Too large a pot, no roots or spikes?

[greenpassion]

I have several phals and oncidiums in ceramic orchid pots, without a plastic net pot or slotted pot inside. When I first got each of the orchids, after the bloom went I repotted them, but I think I went way too big. The phals are in a bark mix, (classic phalenopsis mix) and the oncs are in a mix made for oncidiums. They all look ok, but I have no sign of root growth or spikes happening. Only one of my phals has roots showing up on top of the pot, and this one is sending out green healthy roots-but the others (I am thinking) are still too busy trying to fill the pot with roots. Could this be why I'm not seeing any roots up on top and around the pots? If this is true, should I go and repot all into smaller pots? A few days ago I ordered some clear slotted 4" and 5" pots, some angle moss and hydroton, and plan to change them into this anyway. I'm just wondering if the size of the pots is the reason why I'm not seeing roots

[silken]

How long since you re-potted. Were the roots in good condition at that time? Usually you should be using a pot just large enough to fit the roots into or at most leaving a wee bit extra at the edges. Using larger pots is a recipe for root rot as the potting media can't dry out fast enough. Also a photo would help to see how big the pot is compared to the plant.

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by silken

How long since you re-potted. Were the roots in good condition at that time? Usually you should be using a pot just large enough to fit the roots into or at most leaving a wee bit extra at the edges. Using larger pots is a recipe for root rot as the potting media can't dry out fast enough. Also a photo would help to see how big the pot is compared to the plant.

It has been around 4mths or so with some, maybe 6 for others. All had very healthy roots. I can see into the openings of the pots with a flashlight and I do see roots in there. I should add that they all have a layer of several inches of packing peanuts in the bottoms of the pots. (advice from a utube video on orchids) I'll look for a photo.

[shahrezsyed]

You should post pictures.

[opal]

Wet the material in pot and then give it a good sniff. Do you sense any kind of mold/rot there? Any kind of weird scent would indicate root problems. No scent means all is well and roots are happy and growing. I just had moldy clay pebble removed after weird smell and didn't even know it is possible to happen. Thankfully roots survived but if I haven't checked it, could have root rot developing soon.

[Cym Ladye]

I am not sure why you think there are no roots or they are in trouble because you see no roots on the top?

If you are curious, gently take the plant out of the pot and look at the roots.