New Encyclia - Advice On Roots?

[Stevie_White]

Thanks in advance for your help!

I got a new Encyclia fragrans earlier this month and it's been sitting on my shelves in the original nursery pot ever since. It has 3 new growths on it and I'd like to wait until they are putting out some roots before I repot it if I can. From what I can see the current roots look find where they are.

The question: at what stage do roots usually start developing for these guys? Do they wait until the bulb is almost fully mature, or will they come earlier than that?

[estación seca]

I have one of these from Ecuagenera. It makes new roots when the growths are considerably farther along than you show.

[DeaC]

Hi. Why do you feel the need to repot and so soon?

[Stevie_White]

Originally Posted by DeaC

Hi. Why do you feel the need to repot and so soon?

It's not so much about repotting right away as it is about getting the timing right.

I do not do well with bark which is what the SO, and many other, nurseries use. It doesn't like me, and I rot roots every dang time. Either that or it withers away to dust from dehydration. Bark hates me, and wants to see me fail. To that effect, I'd like to repot it as soon as I can.

What I use is a combination of leca (for more aeration) and bonsai pumice (for water retention) that is working well for my orchids in self-watering pots. Everyone is happy once they adjust to it.

The issue is that adjustment. I want new roots started before I repot so the new roots are there and adjusted to the new media if the old roots don't take well. Some seem to do fine, but others don't like the switch. I just wanted an idea of whether I should be watching for new roots any day, or if it would be a while and I can cool it on the eagle-eye thing for a bit.

Since this fragrans is so small it'll probably get potted in straight pumice identical to my Haraella (see attachment). For now I've moved the fragrans to a clear pot with better aeration(see other attachment) so I can keep track of when the bark is actually dry and needs water (otherwise I will kill it).