Repotting Aerides houlletiana - Orchid Board

BArmstrong · #1 10-01-2023, 04:45 PM

I just got an Aerides houlletiana a couple of days ago and was wondering what other's opinions/advice might be. It's currently growing upside down essentially and I would like to get it into one of my large wooden baskets with it orientated growing up. Should I switch it or leave it as is? Secondly, any advice on how to get roots as large as these into the basket? I certainly don't want to damage anything. I've attached a couple of pictures for reference. Thanks!

estación seca · #2 10-01-2023, 04:54 PM

Many people get the larger basket, leave the plant in the old basket, and carefully thread the roots through the slats in the new basket. You'll need to tie it to the basket supports to keep it somewhat upright, and there is the risk you'll break the stem trying. It's inconvenient but what you see is how the plant generally grows.

BArmstrong · #3 10-01-2023, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estación seca

Many people get the larger basket, leave the plant in the old basket, and carefully thread the roots through the slats in the new basket. You'll need to tie it to the basket supports to keep it somewhat upright, and there is the risk you'll break the stem trying. It's inconvenient but what you see is how the plant generally grows.

Thanks for the reply! So no issues (other than looks) leaving it as is?

estación seca · #4 10-02-2023, 12:40 AM

No, it could stay that way. It's essentially a bare-root plant that outgrew its basket.

Keysguy · #5 10-02-2023, 09:08 AM

I would leave it the way it is.
Those things can get huge when grown in the proper conditions and will seek their own preferred orientation as they grow so how they start is really irrelevant.

I've had mine for about 10 years I think and it is now massive. It has put out all kinds of keikis and I bet it weighs 20 lbs. Yes, they can have huge roots. Mine has several that are as big around as my thumb. The ones on your plant are babies!

BArmstrong · #6 10-02-2023, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keysguy

I would leave it the way it is.
Those things can get huge when grown in the proper conditions and will seek their own preferred orientation as they grow so how they start is really irrelevant.

I've had mine for about 10 years I think and it is now massive. It has put out all kinds of keikis and I bet it weighs 20 lbs. Yes, they can have huge roots. Mine has several that are as big around as my thumb. The ones on your plant are babies!

That sounds awesome!

Keysguy · #7 10-02-2023, 10:53 AM

Honestly, it's my favorite out of my 250 orchids. Between the size, sight of the unusual flower colors and the amazing fragrance it's definitely a "winner, winner".

Fairorchids · #8 10-03-2023, 09:14 PM

Aerides are a pain in the neck if you want plants to 'look pretty'.

They usually cascade over the edge of the basket (growing downwards), then they turn around and come back up. This process repeats each time you repot (re-basket), so they end up being a bit 'messy'.

BArmstrong · #9 10-04-2023, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fairorchids

Aerides are a pain in the neck if you want plants to 'look pretty'.

They usually cascade over the edge of the basket (growing downwards), then they turn around and come back up. This process repeats each time you repot (re-basket), so they end up being a bit 'messy'.

It's definitely starting to turn back up. I'm totally fine with messy looking as long as it's healthy. My interest is exclusively fragrant orchids, so as long as it's holding up its end of the bargain in that regard, I'll be thrilled!

Keysguy · #10 10-04-2023, 09:18 AM

They are only "messy" if you are a control freak.