Re-potting a phal repeatedly using new media? - Orchid Board

flowerpower · #1 09-22-2009, 08:08 AM

I re-potted my orchids last month using a garden centre generic "orchid compost"... The media looks very dense.. Almost like soil with a few (scarse) bits of bark! I have read horror stories about root-rot.

I can't stop thinking about my orchids' roots suffocating in this medium... I just want the best for my orchids!!!

I've ordered a new orchid media from a site recommended by RosieC (Medium grade fir bark).

Is it OK to re-pot AGAIN so soon? With a 2cm spike (sent out from an old spike). There is also something growing up from between the leaves which could be a root or a spike, it's about 2 cm tall as well.

What do you think?

camille1585 · #2 09-22-2009, 08:25 AM

While it's usually not really a good idea to keep on disturbing the plant, seeing how bad the current mix is I would repot. There is no sense in waiting for the damage to be done and have a plant with root rot.

For the plant which is sending off a spike on an old spike, you should think about cutting off the spike. Doing so will make the plant concentrate its energy on establishing its roots in the new bark mix. It's not a complete loss, as those second spikes often make less blooms which may also be smaller. Also depends on the state of the roots. For the thing growing between the leaves, if you want to know what it is just look at the shape of the tip. A spike will have a flat mitten shaped tip, while a root will have a round tip that is greener that the growth behind it.

Donald · #3 09-22-2009, 11:31 AM

Good advise Camille.

lostonthebeach · #4 09-22-2009, 04:44 PM

I certainly agree with Camille and Donald . Plus Phals take repotting much better than many other orchids.

Nic100 · #5 09-22-2009, 05:04 PM

Hi flowerpower,
I did exactly the same thing with an orchid a couple of months ago with 'orchid compost' from a garden centre. I really didn't like the medium and did what you did and ordered some medium grade bark from the internet and repotted, and so far so good! Got new roots and a new leaf coming!
However, I repotted a friend's phal (which was in pretty bad shape) at the same time in the 'orchid compost' and her phal is also doing ok and sending out new roots. I don't know what more experienced orchid growers will think, but she has a tendency to forget to water it, so maybe it benefits from a medium that retains the moisture. One of those situations where the medium suits the watering habits... I don't know, just a thought!
Incidentally I had to throw my entire bag away anyway - it had a clear window in the front and one morning I noticed a bunch of flies leaping around inside! Yeaugh!
Best of luck with the repot!

RosieC · #6 09-23-2009, 06:02 PM

I agree with Camille,

I repotted a couple which were in a medium I really didn't like. I just couldn't relax with them in that dence medium. Personally I would leave the spike though and see what it does. If the plant seems healthy enough it may not need to be removed.

flowerpower · #7 09-25-2009, 07:11 PM

When I inspected the roots I did find minor root-rotting after only a month or so in the peat-bark mix. I'm certain this would have worsened considerably and my orchids have had a lucky escape. In contrast, the orchids also sent out new shoots from their roots - but I think they would have been on borrowed time.

Nic100 - we both did the same thing! These mistakes are all part of the learning process aren't they? My orchid bark came really quickly. Only 2 days.

RosieC - thank you for recommending the website in the first instance. They are snug in their new bark. I knew you were right all along but if you remember I "acquired" an orchid growing in rancid conditions and was just desperate to get it out

I found it more challenging to re-pot in bark. I packed it in quite firmly and was concerned about it being too tight?

Doc G · #8 09-26-2009, 12:29 AM

If you need to use a bagged mix, you can always hand pick the bark for a single pot. You can also use a screen to separate the finer pieces of peat. Larger chunks of peat won't hurt. Obviously you don't want to throw away half of what you bought though.

Packing roots "firmly" can cause damage. I generally tap the pot or bang in on the table to get the bark to settle. Remember, air spaces are good. Besides retaining moisture, the bark is just there to hold the plant in the pot.

flowerpower · #9 09-26-2009, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc G

If you need to use a bagged mix, you can always hand pick the bark for a single pot. You can also use a screen to separate the finer pieces of peat. Larger chunks of peat won't hurt. Obviously you don't want to throw away half of what you bought though.

Packing roots "firmly" can cause damage. I generally tap the pot or bang in on the table to get the bark to settle. Remember, air spaces are good. Besides retaining moisture, the bark is just there to hold the plant in the pot.

Not to worry. I have a bromeliad, another epiphyte, at home. I hear it likes this type of orchid compost. When it dies it should produce side shoots that can be re-planted (pups) so I've earmarked the orchid compost for that purpose.

I packed it until the pot sides were very firm and couldn't be squeezed.