When should I repot these once rootless cattleyas?

[mtessa]

I have two cattleyas that were completely rootless, no nubs or anything. After a few weeks in their makeshift mini-greenhouse, they now developed roots. It’s currently sitting on top of sphagnum moss which I allow it to dry completely.

The first cattleya has two longer roots (around 2.75 and 1.5 inches) and a short one.


The second cattleya has more roots but they’re shorter, the longest root is a little over 1 inch.



I'm planning on potting them in medium orchiata. Should I pot them now or wait for longer and more roots?

Thank you.

[aliceinwl]

My inclination would be to pot them now so that the roots can grow into and adjust to the new substrate.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by aliceinwl

My inclination would be to pot them now so that the roots can grow into and adjust to the new substrate.

Ditto on that... also, another factor is that when a plant is actively rooting and the roots are still small, you can expect that if a root tip or two gets damaged in repotting (no matter how careful you are, it happens...) there will be more where that came from. Stake the plant so that it is held firmly in place, so wobbling doesn't damage those fragile root tips.

[Ray]

After potting them up, keep them good and warm (an under-pot heat mat is a good idea).

If you are on Facebook, search out C & C Orchids in Hamilton, and pick up a bottle of KelpMax to help get 'em established quickly.

[mtessa]

Originally Posted by Ray

After potting them up, keep them good and warm (an under-pot heat mat is a good idea).

If you are on Facebook, search out C & C Orchids in Hamilton, and pick up a bottle of KelpMax to help get 'em established quickly.

Thanks Ray. I actually purchased KelpMax from them. I've been using it weekly, soaking the plant past the rhizome for an hour. When it's potted, should I add KelpMax every watering (weekly) or is once a month is enough?

---------- Post added at 12:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:13 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Roberta

Ditto on that... also, another factor is that when a plant is actively rooting and the roots are still small, you can expect that if a root tip or two gets damaged in repotting (no matter how careful you are, it happens...) there will be more where that came from. Stake the plant so that it is held firmly in place, so wobbling doesn't damage those fragile root tips.

Originally Posted by aliceinwl

My inclination would be to pot them now so that the roots can grow into and adjust to the new substrate.

Thank you for the suggestions!

[Ray]

Originally Posted by mtessa

Thanks Ray. I actually purchased KelpMax from them. I've been using it weekly, soaking the plant past the rhizome for an hour. When it's potted, should I add KelpMax every watering (weekly) or is once a month is enough?

I recommend a soak only for bare-root plants, followed by watering normally with it the next three times, then doing the monthly addition only - all at 4 ml/L (1 tablespoon/gal).

Your repeated soakings will do no harm, but are creating a bit of extra effort for you.