roots: to dry, or not to dry - Orchid Board

VickiC · #1 02-08-2009, 08:46 PM

Hi,
I was looking back on some older threads last night (some of which were posted before I became a member..less than a yr. ago.) I read that when getting ready to repot a new orchid (after the roots are treated and ready to be potted), the plant should be left unpotted for several hours so that the roots can dry. THEN repot. Is this correct? If so, then it's one step I've not been taking.....I never dry the roots before repotting. Kinda makes me wonder if that has anything to do with why I have so much root rot. Would someone give me advice as to the correct way it should be done?
Thanks in advance,
Vicki

VickiC · #2 02-08-2009, 09:09 PM

I meant to post this in Beginner Discussion, but I guess it doesn't matter where in this case ???

Quote:

Originally Posted by VickiC

Hi,
I was looking back on some older threads last night (some of which were posted before I became a member..less than a yr. ago.) I read that when getting ready to repot a new orchid (after the roots are treated and ready to be potted), the plant should be left unpotted for several hours so that the roots can dry. THEN repot. Is this correct? If so, then it's one step I've not been taking.....I never dry the roots before repotting. Kinda makes me wonder if that has anything to do with why I have so much root rot. Would someone give me advice as to the correct way it should be done?
Thanks in advance,
Vicki

RosieC · #3 02-10-2009, 04:48 PM

I've never heard that one either. I'm going to need to re-pot one soon and would love to know the answer as well.

Swamper · #4 02-10-2009, 04:56 PM

I never heard that either.

jkofferdahl · #5 02-10-2009, 05:51 PM

I've heard it, but never understood it. Wet roots are more pliable than dry roots, and so more able to flex as the media is packed in to the pot. I actually rinse the roots in room temperature water before potting.

VickiC · #6 02-10-2009, 06:07 PM

First time for me, too, Rosie....had never heard of it.

Anyway, just take my post with a grain of salt....I may have misread it. I'm just curious, thouigh.....so if I find the old post again, I'll let you know.

Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by RosieC

I've never heard that one either. I'm going to need to re-pot one soon and would love to know the answer as well.

VickiC · #7 02-10-2009, 06:09 PM

Hi Joe!
Well, like I was telling Rosie, just take my post with a grain of salt cuz I could have misread it....you know how I am, Bless My Heart

Take care,
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swamper

I never heard that either.

VickiC · #8 02-10-2009, 06:12 PM

Whew....you've heard of it, too. So, I might not have just imagined that I read it ???

Well, anyway, I'm gonna stick with wet roots, too.
Thanks for your reply!
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

I've heard it, but never understood it. Wet roots are more pliable than dry roots, and so more able to flex as the media is packed in to the pot. I actually rinse the roots in room temperature water before potting.

RosieC · #9 02-10-2009, 06:18 PM

I think I'll stick with wet roots as well.

I've only repotted once before and I made some big mistakes so I'm hoping to get it right this time. But it's got to be done, one of mine has really compacted decayed bark and has just finished flowering and is starting to show sighns of growing (a new leaf starting), once I see new root growth I'm going to go for it.

VickiC · #10 02-10-2009, 06:28 PM

Rosie! Hope it works out well for you!
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by RosieC

I think I'll stick with wet roots as well.

I've only repotted once before and I made some big mistakes so I'm hoping to get it right this time. But it's got to be done, one of mine has really compacted decayed bark and has just finished flowering and is starting to show sighns of growing (a new leaf starting), once I see new root growth I'm going to go for it.