I have been searching for the best way to pot a new bought bare root cattleya.
I planted it in a medium bark.The leaves are not yellow yet but it seems dry and no sign of growing. it has been since Sept.
You might want to put the plant in a plastic with sphagnum moss to keep the humidity up until new roots start. Then it would be a toss up of how you want to pot up, you could try S/H, mount, bark mix all of which are good growing methods. I have some in each. Some catts do seem to have a hard time making new roots. You may also try KeikiPro to get your plant to root. KeikiPro
A very wise grower once told me that the secret to growing was to keep them growing. If they're just limping along with the situation they're in, unpot them...evaluate the root structure, and then repot them in some fresh media, and try something new. Both the above suggestions are excellent. Also, is the plant secure in its media?...ie a rizome clip or tied down to a bamboo stake to keep it from moving. Lots of times plants wont attempt to reroot if they feel insecure and even if they do it takes MUCH longer than normal. The worst thing you can do is nothing. Take the proactive approach.
Pot it with a certain medium designed use for growing catt. anyway never worry about catts! they are pretty tough. i have bought a catt with only 3 plants and they are rootless. What i did was potting them in a treefern medium and watering them everyday (i live int he tropical area) i also spray them with rooting hormone! happy growing!
I saved three almost dead catts with no roots from a big box store. I repotted them on top of medium bark in an aquarium and misted several times a day. It took several weeks but eventually new roots started to grow. I then repotted them and they are doing very well.
I want to second what Paul said about securing the plant in whatever pot and mix you use. There is nothing more discouraging to new roots than a plant that wobbles around in its pot.
I really appreciate your rapid response to my dilemma.I feel better already knowing that cattleya is tough.However, still needs loving care.I was taking care of it like the other orchids..Like watering it once a week and little misting in the early am before going to work.I will water more often now until roots starts to grow.
By the way, yes,I placed a stake so it does not wobble.
T.Y. once again.Talk to you soon
puffy
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