Repotting Catasetum

[Afid]

I have a Catasetum hybrid that is coming out of dormancy (although it only dropped its leaves a few days ago). It has just started a new growth and I can see the tips of roots just starting to appear. It fits well in its pot and has room for another growth, but I think the moss is a bit stale and old. Should I repot? if so when?

Thanks!

[SouthPark]

Afid - it's expected that now will be quite a favourable time to repot - as there's no leaves on the plant right now.

But even if there are leaves or not, I reckon it's ok to repot a regular catasetum type orchid at any time with adequate care and handling - provided the conditions (media, temperature, air-movement etc) we give the repotted plant are suitable for maintaining the good health of the plant.

[camille1585]

If the moss is more than a year old then it likely needs to be changed. Now would be a very good time to repot. New roots on these plants are rather brittle, so it's best to avoid repotting while the plant is in full speed root production mode.

[DirtyCoconuts]

Now is the time.

Just don’t start watering it until those new roots are a couple inches

[Subrosa]

The longer the roots get, the greater the likelihood of them getting damaged in the repotting process. Now is the time.

[Afid]

Since it shouldn't get any water yet, should I repot with dry Sphagnum?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Afid

Since it shouldn't get any water yet, should I repot with dry Sphagnum?

Very reasonable question!

Enough moisture to soften the sphagnum won't hurt, and is necessary - dry sphag is impossible to work with, and could be an inhalation hazard as well. . It will be dry again in a few days so no worries.

[Afid]

Sounds good, I will get the sphag wet now and let it dry out a bit for a few hours so it is soft but not soaking wet.

---------- Post added at 12:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:59 AM ----------

I have also heard to layer time release fertilizer into it, should I do that? if so, how much should I put in?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Afid

I have also heard to layer time release fertilizer into it, should I do that? if so, how much should I put in?

Hmm... I do time release fertilizer the way I cook... pinch, big pinch, or maybe 1/2 teaspoon for a small pot, maybe 2 teaspoons for a big pot. (I just put it on top, but down in the pot may be more efficient, don't know)

[Afid]

Great, thanks!