How deep?

[james mickelso]

As some of you have read before, I rescue orchids. it's where most of my collection comes from. No matter how far gone they are. Some make it and some don't. And I am always learning from everyone here. Ok here is the explanation and question. I have inhereted more than a few large old cattleyas and some cyms that are in desparate need of repotting. They are in sad shape indeed. Most have about 10 pbulbs with one or two still in leaf. I have waited until spring to repot because the bud eyes are there but it has been too cold to take a chance on repotting. Now the buds have started to elongate. A couple are 1/2 to one inch long. But these are not going to root for quite awhile. Half mature to fully mature is when they will throw roots. But if I wait any longer, what is left of the root systems will collapse. Most of the media is now dirt. So..... I usually take them out of the pot, wash the root mass off, cut from the newest growth back three pbulbs and plant what is left of the root mass in a rescue mix. 1 part medium bark, 1 part sponge rock, one part peat moss, and two parts charchol. I make a wire stake clipped to the side of the pot for rigid support and plant the future root area about 1-1.5 inches deep. That is the question. If I plant it with the future root area flush with the surface, will it be better than my current planting depth? With no roots yet, will there be enough moisture to initiate roots or should I keep planting 1-1.5 inches deep? Your thoughts of great gurus.