Repotting my Orchids? - Orchid Board

Blondie111 · #1 05-25-2008, 12:12 AM

Hello everyone! I am new to this and orchids so bear with me.

I have purchased several orchids in the past few months as I am hopelessly addicted and a few of them need to be repotted. I have read a few orchid books on how to do this but would like some suggestions. I don't want to kill them. There are 2 Phalenopsis and 1 Oncidium that really need it. Do you have to deal with them differently when you repot them?

I have also noticed that when you purchase these plants at the store they pack them with moss. I am under the impression that you should not do that. Should I remove the moss so the plants can breath? Any advise would be great.

Orchidophile · #2 05-25-2008, 09:39 AM

Hi Blondie, welcome to the OB. I would take them out of the moss as soon as possible. Phal's like to have a lot of breathing room but also like to stay a little moist but not sitting in water. The Oncidium likes to dry out a bit more than the Phal., both can be grown in the moss or bark but dont tightly pack the medium in the pot.

Blondie111 · #3 05-25-2008, 09:43 AM

That's what I thought. Thanks for the information. I have purchased an Orchid mix to repot them in and hope it will help.

jrhennek · #4 05-25-2008, 09:44 AM

Many people grow in moss very successfuly. Your growing conditions, watering, humidity, temp, air movment all have to do with what you want to grow in. Knowone can tell you exactily what growing media to use. They can only suggest or tell you what they use.
Happy Growing

Jayme

iceicebaby · #5 05-25-2008, 02:37 PM

Hi I am from the tropics and to be precise India,
so let me throw some light on the potting medium used,
pieces of over burnt brick( about a an inch wide), charcoal pieces, bark.
Since in summer the temperature shoots up to 43 degree C, I water my orchids regularly and I have sprinkled some moss on the top of the pots to retain moisture.
Please give ur view on it.

quiltergal · #6 05-25-2008, 05:46 PM

Blondie it would be helpful to know where in the US you live as climate plays a large role in choosing a medium that works for you. There's no one right answer.

Blondie111 · #7 05-26-2008, 12:35 AM

I live in Hickory, NC. The summers are very hot and humid here.