root bound catasaetums

[Ritzy]

Transplanting my Catasaetums (just starting to wake up after their dormant period). Dry, tightly root bound, I find myself unable to remove any of the old moss & potting material. Should I cut open/cut back those roots to open up the area before I repot with new moss? Or should I just repot in a slightly larger pot with new moss around those tight roots? I have several that are now in 8" pots. Appreciate any suggestions. Ritzy

[Clawhammer]

Has the new growth put out any roots yet?

I would likely just put it into a bigger pot and fill around as I believe the old roots are still somewhat effective at hydrating the plant but I think you can do either as long as the new growth doesn't have long fragile roots.

[Ritzy]

Thanks for getting back to me. I was concerned about opening up that tight mass of older roots.

[DirtyCoconuts]

if there are no new roots, then you almost cant go wrong...some people cut off all the old roots. I don't

If you are using sphag, one trick you can use is to soak it for like 15 minutes, that will soften up the old stuff usually enough to get it off...then you can clean and dry the roots and repot in fresh medium.

not the way i do it, this is me regurgitating what other successful spag users have reported and shared.