Miltonia repotting issue with very crowded roots

[phragman]

I have three miltonia and my largest one this year produced 5 beautiful flower spikes. My problem with this plant is now having to repot it and the roots are such a tangled amount I fear I can not get the old bark removed without totally desiccating the healthy root system. It was last repoted in 2011 and in New Zealand fine bark. Can I just 'move' this plant on to a (4.5 to a 5.5)one size larger pot and leave the old medium on? What is worse, old medium or shredded roots? I tried to pick the pieces out but realized it is about impossible? I am in a dilemma as to what I should do. Please help. I do feel the ideal thing is new medium BUT...what to do. Has anyone had success with just potting on or will I lose this beautiful miltonia. Love the scent on them too. Thanks. Llewellyn/phragman

[james mickelso]

Yes that is a big dilemma. Basics....miltonias/miltoniopsis have very fine numerous roots and because of this crowded condition can, and do, get root rot easily. Orchiata is a fairly long lasting media and may still be ok tangled in the roots (you don't have to get every single piece out but get out as much as you can). But eventually it will be nearly impossible to dry it out without severly drying the roots. If this is a valuable plant (one you really enjoy) then take the time to get as much old media out of the rootball as possible. Or......you can simply turn the plant over, spread the rootmass as wide as possible put an inverted air cone pot on top of it turn it over and pot it. But I would spend the time necessary to get as much of the old media out as you can. I use tweezers and just slowly comb through the roots from one end to the other.

[phragman]

James, Thank you so much for your immediate response. I have made use of a tweezers and combed orchids out here before and I guess I am just going to have to try this one too. Do you find this method works better on a dryer root ball or would you wet the old medium? Maybe less roots would break if they are not so dry I am thinking. Then maybe let the roots air out a bit before repotting. i hope I can work it pretty clean but is sure a tangled mess to me. She is a pretty white with waterfall pattern in deep chockcherry color. I see we are about the same age, me being 63 in August. Llewellyn

[RosieC]

I've had one like this. I finally did just steadily and slowly separate the roots and remove all the medium and yes it caused damage to them.

However I did this when there was a new growth that was just starting to produce new roots. It grew new roots from that and did well, 6 months later there were masses of roots visible in the clear pot, and in 12 months they were packed in the pot like before (with further new growths coming through as well).

So basically my advice is that if you are going to go for the clearing of the old medium then timing compared to new growths is probably key.

[phragman]

Rosie,

That does make sense. I seem to be getting most responses that I must remove old medium too for best culture. I do agree timing is key. This plant is not really making new growth yet so I probably should leave it alone yet for a while too, same as Catts which don't like to be disturbed unless in active growth. Thank you for your helps. Llewellyn