Dendrobium's Roots and Pot

[paphlovian]

Hello,

I repotted one of my dendrobiums several months ago and the roots are already starting to grow out of the holes in the side of the pot (one root has grown out several inches). What I'm wondering is if you think I should repot it in a larger pot (or, if next time, I should choose a larger pot to begin with!). Because it was in spaghnum moss and some of the roots seemed to rot, when I repotted, the roots that were left fit in the pot it's in right now... though the plant above makes it look very top-heavy. Is it better to be this cramped in the pot or should it be in a larger pot with more medium? To see roots already growing out the side of the pot through the slits, it seems I should have maybe put it in a larger pot... or, maybe not. What do you think? I wish I could share a picture! (Hope to get the camera set-up soon!)

Thanks for your opinions!

[shakkai]

Angela, I believe that Dens like a smaller pot. This can lead to stability problems when the canes get tall, but ultimately, it is better for the plant. Your Den must really have appreciated your repotting - sounds like you've got great growth going on!

[Lagoon]

This is a commen and on going problem with some of the taller dens. I've had my share too, believe me.
You can double pot - smaller pot inside large pot deal.

I use to use those pots with slits on the sides, but it drove me nutts to see the roots all over like that, then there's all the broken roots within time with these types of pots.

I pot my dens up like my catts - go with the root mass, with a 30% space for new growth.
Works for me

[quiltergal]

I repotted 2 dens from a 3" pot to a 5" pot and not only are they thriving but they are both about to bloom. Both were repotted back in July. Neither sulked, in fact they went nuts with new root growth. So, I think maybe timing is the key with dens.

[paphlovian]

Sounds like I might be okay, then!

But, if the dendrobium is growing very well with all the new root growth, what happens months or a year down the road when it's time to repot to get fresh medium? How can you handle (or save) roots that have grown out of the pot and have become tangled outside the pot? Thanks again...

[Spider]

I would like to know what Den you have? Dendrobium grows well in small pots and baskets, with plenty of air to the rots. I have a Den anosmum in a wooden basket where I let the rots grow out of the pot. It loves it. Every year I just pick out the old spagnum with a twizeer, and stuff in new spagnum with a blunt stick.