How Would You Repot These Baby Catts?

[abigaillevans]

I have very little experience with Catts, and I have four baby ones that I need to repot. While searching the internet this morning I came across a dizzying number of different ideas about how to pot them, what to pot them in, etc.

The babies that need repotting are:
Bc. Toshie Aokie "Pokai" (2)
Ctna. "Why Not"
Lc. Dinard "Blue Heaven"

They're all in 2" seedling pots, and they're growing out of control! They're on an east-facing patio, which gets bright, almost direct sunlight from the morning hours until noon, and bright diffused light the rest of the day. I live in central FL, so it's hot and muggy.

What would you do?

[Eyebabe]

It depends...what media are they currently growing in?
I have some 2 and 3 inch cattleya seedlings from Carter and Holmes and they are growing in an orchid bark mixture similar to that used for phalaenopsis; that is what most people prefer I think.
I have also seen cattleyas of all sizes potted in Aussie Gold Large/plastic pot, S/H/plastic pot, and NZsphag/clay pot. I have personally grown cattleya plants in all of these with success.
These last three methods require a change from the usual watering patterns etc used for bark mix.
Furthermore, I personally don't prefer S/H for seedlings as in my experience they dry out more quickly. I do however use S/H primarily for any of my catts when they get into a 4.5 inch pot size.

I would use the same mix they are currently in and just increase the pot size. If they are in plastic pots I would continue with plastic but I prefer clear pots. Do not overpot; only leave enought room for one or two years' growth.
Thus, you can keep the same watering, fertilizing, lighting etc. and they should continue to flourish

[abigaillevans]

They're currently in what looks like a run-of-the-mill orchid mix with bark, charcoal, and possibly a little bit of pearlite. They're so big, though, I can't see what they're in without taking the plants out of the pot, and the root systems are so nuts I'm afraid to pry them out 'til I repot them

I have a couple 'chids in clear plastic pots and I kind of like those. Until recently I only used terra cotta, but I think I'll try to switch over.

Thank you for the input!

[keithrs]

I have several seedling size cats in 1/2" rock. Matter of fact all my dry-humid plants are in rock. I have good luck with this! Also, as the plant grows you just put the hole plant with pot into the next size pot with some 3/4" rock....never have to repot. What ever you use, allow the roots to dry out.

[johnblagg]

I go straight in hydrotron untill they get several pbs then to s/h