What size pot to go up at a time.

[gladwrap]

Hi Everybody, I am new to this forum,but have been growing orchids for a year or two,I have a lot of repotting to do with my aussie speciosums that I have had since babies(50mm pots) and as they get bigger I just go up a pot size,but was wondering, am I slowing slowing down the growth rate by doing this or should I go from say a 4inch pot to maybe an 8inch pot so as not to disturb them as much.Would appreciate some feedback on this thanks.

[cbuchman]

General guidance is to increase pot size enough for 1-2 years of growth. Most orchids like to be pot bound. Doubling the pot size would means a lot of water retention and could therefore result in root rot.

[tucker85]

I'm not familiar with that orchid so I can't give you specific advice. Most orchids grow best when they're root bound in small pots. I like to use a pot that has room for two or three new growths. Personally I wouldn't move up from a 4" pot to an 8" pot. Also, if you've been successful when you re-potted in the past, I would recommend that you stay with the routine that has worked for you. Good luck.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

For a Dendrobium speciosum that's mature. You can move up in 1" increments after the pot becomes crowded.

Dendrobium speciosum is such a large plant that going by 1/2" increments is pointless.

[gladwrap]

Thanks Guys for your helpful info,I thought I was doing it right ,just wanted to make sure.
Paul