Removing Den from Coconut Chunks

[flhiker]

Hi all, I have a Den. that is potted with coconut husk or chunks and the roots seem to be attached very well. How do you repot without tearing the roots out?

[Ross]

Firstly, good luck with the dendro.

Second (seriously) if there are new roots emerging, then seperating the old roots is not really an issue. Just cut or dig them away from the substraight. If there are not new roots, then I would be tempted to wait till there are new roots emerging.

[cneos]

If the roots are as firmly established as you describe them to be, I would leave them. Simply remove the chunk of coconut from its pot and put into a larger pot or grow as a 'mounted' plant. I have bought plants like these and found it's better for the plant NOT to try to remove it from the coconut chunk.

[justatypn]

Personally I would soak the husk in lukewarm water for 20 minutes and than pull gently apart vertically the rotted as well as the weaker part of the husk. With soaking it should not harm your rooting system and if one or two roots are harmed, no harm done as it will recoup nicely for you. At anytime you repot an orchid you really should work out all the medium when renewing your orchids a new medium beginning, but in this case you are doing all you can to refresh the husk but allowing the yuckie part to be pulled away from the sized husk.