oncidium spacelatum w/ aerial roots

[pjoeverett]

Just purchased 2 large pots of O. Spacelatum .
The plants need repotting and most of the roots are outside the pot.
How do I repot ?? Should I put the roots inside the pot after I separate? ?

[WhiteRabbit]

If you can get the roots into the pot without doing too much damage, you can do so.

[pjoeverett]

Thanks so much. The plants are totally out of control. It will be a challenge to repot but I will try to put the roots inside on your recommendation. I doubt if there are many roots in the mix. Then should I water much if I have my mix wet?

[ThePinkCucumber]

We have Onc. Gower Ramsey which grows vertically, and so do its roots - I found it was best to mount it with some sphag moss to keep the roots nice and moist.

[pjoeverett]

Thanks but I am gone a lot and can not always water. The plant has been neglected and is totally out of control. Will try to coax the aerial roots inside the pot as white rabbit suggested and maybe put some spaghum on the outside roots and hope for the best.

[Ray]

Damage is inevitable, but can be managed. When you move existing roots to a new environment, they will be sub-optimal, and will fail anyway, so the key is getting it "comfortable", so it will get re-established as quickly as possible.

Prior to unpotting, soak the pot in water overnight. that will hydrate the plant, and make the roots as supple as they're going to be. If you can add a good root growth-stimulating product to that soak solution, so much the better, as it will recover sooner from the damage.

Then simply destroy the pot, "teasing" the roots through any possible opening - again, knowing some damage will occur.

Pot it up in whatever you're comfortable with, keep it shady and in maximum humidity, and the divisions will bounce right back.