When I talk about wild Cattleya-tribe roots this is what I have in mind. I put this Laelia Finckeniana (L. anceps x L. albida) in a wooden basket. It did OK, but once it escaped, it is growing and blooming much better. I expect flowers December-ish. But clearly, the plant does not want its roots confined even a little bit. The roots clearly are able to get all the water they need from the overhead sprinklers every couple of days (less often in winter)

Holy cow!!

That picture evokes in my mind the feeling of the first big stretch when you wake up on the morning. Just freedom and unfurling!!!

so it was time

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...73d8e481_c.jpgUntitled by J Solo, on Flickr



a third spike showed up and finally died and i was getting worried the plant would suffer from the pot


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f007e8d6_c.jpgUntitled by J Solo, on Flickr


now, keep in mind, my cym mix is peat, #4 perlite, leca, lava rock and charcoal........where is it all????


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d62a440e_c.jpgUntitled by J Solo, on Flickr



HUNGRY ROOTS!!!

When I repot a beast like that, I just give the root ball a blast from a hose to wash out anything loose and broken down, then drop it into a larger pot. I don't try to take it apart unless I'm dividing it.

My only cymbidium also seems to absorb its media!! Lol

ZERO effort was put into ant sort of behavior- i added a ton MORE media around it in a 24" landscaping pot and pot it right front and center in the landscaping!!!


it will get about the same sun, maybe a little bit more. i am so excited. I have a lot of orchids hanging off other plants in my landscape but this is the first that is truly its own feature.


thanks, R

Which one? It sure looks happy!

this is golden elf- and i should have said, zero effort was put into breaking apart the root mass, i just dropped it in and add more. - i am not articulate tonight


i will take a pic tomorrow when there is good light. she is the jewel of the yard and i expect that this year, it will be all about rooting- large up pot and more sun and more exposure to rain - then....drum roll, i fully expect growth off each point that was growing before (3) and then some.....

if that works. i will be the proverbial pig in $%#& :)

---------- Post added at 11:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:12 PM ----------

oh, also...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...98120e82_c.jpgUntitled by J Solo, on Flickr




https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...73de04ed_c.jpgUntitled by J Solo, on Flickr



"let's meet on the outside!"
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...282ed06a_c.jpgUntitled by J Solo, on Flickr

That Cym. Golden Elf puts mine to shame! Now THAT is a warm-growing Cym that is totally in hog heaven!