Need potting advice for Cattleya & Laelia

[carnegieo575]

Hello,

I have a Cattleya & Laelia and need some advice! I'm pretty new to Cattleyas and am used to Paph growth patterns. I repotted both of these at the beginning of spring in March. (Pic with the red plate is when I first got the Cattleya in March) and now the roots are all going absolutely insane! I was wondering if anyone has some advice on these guys- if I need to repot AGAIN to fit them or let them do their thing and just be careful with the aerials and repot next year? Any insight is much appreciated.
Thanks!

[Bayard]

I would let them dry a bit more between waterings. The rationale for the drying down is that any new roots will be drawn down into the mix as they seek moisture. No need to repot until the plant is about to grow over the edge, or the mix breaks down.

[carnegieo575]

The thing is, I do let them dry out quite a bit between waterings. These pots dry out completely within a few days. I tried to train them down into the media but the roots just want to go over the top laterally. I have a hard time believing if I waited a few more days between waterings that the roots would’ve made the choice to go into the media. Especially since I have a Brassada whose leaves are crinkling a bit at the top saying I haven’t watered enough, in the same spot as these. Too much moisture is not the issue, if there is one at all. It seems extremely healthy, I just am not sure if I should be doing anything to contain the roots.

[Fairorchids]

Cattleyas often send roots out of the pot. It does no harm.

I know one grower, who often allows plants to extend over the edge of the pot (2-3 years). As long plants do not look desiccated, they are fine.

[isurus79]

Wow, amazing plants and roots!! Don't change a thing and no need to repot!

[Roberta]

Absolutely beautiful roots. Not broken, so don't try to fix... Let those roots ramble. I find that my Catts and Laelias escape their pots regularly... I have some where they are mostly growing on the outside of the pot (basically they mounted themselves) and are doing so well, I just let them do their thing - anything at this point that I could do would destroy the best roots. Don't want to do THAT even if the plants look a bit untidy.

[carnegieo575]

Cool, I'll just keep on keepin' on then. Thanks for the replies!