catt roots, question

[Orchidflowerchild]

Originally Posted by VickiC

Thank you for the compliment....my catt would thank you, too. I imagine it's proud of it's roots. I didn't think about the fact that it was used to being potted in a clay pot. It might not appreciate being moved to a different pot environment ?? Most of my other catts are in clay and they seem to be doing fine (a few are in S/H, though...and they are growing good, too). As I mentioned, I was only thinking about being able to watch it's roots grow.

I'm a little leary of spreading the roots to remove the old mix, but I'll do whatever is best for the catt.

Thank you for your reply and advice.
Vicki

Old grower's motto: Grow the roots, grow the plant.

-Cj

[VickiC]

Very good motto! I haven't heard it before....it's so true!
Thanks!
Vicki

Originally Posted by Orchidflowerchild

Old grower's motto: Grow the roots, grow the plant.

-Cj

[RobS]

My first reaction was to pry the roots apart as good as possible. Then I took a good look at the pictures and understand your dillema.

However I still think that my first reaction is the right one. Take them apart. Yes you will damage a lot of them but it will enable you to remove all the old media and roots. If you put them in a pot like this you also risk having a lump of decomposing roots in the pot in 2-3 years from now. The plant roots easily and should be able to recover quickly.

And yes clay over plastic as clay leaves no moist spots that will cause your roots to rot especially when you decide to keep the root mass intact (which I can completly understand).

Nvm just read the job is done good luck.

[VickiC]

Hi Rob,
Even though I've already repotted it, I appreciate your advice and potted exactly as you advised.

If you don't mind, I have another question, please. Do you pot all of your orchids in clay? No plastic? I've never thought about plastic having moist spots whereas clay does not. That's interesting and makes very good sense. All of my phals are in plastic because I've gotten advice in the past that it's best to pot phals in plastic so the roots can get light. I understand they photosynthesize (??) Correct?

I would appreciate your advice for my repottings in the future.
Thanks for your reply and help,
Vicki

Originally Posted by RobS

My first reaction was to pry the roots apart as good as possible. Then I took a good look at the pictures and understand your dillema.

However I still think that my first reaction is the right one. Take them apart. Yes you will damage a lot of them but it will enable you to remove all the old media and roots. If you put them in a pot like this you also risk having a lump of decomposing roots in the pot in 2-3 years from now. The plant roots easily and should be able to recover quickly.

And yes clay over plastic as clay leaves no moist spots that will cause your roots to rot especially when you decide to keep the root mass intact (which I can completly understand).

Nvm just read the job is done good luck.