Newbie Orchidist, needs help!!!

[TheNewGuy]

Hey everyone, I'm a newbie with basically everything about orchids. I've read some books and done some research but what I think that I really need is a good swift kick in the right direction. I have two orchids and have the basic needs for them i.e. humidity trays, a south window etc. and they haven't died so that's a good thing!!!! However, they look in need of being repotted. The two orchids that I have are a Miltassia, I believe it is called an 'Izumi', and I also have a dendrobium, I don't know the species of it.

I'll devote this thread to the Miltassia. From what research I've done, it is much like an oncidium and should be cared for as such, however, that's about all of the info I was able to procure. The plant itself is in a 3 1/4" pot with what appears to be small lava rock as the growing medium. It sits in at a south window, where a lot of sunlight comes in.

I live in Eastern Oregon, a rather arid place so I know that water and humidity is a problem.

Here's a picture of the plant as it is right now.

[Orchidophile]

Oh wow, that does need to be repotted. I would go one or two sizes up in pot size, Maybe 5". I'm guessing you have never potted an orchid right? if you havent we will help.

[Ranchnanny]

fellow Oregonian, where in Eastern Oregon do you live I live in Central Oregon just north of Redmond. Crooked River Ranch is where I live. Nice to hear from someone close by. It looks like it might need to be repotted into maybe a pot a bit bigger (next size ) I am just a beginner myself and have about 27 orchids it can get addictive you know. I also had to deal with low humidity as well so I got an Orchidarium as well as starting to repot in S/H medium (primeagra) from First Ray's Orchids. I am sure you will get tons of info from fellow OB members. They are a very knowledgable group
Again Welcome to our group!

TTFN
Sheridan
Ranchnanny

[kiki-do]

Hi Newbie! Welcome to OB!!! I have a Maltissa also and it gave me some worries for a while with pleated leaves and some yellow leaves....so I had to do a little research. I too haven't got the best growing conditions for them.
I definitely think repotting is needed. If you've never done it before, get your orchid medium and soak it for 24 hours, and rinse it good before using.
I repotted mine in a combo of coconut husk, fir bark, perlite, and a small amount of charcoal for plants....and used a clear pot so I can tell when to water. Then I bought a bowl from Walmart's fish area that the mouth of it was perfect for the rim of the pot to sit down in but not fall in (I actually brought my pot with me). I put water into the bowl only up to the bottom of the pot, but not touching the pot. I place the pot down on the rim. This gave my plant much needed moisture, and within a month's time, it started to show growth and no more pleated leaves. I still mist daily cause the roots are coming out the top. It has bloomed three beautiful spikes full of buds. in the last three months.
I hope that helped and wasn't too confusing. I am enclosing a couple pics that I had taken in Jan. and hope it shows the bowl somewhat clearly. I've only had one cup of coffee so far this morning, so I am only flying on one wing.

[quiltergal]

Kiki that's quite an ingenious setup you have for your Miltassia. I'm sure it helps keep the root zone moist and cool.

Hi NewGuy from Eastern Oregon! Welcome to OB! I'm from Southern Oregon (Jackonsville). Our summers are hot and dry though probably not as dry as yours so I know what you're dealing with. I'd say your Miltassia definitely needs repotting. Some Dens tend to resent repotting and may sulk for a good while afterwards.

[TheNewGuy]

Thanks for All the info!!!!!! Let me see.... I live literally right on the boarder with Idaho, If I went any further east I'd be in the river, . I'm ordering a five inch clear pot that is slotted in the sides and I got bought bag of orchid mix but I'm sure that it needs to be added to, from what I've read. It's a bag of Schultz Orchid Mix, so I don't quite know if that's good or not, I also got some pearlite and some moss for water retention.

I really don't know how to replant an orchid, again I've read things but it really isn't the same.

[kiki-do]

Hmmm, let's see. That orchid mix will be fine. It's kind of big pieces, but will be okay. Soak the medium overnight and rinse well. Remove the plant and gently take off all the old medium. If it comes off hard, soak the roots a bit and that will loosen things up. If the roots are right through the medium pieces, leave it be. Cut any rotted black or mushy to the touch roots.
It would be good to add some white packing peanuts (only the ones that don't dissolve in water) or real wine corks to the bottom of the clear pot. Add some medium then gently place the orchid in the pot and continue adding medium all around until it's nice and filled in....solid. You may need to brace the orchid with stakes. They do not like to be loose.
Some use the plain listerine mouthwash to rinse the roots with before repotting in case of bacterial problems. I've done this before too. If your roots look fine, there would be no need to do this.
I would wait a bit before putting the newly potted orchid in direct light...let it adjust to it's new pot.
Good luck, and I'm sure you will be fine. You may have many others suggesting a different way of repotting. That's the beauty of this OB site. We all learn from each other. This is only my method and it works for me.
Happy potting!

[quiltergal]

When you're trying to get rid of the old medium imagine yourself gently tickling the old stuff out of the roots with your fingertips. Be patient as it can sometimes take a while. You've got great directions.

[TheNewGuy]

This really helps me out, thanks much!!!!!! Oh, Kiki, how long should I wait before putting it back into the light?

[TheNewGuy]

I'm putting a post here to put it back on top so someone will find me!!!!