repotting cattleya??

[ajdamania2]

hi everyone,

i am new on here.quick question re cattleya. i bought a cattleya seedling in ireland about 4 yrs ago.it was really small but in a big pot some bark.i have been growing it in it since then.finally, it is old enough to bloom and will have some flowers soon.couple of days ago i noticed that the bark is broken down , little flies and white powdery stuff inside the bark.what i would like to know is if i can change the bark just before if flowers or should i wait and change the bark later.

many thanks

[Zoi2]

Welcome to the Orchid Board. Do you have buds, if not, I would repot now if you've got bugs and mould in the bark. You can also inspect the roots and make sure they are healthy.
Joann

[Brenda Aarts]

Personally I would wait to repot until after your flowers are done. You've patiently waited long enough to see the flowers wouldn't want them to possibly be spoiled. I would however treat your pest problem in the bark and check the plant itself for any unwanted pests as well.

[ajdamania2]

Originally Posted by Zoi2

Welcome to the Orchid Board. Do you have buds, if not, I would repot now if you've got bugs and mould in the bark. You can also inspect the roots and make sure they are healthy.
Joann

it is in a clear pot so i can see the roots.they are green and look good.there are some buds but they are really small.i guess they will bloom in a month time.

many thanks

[Zoi2]

I would probably repot, but if all looks healthy it's your call. Are the little flies fungus gnats? I would definitely get rid of them as they are a vector for pathogens.
Joann