Repotting a Catasetum in active growth?

[camille1585]

As a newbie to this genus I have another culture question about Catasetums. Do they object to be repotted during the growth phase?

To be clear, I don't want to do a true repotting, but simply drop it in a larger pot and add some sphagnum in the gaps. I got my 2 plants in February and moved them to clay pots of the same size as their original pots. But one of them has had such frenzied root growth that the roots have pushed the entire root ball and medium upwards to the point that I can't water anymore without having most of it spill over the sides (had to put a wider saucer under it), and it dries out way too quickly in such a snug pot. I was surprised that the entire things slides out quite easily, I thought the roots would have attached to the clay.

[Regelian]

OK, it would be fine in the smaller pot for this season, but, as you have already removed it, go ahead and pot-up, tucking damp sphagnum into the open areas. Generally, Catasetinae do well in a smaller pot, as do most orchids. If they get top-heavy, add another larger pot around the existing one. I do this with many orchids, such as Dendrobium, when they really take off and need the counter-balance.

[fishmom]

Agree with Regelian, the plant will be fine if you just drop it in the new pot. You are really doing this for your own peace of mind, as there were plenty of roots in the original home for the plant to grow this season. Some of these plants will grow an awful lot of roots going every-which-way, but they will be fine anyway.


I wouldn't worry if you can't get all the air roots into the new pot. It will be fine regardless.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by camille1585

As a newbie to this genus I have another culture question about Catasetums. Do they object to be repotted during the growth phase?

To be clear, I don't want to do a true repotting, but simply drop it in a larger pot and add some sphagnum in the gaps. I got my 2 plants in February and moved them to clay pots of the same size as their original pots. But one of them has had such frenzied root growth that the roots have pushed the entire root ball and medium upwards to the point that I can't water anymore without having most of it spill over the sides (had to put a wider saucer under it), and it dries out way too quickly in such a snug pot. I was surprised that the entire things slides out quite easily, I thought the roots would have attached to the clay.

Should be fine with this plan