new Milt. hybrid repotting question...

[Lady Tottington]

Hi all! I just received a beautiful Milt. hybrid and it has 9 flower spikes on it. My question is that I took it out of it's pot to pot up in a very slightly larger pot and noticed the roots are packed internally with moss. I understand this is called s/h, and I'm wondering if I should just continue it like this (as it appears happy enough) or should I remove those and plant in a bark mix?

Also, what is the timing of when I should do this, considering there are several flower spikes on this plant?

Thanks all!

[nutgirl]

Hi,

Plants potted in moss are not growing S/H.
You can get information on S/H at www.firstrays.com

If the roots are in good shape you can leave it in moss until it is finished blooming. If there is any sign of rot or if the moss is not in good condition it may be a good idea to repot now.

If you can post a picture of your plant's roots it would help.

Maureen

[Lady Tottington]

Hi Maureen, thanks for clarifying that. What is the advantage of having it planted in moss, other than to help keep it moist?

[nutgirl]

Originally Posted by Lady Tottington

What is the advantage of having it planted in moss, other than to help keep it moist?

I don't grow in moss so I can't say. I'm sure someone who does will respond.

I do know that most plants grown in moss are ready to be repotted by the time you get them home (or soon after). Depending on the grower, there can be a plug of moss at the core of the root ball that is decomposing and rotting the roots.

Many people on OB, myself included, check the condition of roots and potting medium on new purchases and repot if necessary.

Hope this helps,
Maureen

[RosieC]

It seems to me that many orchids in this alliance are sold with moss at the center and for me it just causes problems and I don't see an advantage.

By having a mixture of mediums, moss on the inside and bark on the outside it makes it really difficult to judge watering correctly. I repot mine in just bark but I have to be honest and say that I am still learning on these types and so I may be getting it all wrong.

[Lady Tottington]

Here is a pic of the moss plug... The roots look rather healthy, I removed all the moss and other medium inside and replaced with some bark and potted in a nice bark mix. How do Milts like to be watered?

[nutgirl]

Originally Posted by Lady Tottington

The roots look rather healthy, I removed all the moss and other medium inside and replaced with some bark and potted in a nice bark mix. How do Milts like to be watered?

The roots look very nice.

New bark dries quickly so you will probably need to water more frequently than with the moss. It depends alot on the size of the plant, your growing conditions and the kind of potting medium.

I'd use bamboo skewers to monitor the moisture content and don't let them dry out completely.

Maureen

[Lady Tottington]

Thanks Maureen... I put the skewer in! I will monitor it and water under the faucet when dry but keep the crowns dry.

[RosieC]

It looks to me as though it was originally potted in moss and then just had the pot removed and put in a new pot with new medium arround the outside.

I would remove all that moss when you repot as often it can get quite horrible in the middle and even if it is not rotten now it rots a lot quicker than bark.

As Maureen has advised new bark can dry a lot quicker then either moss or older bark. The skewer method is a good one.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Lady Tottington

Thanks Maureen... I put the skewer in! I will monitor it and water under the faucet when dry but keep the crowns dry.

I do not allow mine to dry out. I would recommend watering before the media is completely dry. Especially as I suspect that with 9 spikes, it's Miltoniopsis hybrid.