Lost crown

[larrylwill]

Thought some of you might want to see the progress of the lost crown orchid.

[terracotta7]

I do believe that it has a will to live! Please keep us posted!

[Orchid Whisperer]

I hadn't seen this thread before, but saw in your first picture that there was some green, figure it was a keiki. Glad it is growing for you!

Regarding the others climbing out of their pots, those pots are very large for the size of the plant and roots. They will be happier if you can down-size into a pot that just fits the roots.

Same goes for the keiki plant, though you might give it some time to grow and mature before re-potting and downsizing.

[larrylwill]

I already downsized the keiki, I lost one of the 2 kekies it had. As far as the others they have been in pots that size for more than 3 years and bloom every year multiple times. I am not touching the pot except to re-pot every year. I might change to a clear pot but it will be 7"

[Rowangreen]

Looking at the other plants, have you got any drainage from the pots? The lack of light to the roots will also make them more prone to climbing out of their pots.

[larrylwill]

Yes theirs drainage but no light to the roots. They have been that way for 3+ years. I suppose I could repot them.

[james mickelso]

Larry. Yes two keikis. Woo hoo. But.....the plants were/are in pots that are way too large for the size of the plant. Nice coarse media and that's a good thing. But too big a pot. As for the roots all askew, it is normal. Phals grow on tree trunks and tree limbs. These are seeking something to hold onto. Many folks mount their phals. Just be sure that you get water on the wayward roots.

[larrylwill]

Like I said their 3+ years old in those pots. They have had the media changed 1 time. I cant get past. If it aint broke don't fix it. They bloom every year for me. I have about 8 and they all bloom. What will I gain by re pott them in a different pot, except the chance they wont do as good as they have.

[HighSeas]

Well...that's an interesting concept. But, lets remember that you lost a crown AND one of two basal keikis. I'd venture to say that you lost the crown from some kind of rot/fungi which is inherent in old media. Another thing to consider is that orchids will bloom as a last ditch effort to save itself when things "down under" aren't quite what they should be. You have some good roots....for now....so unless you're willing to chance it, I'd repot....soon. Such a small amount of effort for some beautiful plants. Good luck!

[larrylwill]

I lost the other keiki when I took the advice to repot it. See earlier answer, page 1. I did also say earlier I would repot them in clear pots. However since I lost that one when I repotted I'm afraid to do it again, until it gets established.