Peresteria elata arrived in regular potting soil? Is that typical?

[ccole93]

I thought orchids should never be in potting soil? This was a typical mix I use for my Calatheas and violets. I was shocked when I noticed. I’m very invested in keeping this plant alive; should I repot? I have some bark mix and sphagnum moss on hand.

[estación seca]

It's a terrestrial orchid, not an epiphyte. It grows fine in a terrestrial plant mix. Don't repot it unless it's not in active growth. How big is it?

Use Advanced Search and my partial username "estaci" to read more.

[ccole93]

Originally Posted by estación seca

It's a terrestrial orchid, not an epiphyte. It grows fine in a terrestrial plant mix. Don't repot it unless it's not in active growth. How big is it?

Use Advanced Search and my partial username "estaci" to read more.

It is in a 4” pot and has two pseudobulbs with ailing leaves. It is not growing—I checked the roots and they’re in kind of rough shape. It has two other small pseudobulbs that look like they never made leaves?

[estación seca]

It's a deciduous plant. Pseudobulbs drop leaves during the long dry winter season each year. They are highly susceptible to spider mites. A 4" pot is far too small for this plant.

[ccole93]

Originally Posted by estación seca

It's a deciduous plant. Pseudobulbs drop leaves during the long dry winter season each year. They are highly susceptible to spider mites. A 4" pot is far too small for this plant.

Yeah that’s kind of what I thought when I looked it; the roots were spilling over the sides and not penetrating the media? I read conflicting info on watering for them; some said they need constant moisture but some said they need a dry out between waterings and less water during winter? Based on your knowledge I’m guessing the latter is correct? And that’s good to know I will keep an eye out.