repotting help, please

[VickiC]

Hi,
This Catt is one of the 1st orchids that I bought when I started trying to grow them about 2 yrs. ago. Being new to the hobby, I potted it in this basket not thinking about the fact that the roots would most likely eventually grow all over and repotting the Catt when necessary (soon, I understand ??) might be an issue....quite an undertaking....a potential problem ?? My questions are:

1. Should I try to cut the basket away from the orchid so that I can remove it for repotting into another container?
2. Or...without disturbing the orchid, should I remove/empty the old media from the basket that it's in then add fresh media in it's place? (never read that anyone has done this.....just my thoughts. Would it be feasible?)
3. Any other suggestions?

I would appreciate your advice.
Thanks in advance,
Vicki

[MT-Phal]

b/c you're in bark... i think you should carefully remove it from the basket, remove ALL of the old media that you possibly can and either repot into a new, bigger, pot or the same one with fresh media.

if you just carefully replace the media around those roots, whatever isn't removed will eventually rot. so I think it's important that you start fresh.

[VickiC]

Thank you!
Vicki

Originally Posted by MT-Phal

b/c you're in bark... i think you should carefully remove it from the basket, remove ALL of the old media that you possibly can and either repot into a new, bigger, pot or the same one with fresh media.

if you just carefully replace the media around those roots, whatever isn't removed will eventually rot. so I think it's important that you start fresh.

[dounoharm]

well....making sure that it is sending out new roots before i started...i would take a dull knife and pry all the roots possible up and loose....whatever i couldnt pry up i would sacrifice and cut away....and then repot in a real pot....clay or plastic....use physan 20 to disinfect your knife and cutting tools....

[Royal]

Looks nice and happy. You could just leave it be. The mix will rot away and it will grow all over the sides, like a mount. Or, you could try to remove as much of the old media as you can without disturbing things too much. Consider replacing it with something that will last a bit longer, like LECA or cork chunks. Trying to remove it may do a lot of damage to the roots - but that's possible too.

[VickiC]

Thank you, Royal!
Vicki

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

Looks nice and happy. You could just leave it be. The mix will rot away and it will grow all over the sides, like a mount. Or, you could try to remove as much of the old media as you can without disturbing things too much. Consider replacing it with something that will last a bit longer, like LECA or cork chunks. Trying to remove it may do a lot of damage to the roots - but that's possible too.

[VickiC]

Thank you!
Vicki

Originally Posted by dounoharm

well....making sure that it is sending out new roots before i started...i would take a dull knife and pry all the roots possible up and loose....whatever i couldnt pry up i would sacrifice and cut away....and then repot in a real pot....clay or plastic....use physan 20 to disinfect your knife and cutting tools....

[MT-Phal]

Definitely repot when there are new roots growing. If you have a phal, however, it won't be too affected as long as you put it into a similar medium. Never, and I mean *Never*, just let the old medium rot away. When the media rots, your roots rot, and subsequently invites a host of other issues like mold and gnats. That is why it is imperative that you remove ALL old media clinging to roots when you repot.

If your plant has been in that same mix for two years now, it's about time for a repot. It'll be the easiest for you, and in the long run... the plant, if you take it out of the pot completely, clean everything, and start with fresh mix.

[VickiC]

Thanks again!
Vicki

Originally Posted by MT-Phal

Definitely repot when there are new roots growing. If you have a phal, however, it won't be too affected as long as you put it into a similar medium. Never, and I mean *Never*, just let the old medium rot away. When the media rots, your roots rot, and subsequently invites a host of other issues like mold and gnats. That is why it is imperative that you remove ALL old media clinging to roots when you repot.

If your plant has been in that same mix for two years now, it's about time for a repot. It'll be the easiest for you, and in the long run... the plant, if you take it out of the pot completely, clean everything, and start with fresh mix.