Fallen Cattleya Question

[DebsC]

I have a very large cattleya over-growing in a 12 inch pot in several directions. The pot hanger broke, under the weight, I guess.

Anyway, it fell from the greenhouse ceiling and the pot shatter and the catt broke into 3 pieces.

Two of the 3 pieces each fit nicely into 6 inch pots. But the remaining and largest piece needs to go into a 10 inch pot. It's growing in several directions with new growths about an inch tall.

The problem is, while the other divisions actually fit their pots, this one has a very extensive root system. I hate cutting roots but I'm wondering if I should cut them to fit the pot? Or wind them around or just push them in?

I know if I cut them, they'll grow back but it will take lots of energy and by the time they get back to where they are now in a few years...it'll be time to repot again!

Do you feel like that is perpetually weakening the orchid? The cycle of potting and a few years down the line potting again? Yet, we can't overpot, either.

I'd appreciate your views and opinions.

[Paul]

I suppose you could try basket culture for the big guy instead. Then you wouldn't have to clip roots.

[justatypn]

Sounds like it was time to make a change with your fallen cattleya. If the rooting system is healthy, I would especially knowing there is new growth appearing, merely placing it in the 10 inch pot. I hate the thought of cutting healthy roots to merely place in a pot "to fit" which in turn would hender the growing cycle noting there is new growth. You are right on noting the cattleya would weaken, so with that, leave it in its natural state. Pushing into the pot, I would not, it would be no more different than if we stuff our feet in a shoe that is almost there. I have in the past been known to wind the rooting system around the pot in layers of medium without pushing down on the system. If this is your choice I would keep tapping the pot and layering the moist medium and pack itself on its own. It should come around in due time. I suspect it will miss it's next blooming cycle but a bit of TLC i am sure it will flourish you with wonderful blooms.

Paul great advise, my first thought was mounting it but not knowing type, I held back, your suggestion is most definitely something I would work with. Within a few weeks it will let you know it's unhappy and with that plan B