Un-tangeling Cym root ball

[Vanda lover]

Phal mix should be fine

[fisher60]

Thanks, a-potting I shall go.

[RobS]

Remove all the dead roots you can find they will only rot.

[Cym Ladye]

Fisher,

I think you have it right after all the posts! The reason to cut the roots is to:
1) get better access to the ball itself to clean out old roots and old media,
2) preclude more breakage,
3) keep the roots off the bottom of the pot (final trim may be necessary to catch the few long ones.) Although roots eventually grow to the bottom, placing freshly cut ones on the bottom, generally sitting in more moisture, tend to cause rot.
4) fill the pot with mix, not a bunch of broken roots which will not absorb water but die and rot instead.

Thanks Rosie for the words of support. Nothing better than a successful student to make a teacher look good

CL

[fisher60]

Cym Ladye, thanks. I really think I got the first one done except I was going to give the roots a quick dunk in :Super Thrive" but forgot. My intention is NOT to water for awhile and kinda let the plant settle for awhile. Maybe a week? So now I've torn a second Cym apart and this root ball is even worse, with lots of dead roots. I've already cut off the bottom 1/3rd but it still needs lots of trimming. I'm somewhat confident I'm doing the right thing for them. Hopefully I can post back in a fewThanks again for your guidance.

[Cym Ladye]

Fisher,

If you cut the 1/3 off the root ball before you make your splits, is will be easier. Also allow the plant to dry at least a week prior to tearing into it.

Letting it rest a week or two after re-potting works for me. Maybe mist it a little if the weather is warm.

CL