repoting ?

[catweazle1962]

hi i would like to know if these plants need repoting and we are unsure what is growing on them or is this a flower ? thanks

[Paphluvr]

The plants look like "moth orchids" or Phaleanopsis. They are throwing a lateral spike after the main spike has bloomed (the zigzag portion of the stem). What you are seeing are new buds.

As far as re-potting, the roots look good and there are no aerial roots other than the ones coming out of the bottom of the pot. If you're not familiar with re-potting I would wait until after the new flowers fade to re-pot. Re-potting now could cause the bus to blast.

[catweazle1962]

thank you for your reply when the plants have re flowered is there any particular re potting bag i need to get and what size pot would be best , but worried about the roots that are sticking out of the pot as never done this before , picture no 5 would this need cutting down as i have read that not all phals need cutting they just keep flowering thanks

[WhiteRabbit]

Your plant looks very happy!

When you repot, use a pot just big enough to fit the roots into. Probably 1 or 2 inches bigger than the current pot.

I like fairly chunky bark mix - labeled "medium" bark chips - tho some are chunkier than others.

Fresh bark dries out quickly! Pre-soaking helps, but it will still need more frequent watering for a while.

[RosieC]

I agree with what is said above. Some garden centers in the UK sell bark mix but be careful, the first stuff I bought was damp in the bag and I didn't realise at the time that that was bad... nearly killed 3 orchids with it B&Q also stock orchid bark but I've not tried it. I use bark from orchid specialists but have to buy more in bulk an there are postage costs so for one orchid that might be too much for you.

[james mickelso]

Another great reason to join your local orchid club. You can usually find someone who has a large amount of media and will give you enough to repot your orchid. You can just cut the pot away from the root ball so you don't imjure the roots. I use a pair of small curved scissors.

[RosieC]

Good thought James. I'm not in an orchid club but when friends ask me what they should repot their orchid in I usually give them some medium, because they're not going to want to buy enough to make the mail order stuff viable and that's what I would really advise.

[james mickelso]

I'm always coming up with ideas. It's more a curse to me since I'm so O/C/P/A but never stay focused long enough. But I've always toyed with the idea of marketing a pot, media, and an instruction booklet for new orchid enthusiasts. Or anyone who has just a few orchids and needs enough to repot an orchid that needs it. Anyone here who wants to use this has my blessing. It's like the bag babies idea or just add ice. Run with it.

Also if there is anyone in SoCal who needs orchid media for a plant or needs instruction on how to do something, just let me know.

[euplusia]

I agree with all that is said above. You have a healthy plant with a lot of healthy roots and a lateral flower spike forming buds.
So do not repot before April/May 2014. When flowers have faded, cut off the spike, take a pot with a diameter 2-3 cm larger than before, replace the old potting mix and replace it with a mix of medium coarse fir bark and clay pellets. Orchid nurseries are usually willing to help, or you can adress to experienced orchid people. On our exhibitions we also do repotting if visitors bring their own plants.