need repotting advice-Catt & Den

[VickiC]

Hello everyone,
I'm in the process of trying to determine which of my orchids are due for a repot this year. I have one Catt and one Den that I would like your repotting advice on, please.

Both orchids are in 4" pots, medium is mostly hydroton-but a very small amount of bark and charcoal, as well. It has been 2 years since either has been repotted.

The Catt roots have gotten unruly, as you can see, otherwise the medium seems to be ok for now.

The Den roots are small and confined to the inside of the pot. A newer growth on the left is beginning to grow very short roots and slightly against the pot, as you can also see.

I feel that both would enjoy a fresh medium change, but I don't want to rock the boat.

I would appreciate your advice and comments, as well...
Vicki

[DavidCampen]

It is a bit late to repot the catt. From the photo I can see that it started growing a flush of new roots a month or two ago and then (or even just before no root growth starts) would have been the best time for repotting. Since it is in mostly inorganic media that does not rapidly degrade, I think that it would be best to wait untill next year to repot. When you do repot, what I would do is use a hammer and cold chisel to break apart the pot so as to do as little damage as possible to the existing roots; it can be repotted with pieces of the old pot still attached to the roots.

[VickiC]

Thank you, David...
I'll do as you advise and wait another year to repot, probably in lava rock solely if you think that is a good choice. Hopefully I can monitor the new growth then (hopefully there will be some) and repot at the correct time.

I've used a hammer and chisel several times before on a clay pot to remove a stubborn plant that would not come out otherwise, but I had no idea that roots could be saved by simply repotting them into the new pot with the existing chard attached. I'm sure I've damaged quite a few roots in the past...even when I tried to pry them away from the pot with a case knife, so I'm looking forward to trying your trick next time I'm in that situation.

I appreciate your reply and advice,
Vicki

Originally Posted by DavidCampen

It is a bit late to repot the catt. From the photo I can see that it started growing a flush of new roots a month or two ago and then (or even just before no root growth starts) would have been the best time for repotting. Since it is in mostly inorganic media that does not rapidly degrade, I think that it would be best to wait untill next year to repot. When you do repot, what I would do is use a hammer and cold chisel to break apart the pot so as to do as little damage as possible to the existing roots; it can be repotted with pieces of the old pot still attached to the roots.