Bllra Tahoma Glacier - Orchid Board

emg53 · #1 02-10-2015, 12:19 PM

I bought this Bllra Tahoma Glacier at the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Show last month and I am not sure what it is potted in. I have read they don't like being repotted when in bloom but I don't know the condition of the roots. It is supposed to bloom for a long time and it has a spike that will start blooming soon so it may be months before it is finished blooming. The stuff it's potted in is almost like dirt and I can't see any roots at all. Should I repot and take my chances with the flowers or wait till it's finished blooming and risk having rotten roots?

WhiteRabbit · #2 02-10-2015, 08:39 PM

I don't like the looks of that media - BUT, it has been growing well in it - So, it's up to you; If you think you can manage the watering with that media, you could leave it be (use a skewer if you decide to attempt it) - Or, if you are too uncertain, or don't want to chance it, definitely repot, tho you are likely to lose the blooms, possibly the other spike. With care, it may be possible to not lose all the flowers or new buds, but there is always that chance.

wintergirl · #3 02-10-2015, 08:53 PM

It looks like lava rock to me, but maybe it's my eyesight. If it is lava rock, it should be ok IMO.

emg53 · #4 02-10-2015, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wintergirl

It looks like lava rock to me, but maybe it's my eyesight. If it is lava rock, it should be ok IMO.

I can see where it looks like lava in the picture but it is very fine more like peat. The plant looks very healthy and the new spike is growing well so maybe I'll leave it alone.

wintergirl · #5 02-10-2015, 09:17 PM

The plant does look healthy.

NYCorchidman · #6 02-11-2015, 05:30 PM

Leave it as it is and enjoy the flowers for longer.
You can always repot later to your preferred potting mix.

Many of these intergenrics, dendrobium hybrids and paphs come in this dirt like mix.
I believe it is promix, which is a mixture of peat moss, perlite among other things.

It is an excellent mix that drains well and retains moisture well.
You water good once and then wait until the pot is almost bone dry before watering again. Probably once a week in regular home is fine.
One of the best thing about this mix is that you can easily tell when to water by lifting the pot.
Just watered pot will be a lot heavier than the dry pot like day and night. so easy.

BettyE · #7 02-12-2015, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wintergirl

It looks like lava rock to me, but maybe it's my eyesight. If it is lava rock, it should be ok IMO.

I agree that it looks somewhat like lava rock. If the orchid were mine, I would NOT re-pot until it is finished blooming. The bulbs looks quite healthy.BettyE

POLKA · #8 02-19-2015, 08:59 AM

Also another thing
some growers will top dress regular orchid mix with ProMix to "dress" the pot with. It might have normal stuff down below. I have had this happen once.

Take care
Happy Growing.

Best time to repot is when new roots are beginning to grow, which might not be until a new growth is about two inches or so.

Rex