Recycling

[Flowerchildren]

Well, I just repotted my second Orchid. Keeping my fingers crossed (as I did this with no flowers or orchid pods present. I had a new leaf present and spike. I took my miniature orchid out of it's little plastic sleeve like container and rinsed off the roots and spreading them open more. also trimming a few thicker roots. I replaced with bark orchid mixture and topped with some moss. I used a cut down plastic ice tea bottle that is disposable and put several holes for drainage in the bottom. Compared to the small sleeve it was in, the bottom of the plastic bottle may be an inch across more. I replaced the orchid back in the same place I had it where it was placed when I first brought it home. I watered it too and am keeping a watch on it to see how this is going to go. Saving more of those bottles in the mean time for other smaller orchids. I am staying with clear plastic as I can view the roots better. Nothing ventured , nothing gained.

[Dollythehun]

That sounds thoughtful. Did the roots need trimming from rot? Usually, you want to keep as many roots as possible.

[Flowerchildren]

No they weren't rotted, but I just trimmed a few. I hope to have done the right thing. But seems to like that container though. I am keeping a watch on it. It started a new leaf in the center before I transplanted it too. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I will transplant some of my other ones if this is suitable to them. Remembering to put drainage holes all over the bottom. I hope this works well. I will take your advice on the roots though for my other orchids. I hope this one does ok after this transplanting that I did. Thanks.

[fishmom]

Plastic bottles make fine pots. You can enhance the air flow to the roots by adding some vertical slits along the side of the pot, which will help the potting medium dry out better.

What kind of orchids do you have? A picture would help identify them, which in turn would help get comments on how they are growing.

[Flowerchildren]

This orchid is my first and I am staying with same species of orchid, as I get more learning experience with this type. I may , if I remain successful with these, go into other types of orchids. These orchids seem pretty tolerant of me learning. I had lost some before in the beginning, but haven't given up on the plant. I have one (larger Orchid same type orchid) about to open in flower. I haven't repotted that one, as I know not to when it is in flower. I love seeing my efforts rewarded though and I am not discouraged if I lost some. I just try to be more careful. I am just learning some about repotting now. I have a new leaf growing in the center of that transplanted orchid. It started before I repotted it with the new leaf. I wish I could post pictures on here too. I have a camera, but not sure where my pictures go as something had changed from before when you download them now on my pc.