Lc. Tropical Pointer... amazing roots!

[InspirChid1712]

Hi All!

I have a bit of a problem with this plant! It has put out so many wonderful roots, but really needs to be repotted. The trouble is that it is really clinging to its pot, and putting out fresh roots by the day! (It seems QUITE happy!) I am nervous about breaking the pot for fear of damaging the fresh roots... would it be best to place the whole thing in a larger pot and fill around the edges with mix? Or would removing the plant be alright? I am also considering mounting it, since it seems quite pleased to be growing that way. What would be the best route to take with this one??? Thanks guys!!!!!

[RobS]

I would break the pot and remove the parts. Soacking the pot before doing should help reduce damage. Yes you will damage roots (remove the damaged parts) but with a healthy plant like yours it shouldn't matter.

[Gin]

It looks like the new is growing straight up I would leave it alone until it is at the point you can divide it with out un -potting it (prying roots off the pot). If it is in pellets could do what u mentioned set in a larger pot if not in pellets and you could remove some of the old and do the same . It looks too happy to disturb

[tucker85]

You definitely have a dilemma there. I don’t think there’s a right or a wrong answer. You could place the whole thing in a larger pot, you could break the pot and leave the pot pieces that are attached to the roots or you could remove all the old pot parts and trim the damaged roots. Some people here in Florida just let orchids keep growing around the outside of the pot. My experience has been that most Cattleya alliance orchids don’t mind being repotted and recover quickly from root damage. I think soaking the roots first as was previously mentioned is a very good idea.

[SOS]

If its got active root growth, chances are you arent going to damage everyone of those root tips save one or three unavoidable ones. Soak it and sort of "roll" the roots from the bottom up. Another method I use is taking the same plants ID tag (or a fresh one) and spatula them off.

[InspirChid1712]

Thanks everybody!!! So here is what I did... I soaked the plant for 15 minutes, then broke the pot gently with a hammer. The roots then came off easily. Most of the roots in the pot had rotted, so I think it was a good time to repot. I did actually divide the plant in half and put both pieces in a mixture of bark, osmunda, and a bit of moss, both in clay pots. They look great and should hopefully grow well! Thanks again for the advice... this was a tough two-hour project!

[hoanglong]

I think you should put the plant into a larger pot or you can also split into two trees, you should disinfect the cutting knife and cut the trees, then you should leave the plant in a cool dry place for about three days (and should not wet the plants to heal cuts and not infected) then you plant a new pot and warm enough good, then after about a month the plant will grow new roots, then you are new to assigned fertilizer suitable to care for trees.