Repotting Mtssa. Charles M. Fitch AM/AOs

[stargazie]

I bought a Mtssa. Charles M. Fitch AM/AOs seedling last summer. It's now a mighty big seedling with lots of roots and a nice fat bulb and some new growth that will yield bulbs. This is my second Mtssa seedling and the other is healthy but growing slower.
My question is, given the growth and all the roots, should I repot it now or wait? I think I need to support the bulb. Please take a look at the picture and let me know what you folks think. And by the way, thanks to everyone for all the help with my other babies!
Thnak you!
Starr

[WhiteRabbit]

With the new root growth, now would be a good time to repot if it needs it. Looks to be growing very vertically. Those growths shouldn't require any support, but a clay or ceramic cache pot will help keep the plant from getting knocked or blown over, or toppling. What does the other side look like (how low or high the older growths are)?

[stargazie]

[SIZE="3"] Thanks for the information. The other side has low growth here is a picture of the other side The growth is a bit lower and ther is new growth on that side as well. As I mentioned. This plant was sold not quite a year ago as a seedling...
Also, while I have you I use fir bark for most of my orchids...I was thinking of starting to use leca for orchids like my vandas The Vandas are in vases now). How do you think this orchid would fare in leca? I know the MTSSA don't like to get as dry between drinks as the Vandas do.
Thanks again!
Star

[WhiteRabbit]

I haven't used LECA. Growing in LECA via semi-hydro might be a good possibility. LECA watered traditionally might be too dry, tho depends on your climate, size of pot, and how often you care to water.

Hopefully others with experience with LECA will chime in.

[ALToronto]

As long as you can water every day, and have a source of pure water, LECA as an ordinary potting medium works fine. I would be concerned that it might not hold this plant in very well; you may need a wire clip across the pot to hold it down until the roots grow into the medium.

I use red lava rock for a lot of my plants. It's heavier than LECA and holds moisture longer, and its irregular shape makes it interlock better, holding in the roots. I water these plants every day, alternating fertilizer and pure water.

[stargazie]

Thanks so much for the input. I had not considered the lightness of leca. I have never used it myself either until I purchased a Onc. Mendenhall Hildos that is potted in a semi-hypronic pot and with leca.,
Thanks again
Starr