Time to repot my brand new Zygopetulum? - Orchid Board

Otis226 · #1 03-24-2012, 03:12 PM

I'd appreciate help from someone who knows Zygos. I just obtained this huge plant yesterday. Its in a 5-51/2" pot, stands about 23" tall and sports 7 mostly golf ball sized pbulbs. The pot feels hard as a rock and I would think a repot is in order now, but would hate to do it if they are supposed to be allowed to get this cramped. Any information would be great.
Best,
Tony

crazymonkie · #2 03-24-2012, 03:55 PM

Short answer: YES! Repot! It looks like it needed to be repotted at least two years ago. Usually you'd get one pot size larger, but in the case of that Zygo, you'll want two sizes larger at least. Or an azaela pot with some inert material like lava rock or charcoal, or a net pot, to avoid getting a dead zone in the middle and to allow water to drain out of the bottom safely.

nenella · #3 03-25-2012, 10:17 AM

Yes if it were mine I would repot too. I can only add that when you repot keep the bottom of the bulbs as they are now, not touching the medium.

Otis226 · #4 03-25-2012, 12:22 PM

Thanks for your help. I went ahead and repotted it this morning, disturbing the roots as little as possible. I had to use an 8" pot, which is all I had available. (I didn't want to place it in a 10" hanging basket). I'll try to post some more pics as soon as I download them from the camera.
Tony

Otis226 · #5 03-25-2012, 04:15 PM

Once again, thanks for the help with an orchid I don't have experience with. I disturbed those tightly packed roots as little as possible. Just hope I can now provide conditions this big gal will get to like, as it gets pretty steamy here come July/Aug.
Best,
Tony

nenella · #6 03-25-2012, 04:32 PM

Looking Good!!!! Well done & keep us posted!

crazymonkie · #7 03-26-2012, 12:48 AM

That definitely looks good. And the old medium really looked like it needing some improvement.

Personally I would have disturbed the root ball (VERY carefully), taking care to keep as much velamen on the roots as possible, just so the roots could breathe better and so you could get rid of some of that mushy-looking medium. But that takes time and some practice. Or a willingness to let some of the roots go.

Otis226 · #8 03-26-2012, 10:39 PM

actually, the potting mix was in surprisingly good shape considering how much root growth there was. I think just potting up was the way to go in this situation. I have no doubt those roots will find their way into the surrounding bark mix and won't have been damaged/traumatized by my trying to tease them out.
Tony