confession of an overpotter.. - Orchid Board

Lady Tottington · #1 07-31-2010, 06:13 PM

Hi friends... well, my subject line/title says it all doesn't it? It's true, and here I am to repent of my sin and to ask forgiveness.

No, really though, I did over pot two cattleyas, mainly because that's all I had at the time, and since then I have not wanted to disturb them, I'm more fearful that if I do re-pot now to a smaller, that I might do more damage than good? They aren't in bloom, so maybe now would be the best time? Or, should I just leave them? What would you do? (Of course I'm trusting that you all would NEVER OVER POT)

I recently purchased two of these smaller clay pots that have vent holes in the side that I thought they'd feel homey in, but I wanted to get the opinions of all the know-its on here

here is one:
http://i31.tinypic.com/2zjjm9d.jpg
here is the other:http://i31.tinypic.com/2ajufes.jpg

the first has a new sheath coming up that looks happy, the other isn't doing a thing and hasn't since I've gotten it. I've had these since April 2010.

Thanks friends for your input. I promise I'm learning

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 07-31-2010, 06:20 PM

Well...

I wouldn't say I've never over potted...

But I will say that I've learned many times over, not to.

As far as when...

Preferably when new roots are growing, but if not, then whenever you can asap.

Lady Tottington · #3 07-31-2010, 07:42 PM

well... given that I can't tell when the new roots are or are not growing, should I just go ahead with it now? Also, given that these new pots that I have have air holes, I'm assuming that it will help the roots dry out a little better between waterings?

Connie Star · #4 07-31-2010, 08:15 PM

I don't know why, but I can't seem to resist over-potting- it just seems like the plants need more room, not less.

WhiteRabbit · #5 07-31-2010, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Connie Star

I don't know why, but I can't seem to resist over-potting- it just seems like the plants need more room, not less.

hehe

just think about it this way - the smaller the pots you use, the more room you have for more orchids!

Lady Tottington · #6 07-31-2010, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

hehe

just think about it this way - the smaller the pots you use, the more room you have for more orchids!

makes better sense now that you put it that way!!!!

WhiteRabbit · #7 07-31-2010, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Tottington

makes better sense now that you put it that way!!!!

hehe - I thought it might! I just finished repotting a recent acquisition, and was determined that it was NOT going into a bigger pot cos that was gonna take up too much valuable window-sill space!

Connie Star · #8 07-31-2010, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

hehe

just think about it this way - the smaller the pots you use, the more room you have for more orchids!

Excellent reason not to overpot!!!

Lady Tottington · #9 07-31-2010, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Connie Star

I don't know why, but I can't seem to resist over-potting- it just seems like the plants need more room, not less.

Connie... I think this is my logic as well... I mean some of the foliage seems huge, so I think the pot should fit the foliage... it's hard for me to think that they like to be snug. Just so hard. BUT, now with White Rabbit's potting theology, I think I am a convert!

WhiteRabbit · #10 07-31-2010, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Tottington

Connie... I think this is my logic as well... I mean some of the foliage seems huge, so I think the pot should fit the foliage... it's hard for me to think that they like to be snug. Just so hard. BUT, now with White Rabbit's potting theology, I think I am a convert!

hehe - glad I could help
over course ideally the orchids get bigger and down the road and that can cause a space issue - but we cross that bridge when we get to it lol