Maxilliari tenuifolia - when to repot?! ( &, new Phalaenopsis, need help in general) - Orchid Board

LWJBoyd · #1 03-30-2008, 01:48 PM

Hello:
I am a new member, and hope to get some assistance.
I have 2 Maxillaria tenuifolia that were obtained a year ago. Have had them in the window of the bathroom (indirect light and moist environment), and have been careful to water them according to the directions - one type orchid food every week, and the other type every 5th watering). I think I should re-pot them, but am not sure about what would be the best type of pot - clay? plastic? moss-lined? Any suggestions? I have a bag of orchid potting compound and plan to follow directions, but the directions are silent as to what type of pot to use. Both plants are in the plastic pot they were in when I got them. I am hoping to re-pot so they will bloom again....they smelled so sweet when I got them last year.

I just received a lovely blooming Phalaenopsis...have heard it best to gently spray rather than water the plant. any suggestions?

thanks for any assistance.

lily99 · #2 03-30-2008, 04:16 PM

Hi, welcome to orchid board!

I don't know much about M tenuiflora, but I have several phalaenopsis. I have them potted in loose bark. When I water them, I take them to the sink and run water through the potting mix until they are really soaked. Then I let them sit about a week until they are almost dry. I don't mist mine.

Blondie · #3 03-30-2008, 04:23 PM

I've used the "orchid pots" with the holes, ceramic, and plastic. For me, they seem to like plastic best, even though I really really want to buy the super pretty ones instead of ugly plastic. Sigh.

With the phal, water it in the sink and let the water run out. I have 5 and they love it!

Blondie · #4 03-30-2008, 04:23 PM

PS: Do you have any photos of the pots? They people here will be able to look at the roots/spacing and tell you whether or not to repot.

camille1585 · #5 03-30-2008, 04:25 PM

I water my phals like Lily99. Just make sure not to get any water in the crown of the phal or else you risk having crown rot develop! As for the Max., I don't have any, but I think the type of pot is a personal decision. What type of orchid medium did you get?