why can't i re-pot while in bloom?

[myshka]

I have some new orchids from stores around town. Their roots are packed tightly in sphag and they're definitely suffering from root rot; however, they're in full bloom.

I want to move them to s/h promptly. But every source I've checked says to not re-pot while the orchids are in bloom. Does it stunt their growth?

How big of a deal is this? If it's just running the risk of the blooms dropping, I don't mind.

So what is the best move for me to make?

I do not care about cosmetics as much, I'd rather do the best thing for the growth and stability of the plant.

A) Re-pot to semi-hydro before the blooms naturally drop.

B) Cut the spikes and re-pot to s/h immediately.

C) Re-pot to s/h and leave the blooms/spike intact.

D) Wait until the blooms drop and then re-pot.

[SP2340]

Well, given that the roots are the most important part of the plant I would go based on that.. but I'd wait for one of the experts to weigh in.

[cb977]

I repot everything as soon as it gets home...in bloom, in bud, in spike, doesn't matter. I haven't had any adverse affects from doing it

That being said, I don't know what the implications are for moving it into s/h...I'd wait for info from somebody who knows more than me

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

I'm no expert for sure, but I can give a few thoughts. I just transfered a bunch of plants over to S/H, although none of them were in bloom.

The way I understood it, one really important factor in transferring to S/H is to get new root growth, which is why it's best to transfer when new growth is starting. That being said, not all of my plants were putting out new growth quite yet when I transfered them, and all of them are doing great now.

So... I guess what I'm trying to get to, is that if you really don't mind losing the blooms, chopping them will cause the plant to redirect it's energy to growth. I guess you could re-pot, leaving the spike in tact, then cut it if you see the plant showing signs of stress. I think that would be my move... but then I'm a sucker for those blooms!

Best of luck to you either way!

[cirillonb]

I'm no expert either but have successfully re potted a Phal with a flower and it has done very well since. Did not drop the flower either.
Nick

[orchidsamore]

The advice to wait until the flowering stops is usually given as it is safe.

If you see actively growing roots, the plant is healthy and re-potting will be easy.

That said as a commercial grower I re-pot every day of the year. Most flowering plants are re-potted to be more attractive and sell easier. I re-pot about 40-50 flowering plants a week and seldom lose a flower. Still if the flowers die for me it is only a delayed sale while if it is your favorite then it hurts.

I personally do not believe the flowers take their strength from the roots but rather from the pseudobulbs. Bad or damaged roots will not move water to the plant and the flowers will dry out faster.

Now Phalaenopsis are an exception and can be re-potted easily whether in flower or not.

When moving to s/h from sphag be sure to water heavily as the plant is used to a lot of water.

[Ray]

In the case of a plant with suffocating roots, which is a big problem already, I'd choose "B" and cut the spike and repot ASAP.

If you leave the flowers, they will zap some of the plant's strength, as Jerry alluded to. If the plant is totally healthy, on the other hand, it often makes no difference.

Also, the genus makes a difference as well. Paphs don't seem - for me, at least - to care when they are repotted.

[myshka]

thanks for the info! i appreciate it!