need pot size help, please - Orchid Board

VickiC · #1 06-25-2008, 10:59 PM

Hi everyone,
I need some advice, please. I bought a new orchid today at Lowes...a Catt. It looked to be in good condition, as best I could tell (keeping in mind that I have an "untrained-orchid-eye") When I brought it home, I decided to repot it today cuz it wasn't blooming and I wanted to take a look at the roots, then get it situated in it's new home. I'm attaching a picture, because I'm confused as to what to do about the pot size, if anything, and I wanted you to take a look. When I bought it, it was in a 6" pot...bigtime rootbound....but I figured that was fine....np. I have gathered that most orchids like to feel crowded, so I didn't give that a 2nd thought. Anyway, when I took it out of it's pot and checked the roots, they were fine...not gr8, but ok. I cut off all of the rotted ones as best I could then repotted it in regular orchid mix...fir back, perlite and . My problem is: It would not fit back in the same size pot it came out of, for some reason...even after I removed the old medium and cut some dead roots off. The old pot was plastic, and I'm wondering if, as the plant grew, it sorta pushed at the plastic and the plastic sorta conformed to fit the plant (stretched a tad)...and then when I removed the plant, the pot size went back to normal. ?? That was just a thought...but whatever the case, I had no choice but to pot it in the next size larger pot. The root system doesn't even come 1/2 way down in the pot, so there's quite a bit of space below the roots that I'm afraid will stay too damp. What do you think I should do...repot the plant tomorrow using some styrofoam packing peanuts in the bottom or do nothing at all? By the way, I don't recall ever seeing a pot this diameter but more shallow...I'm guessing that would be best, if I had one. ?? I'm sorry that I've typed a book...I know I'm too "wordy" but I would appreciate your help.
Vicki

Swamper · #2 06-25-2008, 11:50 PM

Good book LOL I like it. That sure looks like a good job you did. I wouldn't mess with it. But the next time...I would add those peanuts or get the shallow pots. That's what I see done at the nurseries where I buy mine from. It could be they are just saving money. Which I don't mind doing myself.

Bird Song Farm · #3 06-26-2008, 07:32 AM

Hi Vicki,
Books are great, the more info. you give the easier it is to help.
Looks to me like you did a great job. The next time I think I'd use some peanuts in the bottom 1/3 of the pot but since you have this one done I'd leave it.
Just be careful of the watering as there aren't any roots in the bottom of the pot to use the water so it will stay wetter than the top part.
Al

VickiC · #4 06-26-2008, 11:41 PM

I hope you enjoyed my book. lol

I'm gonna do what you suggested if the same problem comes up again....I'm either gonna buy a different size pot, or use packing peanuts in the bottom of the pot. Thanks for your input,
Vicki

VickiC · #5 06-26-2008, 11:59 PM

Hi Al,
Thank you for your advice. I'm gonna look for a good orchid care book when I get a chance to go to a bookstore. As for my pot problem, I'll do as you suggest and be sure to use peanuts in the bottom next time if I don't have the correct size pot.....also, please keep your fingers crossed for me that I don't overwater this one and end up with rotted roots, as I did with a Phal recently. I guess watering is mainly a trial and error thing, as far as us "newbies" go, cuz I always wonder if I'm underwatering or overwatering. ??
Vicki

Bird Song Farm · #6 06-27-2008, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VickiC

Hi Al,
Thank you for your advice. I'm gonna look for a good orchid care book when I get a chance to go to a bookstore. As for my pot problem, I'll do as you suggest and be sure to use peanuts in the bottom next time if I don't have the correct size pot.....also, please keep your fingers crossed for me that I don't overwater this one and end up with rotted roots, as I did with a Phal recently. I guess watering is mainly a trial and error thing, as far as us "newbies" go, cuz I always wonder if I'm underwatering or overwatering. ??
Vicki

I don't think I could grow a spider plant in bark.

So, I use moss for all my plants.
The only thing I can tell you about watering is "when in doubt, don't".

Keep us posted on this re-pot. I think you'll do fine.
Al