Worried - Should I repot this Cattleya medium seedling? Roots appear poor...

[Twilight Orchid]

Upon advice by other members, I decided to take a deeper peek at my new chids that are in moss and see how the roots are.....all but one appear to be in good shape....the one that doesn't look so hot is a Cattleya in a 2.5" pot in sp. moss....I dont have any supplies yet other than the large sized Shultz Orchid bark, and no tiny pots....does anyone have any suggestions what to do? ..the leaves look healthy, but underneath not so hot....

I would appreciate any suggestions you can offer...because it's a little guy, Im afraid to disturb it...but now that I've had a good look, I'm worried....please help, what should I do?

[Lagoon]

It's not uncommen to see some rotted roots in with good healthy roots. I don't agree with the use of pure sphag thats' why I add coarse rok / perlite.
You have new roots which is good.

Remove all the S.Moss & Cut off any brown/ black soft roots, In the bad area's - dust with ground cinnamon, not the sugar one Then it it a few minutes to dry out and repot. I would not water until tomorrow or even the next day - perhaps just spray on the top roots.

[quiltergal]

Looks like you have some rot going on. I'd remove the sphag and leave it's roots bare until you can get some new medium. Make sure you mist it daily until it's repotted. You can reuse the same pot, just make sure it's clean. I'd soak it in some weak bleach solution. I have the worst time with sphag and root rot so I've pretty much stopped using it. I only have one mini in sphag and it likes to stay moist. All my other plants are in coco husk chunk, perlite and charcoal. I personally think the learning curve on sphag is too steep for newbies. It's way too easy to overwater.

[Twilight Orchid]

Thanks Lagoon, my only concern is my potting medium...all I have is the large bark...and i dont have any other small pots to put it into....should I put it back into the same moss?

[Twilight Orchid]

Ahh ok quiltergal...goodness, I don't know how soon I'll be able to get my hands on some decent potting stuff...(payday not for another week!! eek!)

[quiltergal]

Your plant looks to be pretty good sized for a seedling. I think it would be fine in the large bark and a slightly larger pot if you have one. Make sure you trim off all the rotten roots with sterile scissors as Gloria suggests and dust with cinnamon before repotting.

[Lagoon]

OPPS!
Don't put the cinnamon on the healthy roots, just the bad ones eh?!
You can use larger bark if you wish or stick in back in the pot and leave it, place it inside a plastic baggie - like a zip lock.
Don't worry catts are pretty strong.


Payday? Do you mean you won't let your 'chids and all they're needs suck the credit cards dry?? LOOOL!!

[Twilight Orchid]

Thank you so much both quiltergal and Lagoon...I really appreciate the advice.... ...I'm online right now trying to locate a vendor that is close by to see if I can find some materials this weekend....Goodness, I don't think the bark will fit in such a small pot!! LOL...so either way, I need some supplies....

Lagoon, too funny Unfortunately, the cards are already maxed out

[cb977]

Originally Posted by Twilight Orchid

Thanks Lagoon, my only concern is my potting medium...all I have is the large bark...and i dont have any other small pots to put it into....should I put it back into the same moss?

Never use the same moss or medium over again...and since you'll be putting it back into a pot soon enough, I'd go up one size on the pot.

Use clean sterilized instruments when you're cutting and that dash of cinnamon to any cuts will help a lot.

[Twilight Orchid]

Ok, thanks cb977!!! You folks are so great, I am soooo glad I found everyone here at OB!!!