To Repot or Not? - Orchid Board

mjsdas · #1 02-21-2008, 06:18 PM

I just received this Cattleya orchid from a grower in Hawaii. I was expecting a medium size plant but as you can see from the attached photos, the plant appears to be very mature. The roots are so dense, you can barely see any potting medium. It is presently in a pot which is 5" x 5". The plant seems to be very healthy but I noticed that a couple roots in the very bottom of the pot appear to be rotted. I have not tried to removed the plant from the pot yet because it may be difficult to get it out. I'm new to growing this type of orchid, so before doing anything I'm seeking advice on whether it should be repotted or not. If so, when is the best time to repot a Cattleya? How big a pot should it be put into? Should I consider deviding the plant at the time it is repotted? There are no flower buds right now but I want to be careful not to shock the plant because the grower indicated that it tends to bloom in the spring. Any other helpful information and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Ross · #2 02-21-2008, 06:59 PM

I have no direct experience with Cats, but do have a lot of experience with other related genera. If this were mine, I would repot into a larger pot (maybe 1" larger) and cram the surface roots into the pot before I shook the mix down amongst the roots. I've done it a number of times and they always adapt (yes Ray, I know they are different structure

) but they seem to adapt to the new setup being in mix rather than out of mix. Just my

isurus79 · #3 02-21-2008, 07:37 PM

Wow, that is one happy looking plant! If I ordered a medium size plant and got that I would be very happy as well!!

Don't repot until you see new roots beginning to show from new growths, that is unless the roots underneath are very rotten. Then you'll have to repot right away. I would only pot up one size from the one its in now or I would put it in a basket (still one size up). Also, if you have the room for a large plant, I would not divide the plant. Thats just a personal preferance though. Finally, if I have aerial roots that will need to be put down into the new pot, I cut them off. Ive noticed that this often initiates new root growth from the ones that were cut off. The faster the roots grow, the quicker the plant will adapt to its new pot. Good luck and dont forget to post pics when it blooms!

Ross · #4 02-21-2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isurus79

Don't repot until you see new roots beginning to show from new growths, that is unless the roots underneath are very rotten.

You know, I have heard and read this over and over but this has never been my experience. I have repotted many orchids when they appear totally dormant and have them spring forth with new roots or new rootlets off old roots. Guess we all get different mileage from this "rule", eh?

Lagoon · #5 02-21-2008, 08:47 PM

There's only so many times you can repot a catt, then you just leave it alone - it's the growth habit of these 'chids. You can't contain them inside pots.
I say grab the newer growth comming out from the sides down the road once that growth becomes mature & pot that up.

Personally I'd leave it and enjoy the upcomming blooms.
Nice lookin' orchid

jrhennek · #6 02-21-2008, 09:07 PM

mjsdas
My experience is that you have to look at the potting media that the plant is in. If you are not familiar with growing in that medium then I would repot into a medium that you are familiar with. Seeings that it came from Hawaii it is most likely sphagnum moss. Allot of people have trouble growing in sphagnum because it stays moist to long.
If this were my plant I would be repotting it right away into a medium that I like to use.
I have received many plants from Hawaii in and out of bloom and I repot with in 2 weeks of getting them so I don't have a chance of rotting the roots.

Jayme

mjsdas · #7 02-21-2008, 09:11 PM

Okay thanks for all the good advice. Tomorrow I plan to carefully shake the plant out of the pot to check the roots at the bottom of the plant. If I see any siginificant root rot, I will repot the orchid into one size larger pot. After I cut off the bad roots, is there anything that I should do to treat the plant to contain the problem? What is the best potting media to use for Catts? It is presently potted in some kind of bark medium. Should I go the PrimeAgra/Semi-hydroponic method?

jrhennek · #8 02-21-2008, 09:17 PM

Good question about what to repot in. I like a bark, peat, perlite, charcoal mix but I am also trying S/H on different plants. Maybe if the plant needs dividing you might try a couple different medias? So far I am impressed with the plants I have in S/H.

Jayme

quiltergal · #9 02-21-2008, 09:49 PM

Unless you see active new root growth don't go the s/h route. I thought most catts preferred to be repotted in the spring? At any rate, I think it looks fine. There is still room in the pot for a couple more p-bulbs. Unless they're hanging over the edge I leave em alone. I'd only repot if you suspect a root problem.

isurus79 · #10 02-21-2008, 10:03 PM

Quote:

You know, I have heard and read this over and over but this has never been my experience. I have repotted many orchids when they appear totally dormant and have them spring forth with new roots or new rootlets off old roots. Guess we all get different mileage from this "rule", eh?

Your probably right! Ive broken the rule plenty of times myself, but I still give out that same advice, just in case!!