see what size I chose, I'll let you know. I"m thinking with was 1/4 inch, but I'm not 100% sure.

I order black lava rock--I prefer the way it looks It costs me 15.00 for a box--I order it from wholesale/mining place, so I'm just paying for the shipping. I don't really have to pick out anything--as most if not all of the rocks are about the same diameter.

I put a very thin layer of rocks at the bottom, place the division and start surrounding the plant. I don't pile it on too high, but just make sure that the thing is stable. I actually got one division recently that didn't have sufficient roots and when I placed it on my porch someone toppled it over. So, I just went back and potted it a little deeper. The plant is doing great now, I can see teeny tiny roots forming.

I use plastic pots, not clay. I toyed with potting directly into clay, but I can see root development with plastic. I too struggle with the watering thing, but I usually water once per week right now (it's cooler temperatures for now). When I do water, I mean I water. I flood the plants first and then fertilize. During the hotter months I usually water twice per week. However, I check the plants every day and if I see that they are completely dry, then I water.

I have to check what size I ordered, and I'll let you know. Good luck!

[DebsC]

Thanks for your response!

I buy lava rock at Wal*Mart or any landscaping place. It comes in, I 'm thinking? 50# bags and is meant for mulch I would guess.

It's not the lava rock sold for grilling!

There are lots of different sizes in the bag, so I pick and choose which ones to use. Then put them in a colander and rinse them well.

I can't remember the exact cost but I'm sure they'll be more expensive this year, what isn't? But, I'd say somewhere between $6.00 and $8.00.

These are the red lava rocks. The black sounds really pretty! I'd love to have them but I'm trying to control orchid costs. Yeah right!! lol

My main concern with putting the divisions lower in the pot is that the new, developing eye will be covered. I'm wondering if the lack of light, too much moisture ect might slow it down or stop it completely?

I love the clay pots because of their weight and the fact that they breathe. The main reason I like them is when I pot up, I can break the clay all over and leave the clinging parts without disturbing roots, too much. Then just pop the plant into the larger clay pot.

This is with the catts. Phals, phrags and paphs get clear plastic because of the moisture retention and like you, I love to see the roots grow!

Thanks again for your input!