'Nother potting question

[quietmorning]

I've been potting my new orchids (phals, dtps) so that they lean over the side of the pot so that they are more like they would be in nature, and I don't have to worry about the crown rotting as much.

Example:

Is this something that is actually useful or am I wasting my time doing this?

Thanks!

[Doc G]

It's not a waste of time because you would be potting them anyway. Crown rot can be avoided by not watering the crown. My only concern would be that the weight is all going to one side of the pot, especially plastic pots, and may eventually tip. But how you want an orchid to look in it's pot is up to you.

[quietmorning]

Thanks, Doc G - I didn't even think about the possibility of them tipping over! Don't want that to happen!

[nutgirl]

I have found that no matter how much I prop them to keep them upright, they eventually end up laying over to one side anyway.

I put them in the potting medium and use ties made out of old nylons to keep them anchored down until their roots take hold. If they want to fall over you can always place the pot into a larger pot for more weight.

Maureen

[quietmorning]

Originally Posted by nutgirl

I have found that no matter how much I prop them to keep them upright, they eventually end up laying over to one side anyway.

I put them in the potting medium and use ties made out of old nylons to keep them anchored down until their roots take hold. If they want to fall over you can always place the pot into a larger pot for more weight.

Maureen

Nutgirl, could you please post a pic of how you anchor your chids down? I went upstairs to check on my orchids last night and ALL three had jumped out of their pots (I'm sure they were running around the room playing all day. ) I repotted them and watered them good - actually I'm glad - didn't know the potting mix had become so dry so quickly!! (Had watered the day before!!)

But if I can anchor them so that they can grow as naturally as possible without having to mount them, I'd really like to.

[nutgirl]

Beth,

The first pic shows a phal "in training". It still requires the tie down. I like the nylon because it's soft and doesn't cut into the plant. It also stretches which probably allows the plant to lay over faster but that's what it ends up doing anyway.

The other two started out as uprights but are laying over horizontally (the picture doesn't quite get the angle). They are firmly anchored now.

As you can see, I use semi-hydroponic. I find the roots grow faster and latch on to the medium quicker too. When these were first potted I had a couple of nylon bands across them and also placed a bamboo skewer alongside to keep them upright. A lot of good that did! They just seem to go where they want and I do think they also party when I'm not around.

Hope this helps and the pic are useful.

Maureen