Repotting and the roots on top of soil?

[plumeriastix]

Well this makes post number three and I'm sure it's one of my dumber questions to date, I know there's not supposed to be any dumb questions but I have them, believe me

All three of the orchids I just bought have roots all over the top of the soil. They are all in 6" plastic pots and still seem to be happy after 48 hours with a notorious orchid murderer

I am wondering if these should be repotted after they finish blooming and if the roots on top should be buried below the soil line in a new pot or left on top of the soil (orchid mix)? Also, if I do need to repot would I go up to a 7" or 8" pot? Two of the three plants are dendrobium nobiles and the third is a cym.

Thank you all for your help. I have read a lot of threads but a lot of what I am reading is greek to me, you guys have your own wonderful orchid language and although I am trying to learn it I need a botanical dictionary beside me which I don't happen to have

for any help you can give to this newbie

Best wishes,
Jerri

[CodiMN]

hi there Jerri! :
roots are a good thing! if you could post some pictures, that would be super helpful too, then info would be a little more specific.
you said top soil? most orchids are not typically grown in top soil like other houseplants. top soil can choke the roots, create too much pressure on them. orchid roots tend to like to have a type of potting medium that allows water and air to flow easily. when you water your orchid, you typically want the water to flow straight thru the pot into the sink underneath (if you water in your kitchen sink). i used to have my orchids sitting on dishes that matched my pots, and it actually was a bad thing...the water sat there too long and suffocated and rotted my roots!
after you get some pics up, the repotting issue will be a little easier to adress. rule of thumb tho is to let them finish blooming before repotting.
i hope i didn't confuse you!

[plumeriastix]

Hi Carolyn,

Thank you for your help. I keep saying soil when I mean the orchid medium...my mistake, I am to used to my plumeria I think. I will try and get some pictures up soon. Right now I'm going in to many directions and need to get my head on straight, LOL. Thanks again for your help.

Best wishes,
Jerri

[Ray]

In reverse order, I don't think that going from a 6" pot to either a 7" or 8" one is a problem either way.

The aerial roots are structurally different from those that grow down in the medium, so burying them is not a good idea. On the other hand, I have found that phalaenopsis, once repotted to a larger container, will often have those aerial roots start to grow down into the medium, and as the parts that grow there are tailored to that environment, they're fine.

[plumeriastix]

Thank you for your help Ray. The largest of the two Nobiles is now falling over due to the small pot and large top growth. Think I will try to get it repotted this weekend and I will try not to bury the top roots, LOL...these are strange critters

Edited - Ooops, that was a lie! It's blooming it's pretty little head off right now so I will wait until it is done...I almost forgot about that

[Singingirl96]

you might want to put in an orchid pot, not plastic.

[Ray]

...or set the plastic one in a clay one for stability

[CodiMN]

If you feel compelled... :wink:
I had a top heavy catt and put one of these on the side of the pot to prop it up. Just another idea to try.
Orchid Web: Wire ring stakes

[plumeriastix]

Thank you for the link Carolyn It's going to be a while before I can repot I believe. My dendrobium Nobiles are making more buds and the flowers that are already open appear to be here for awhile which I love

[CodiMN]

: Ray's idea and my idea wouldn't necessarily (sp) mean you would have to repot. You can place the current pot straight into a heavier clay pot...just to keep it more sturdy.
The wire ring stakes work with any pot that you currently are using. Just slide on the rim of a plastic or clay (I use them on both types) pot to help prop up a top heavy plant.
Both are quick fixes to get you thru until you feel it's time to repot. The wire ring stakes can also help "train" your orchid to grow straighter.
Anyway, just didn't want you to feel like you couldn't do anything with your nobiles while they're blooming.