Repotting Questions

[mandimai]

I have a number of "mini" orchids I got from various hardware stores that I am pretty sure need repotting. Some have leaves that are starting to wilt/shrivel, indicating root rot, and my healthiest happiest orchid that has a ton of new growth has just started to show signs of fungus on its roots ( ), so it needs a repot as well.

I don't have any orchid mix on hand nor do I have any clear pots. Can I take the orchids out and trim back the rotting roots tonight and then try to hunt down some pots tomorrow? Is it possible to find clear pots for the "mini" orchids? What are the best way to repot them?

I have a love affair with my orchids, but I am really quite new to all of this! Any tips and advice is really appreciated!

[SlipperGirl]

I think you should wait until you can get some pots and potting mix for them. If you don't have any place around that you can buy some clear pots I would suggest going to firstrays.com it usually only takes two days to ship Or you can go to a local supermarket or deli and ask for some clear food containers then add some holes and you got a pot Also if you want a potting mix that you can pick up at lowes or something I recommend Better Gro. Hope this helps

[james mickelso]

Some questions. What type of orchids do you have? What kind of "mini's"? Do you know how to pot correctly? Are you sure they have root rot? Can you take pictures and post them here? We can answer and guide you through all of your queries but pictures are worth a thousand words. You don't need clear pots. That's just not necessary. The pots they came in work just fine. Some people swear by them but it isn't necessary. If you learn a few basics of orchid care you can grow them successfully in an old shoe. Ray has everything you need to repot your orchids. But so does Lowes and Home Depot. I would like to know where you live. It makes a big difference in how I tell you how to repot and grow your orchids. Ok, let's get started.

[RandomGemini]

I agree with James. I think that on most orchids that you buy from big box stores (and I have SEVERAL mini phals from big box stores, so there's no shame in that at all!) you can repot them, back into the pots they came in. Post in this thread a couple more times and you can take pictures and post them here so we can see what's going on.

If there's rot, that's usually caused by the medium (usually moss for big box store orchids) that has been packed too tightly, combined with overwatering. My mini phals get watered about every 7-10 days. Rot is very different from just discoloration on the roots. I didn't know the difference when I first started collecting orchids, until I saw it on an orchid on the clearance rack at a hardware store. It's sort of tan colored, and the roots will be mushy to the touch.

I use better gro phalaenopsis mix for repotting my phals. Lowe's usually has it. Sometimes home depot carries it.

[Dendy83]

I agree with random and James. I have my mini in a basic clay pot from a nursery. Clear pots that small more than likely need to be ordered online. I have the best luck with clay pots, but it really really comes down to your watering habits, growing zone, etc. Before you do anything drastic post some photos. The roots won't have degraded any more in the next day or two, so go out and get some mix, possibly some new clay pots (depends on what yours are in already), and then you can do the trimming and repotting all at the same time with a game plan in mind.

[james mickelso]

Once you get the materials that you need, come here and we'll all confuse you ....er....help you. This is a great resource for everyone.

[SlipperGirl]

I agree with james as well, I was only trying to give you some help on getting supplies but you don't need a plastic pot clay work great as well. And yes please post pictures so we can help you