Bare Root Potting

[junglequeen]

Hello folks
I have a bare-root miniature Cym that I've purchased coming up by Courier. I have a brand new bag of Orchid Mix (tumbled tree fern pieces about 0.5" diam), and plenty of pots (mainly plastic, but I do have a couple of clay pots).
Any advice on potting up this baby would be most welcome!
Thank you!

[WhiteRabbit]

I'd pre-soak your media, and when the plant arrives soak the roots before potting.
I pot cyms in plastic pots for better moisture retention, and just plastic seems easier for large plants. It's also easier at repot time to get them out of plastic than clay. Plants in plastic pots are more prone to toppling over tho, but can be placed in a heavier cache pot.

[junglequeen]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

I'd pre-soak your media, and when the plant arrives soak the roots before potting.
I pot cyms in plastic pots for better moisture retention, and just plastic seems easier for large plants. It's also easier at repot time to get them out of plastic than clay. Plants in plastic pots are more prone to toppling over tho, but can be placed in a heavier cache pot.

Thank you so much - that exactly answers the questions that were on my mind. I normally use plastic pots for all my (ordinary) plants, and often put a small rock or two on top if I think toppling is likely - of the plant or the pot! Also acts as a moisture-preserver, but am not sure if that's suitable for orchids or not. Thanks again!
Patricia

[WhiteRabbit]

I don't think there would be any harm in putting a rock or two on the surface of the media - you can also - if there is room depth-wise in your pot, put rocks in the bottom before potting your plant.

[junglequeen]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

I don't think there would be any harm in putting a rock or two on the surface of the media - you can also - if there is room depth-wise in your pot, put rocks in the bottom before potting your plant.

Thank you - drainage and mulch!