What would you do?? - Orchid Board

JanetOS · #1 09-24-2008, 10:56 PM

Ok, first, this is my first try at posting pics here, I hope it works!! Today, I was repotting my Encyclia Cochlea and one piece just broke off. It has a small root, as you can see in the pic. Would you put it in a plastic bag with spagnum?? Or, would you just pot it up in the same pot, or in a separate pot?? I decided on the latter, but am still wondering if it had enough roots to make it. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks, Janet

CoolPhrog · #2 09-24-2008, 11:03 PM

Usually, when potting a kieki (or in this case a sort-of division) the roots should be at least a 1/2 inch...though I think I would've done the same thing you did and just pot it and see what happens...look at it this way, it kinda sux that it broke off but if it does well, now you have two of these wonderful plants!!!

Keep us posted!

JanetOS · #3 09-24-2008, 11:14 PM

Thanks for the advice. I wasn't sure how long the roots should be, although, I have read that about keiki roots to be 1-2 inches, just didn't think about it being about the same for a broken off division. That does make sense. I wasn't real thrilled that it broke off, as I haven't had any new growth on it, and have had it for 2 years I think. I was hoping that repotting would spark a growth spurt.

CoolPhrog · #4 09-24-2008, 11:19 PM

Maybe put it in a clear pot so you can monitor the roots...???

JanetOS · #5 09-24-2008, 11:31 PM

Does anyone know if the powder rooting hormone works for orchids??? Would it hurt it??

CoolPhrog · #6 09-24-2008, 11:41 PM

I use KLN by DynaGrow - it works really well:

Welcome to First Rays Orchids

Product Listing - Dyna-Gro K-L-N Root Growth Stimulant - 8 ounce Bottle

JanetOS · #7 09-25-2008, 12:37 AM

I think I will definitely put it in a clear pot, I didn't think of that.

JanetOS · #8 09-25-2008, 01:39 PM

Ok, so I repotted and put it in a small clear pot, and decided to try the rootone, can't hurt, might help. I had it onhand, so decided to try it. I guess I need to get some K-L-N just in case this happens again with another orchid. I'll keep you all posted for the progress.
Janet

JennS · #9 09-25-2008, 02:02 PM

Some people have reported various rooting hormones working. I think it depends on the type of plant and lots of other factors. If you closely monitor you plant I think it could make a recovery. Good luck! `

JennS · #10 09-25-2008, 02:05 PM

Sorry, got carried away and posted to fast. If you don't see some new root growth within a week or two or notice that the pseudobulb is starting to really shrivel, then I would try potting it up in some spag to give it a little extra moisture. I wouldn't do the spag-n-bag or repotted in spag after trying it your way for a week or more first though.