Burr Nelly Isler

[sii]

Since I bought this in October, it has bloomed twice. Since I've been home this week, I've noticed this little leaf. Is it the start of a stem or just a leaf?
Should I repot??

[silken]

I'm not sure which little leaf you are referring to. It looks like a new growth right in the lower centre. It does look like it could be re-potted. Hard to tell what the media looks like from the photo. I would go with re-potting it but maybe some one else will have a different opinion. I just bought one of these (not in bloom) and would love to see some flowers!

[sii]

take a look at the little green leaf in the center of the picture.
It's presently in moss (this is the way I got it - haven't touched it because it bloomed right after the first set of blooms were done)

[silken]

I think its the one I was looking at. It looks like a new growth (pseudobulb) coming from a mature one. The blooms always come from the new growths once they have matured. The pot looks big enough as most orchids like to be potted so their roots are snug and just room for one or two year's new growth. The moss doesn't look all green and full of algae so it may be fine. Lots of people on the board here caution about growing in sphagnum. Quite often it is tightly packed in the root ball for shipping and if left that way can cause root rot. The Nelly Isler I just bought from Paramount in Calgary was in moss and that's the way they grow them. I guess you just have to be sure it isn't left sopping wet for days. You could slide it out of the pot and check the roots and see how things look. Also, you may already know this, but the slightly pleated leaves are caused by lack of water. It happens a lot on oncidium type orchids. They aren't getting enough moisture either from lack of watering or humidity or because they have rotten roots and can't take it up. Another reason to check the roots.
Enjoy your plant, it looks nice and healthy and Burr. Nelly Isler has gorgeous flowers as you have already seen

[sii]

Thanks silken,
I was wondering about the roots, but as I see a new growth coming, I'm worried that I'll ruin it.
Maybe I'll take a quick peek and let you know.

later--are the roots supposed to be white and thin like spaghetti??
Okay, once I took a look and saw how packed everyhting was I decided to take out the moss. I soak the whole plant in some slightly warm water to loosen up the moss so it would be easier to get the moss off. It took quite a while to massage out the moss. The core was damp but not soaking as I only water when the stick indicates that its dry. I put some sequoia bark in the bottom of the pot put the roots in and filled in with coco husk and long sphagnum (as needed to pack it in) I didn't water it.
Should I? Any other advice?

[silken]

Yes, the roots of this type of plant are white and quite thin. Healthy ones can also have some brown colouring if they are grown in bark or CHC but if it was all moss, they are likely mostly white. If they are hollow and limp or mushy, they are dead and should be cut off. Firm is good, although of course these are fine roots so they have some give to them. Was your new potting media damp when you potted it? If so, I would let it dry our thoroughly before watering. That way any damaged roots can heal. I usually use some K-L-N (rooting hormone) or Superthrive when I am re-potting but if it had lots of roots that looked healthy, it is not necessary. Enjoy your plant. Maybe someone else who has this plant or similar will add something.

[nenella]

Just my
You have a nice big plant. I agree with using KLN now you have repotted but I would also be very vigilant. As before,when it was planted in spagh you already had a few 'accordion' shaped leaves (which may not be from your care of it) But your latest growth in the middle - looks pretty good. Be careful as these like to be humid all the time and you have drastically changed the medium..to a drier mix...
Good Luck & Keep us posted!
I have found that in my conditions coco choir works well as an in between medium from spagh and bark especially so with Onc hybrids..
Keep us posted, I would watch 'the little one' the most!

[Louis_W]

Just a note since everything else seems to be resolved. The plant in the original picture looks a little dehydrated. You can tell by the pleating in the leaves. The leaves that are pleated up and down the leaf reflect currant under watering, and the pleats across the grain of the leaf indicate under watering when that growth was maturing. If you take a look at your picture you will see both types.

I would keep watering it as you are but keep an eye on the new growth. its a little tricky since you just repotted but if it shows any sign of pleating you should up the water just a tad and make sure to be as consistent as you can when it is growing.

[sii]

Wow, thanks all!

Silken you mentioned KLN and Superthrive. I thought it was not available in Canada? Is there an alternative?

Also did notice the pleating on the leaves. I took another look at the baby leaf and it does have pleating as well! I was so worried that I was overwatering them. I usually let it sit in water for 15 minutes once a week. If I should be doing it more often, how much more? I usually use a stick to tell when it's time. Should I mist the little one? Can I overwater this plant?

[silken]

sii, I have Superthrive from ordering it from the U.S. some time ago. Don't remember where now and it annoys me that we can't get it here. But we can get K-L-N. I'm not sure where else, but Paramount orchids in Calgary and C.R. Orchids in B.C. both sell it. I would think possibly Clouds in Ontario or some place close to you would have it.

You can over water them, but I think these can be watered just before they go completely dry. Someone may correct me on this. I have a couple oncidiums and they seem OK with that. Not as fussy as catts. for being totally dry before watering. You could mist the new roots if they show on that new growth.