How to repot this large Cattleya - Orchid Board

plumania · #1 10-21-2013, 10:04 AM

I bought this one at a show recently and it is in bloom right now but clearly needs repotting. I see the vendor trimmed of roots from pseudoblubs that are growing out of the pot.
I can make a division with 4-5 pseudoblubs and pot it up in a basket if it is OK given the trimmed roots.
It would need a large basket otherwise because I need to leave room for new growth.
Our weather is still quite warm and humid and my recent repots are already pushing roots.
Also would like to know if I can expect new leads from remaining 5 backbulbs, as they have roots.

euplusia · #2 10-21-2013, 06:25 PM

Basically backbulb divisions with 3 and more bulbs are able to bring new leads and roots. But I would leave the plant together, as the front piece lacks of good roots. Take a larger basket, that is low in height, and wait until the next lead has rooted. Then you can cut the rhizome halfway with a razor blade if you want.
Dividing now may cause a setback in flowering.

tucker85 · #3 10-21-2013, 06:39 PM

I'm not a fan of dividing cattleyas. The bigger they get, the better they bloom, as general rule. I would take the entire plant out of the plastic pot and place it in a large basket and place large chunks of media around it to hold it in place in the basket. I use large chunks of cork or tree fern fiber. I wouldn't even cut off dead roots or mess with the rootball at all. Any media that falls off is fine and any doesn't, I'd put right into the basket. In other words you'd be trying to put it into the basket while disturbing the plant as little as possible. You can divide it if you want to but I haven't had too much success with back bulbs producing new growths. Good luck.

plumania · #4 10-22-2013, 07:48 AM

Thanks.
Tucker, I always learn so much from you ! I even bought these tree fern chunks after seeing the pic you posted.

james mickelso · #5 10-22-2013, 03:00 PM

Right on Tucker. South Florida is a great place for catts. They love basket culture as long as it doesn't get too cold. I also don't like to divide cattleyas as the larger they are the better off they are. But if it is needed it can be done. Back bulb divisions will produce new leads as long as they are watered well, let to dry before watering again and given good light and warmth. But I think your idea of basket culture is right on for this catt. I would wait for it to finish blooming. Once done, cut off the flower and put in a basket. Tie it in with florist tape. Give it lots of filtered light. It should push new leads from the youngest three pbulbs and probably two from the youngest.

plumania · #6 10-22-2013, 10:14 PM

Thanks , James.
I am going to do what you guys advised- wait for flowers to finish and put the wole plant minus plastic pot in the basket and let it grow in the warmth and humidity here.
Went to a local nursery to get those cork pieces, very expensive. I did not buy as this nursery tends to jack up prices. I will get it elsewhere and then buy a hacksaw . I know cork is not really needed but I will use it just for fun.
I have only a dendrobium mounted on cork. Ants loved all the holes in cork, I had tough time eliminating them (the ants....LOL).
Does anybody else have ants/bugs hiding in cork?

james mickelso · #7 10-22-2013, 11:29 PM

You can use rock. Lava rock is great. Or like the old timers, you can go to HD or Lowes and get a bag of hardwood charcoal. Large pieces of charcoal are great fillers. It used to be used by all the old growers out in Tenn. and Virginia along with Florida. If you belong to a club you can sell small chunks of it to the members. I use charcoal in my potting mix at 2/1/1. Bark/sponge rock or lava cinder/charcoal.

IncurablePlantHead · #8 10-22-2013, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Does anybody else have ants/bugs hiding in cork?

I have ants and bugs hiding in everything. I grow all my orchids outside here in Miami-Dade. I offer free room and board for all my buggy friends. The only ones I nuke are the pesky snails that can destroy the dendrobium leaves overnight.

plumania · #9 10-23-2013, 08:07 AM

Thanks James. I have plenty of charcoal, bark, sponge rock and that is what I use too. I also put a few lava rocks in the bottom time to time but they make the pot heavy and these orchids are big and heavy already. .....so I try not to use more than a chunk or two of rock.

Incurable.....LOL....these ants in Florida are something! I have them in everything......and they are not afraid of me at all. When I spray or water with insecticides, it may kill the ants but day or two later plants have them again.

I was just surprised ( unnecessarily ,I guess) to see them going in and out of those holes/tunnels in cork .
It is a huge task here to get the ants off the plants if one wants to bring them indoor. I'll leave mine in patio.

Snails are hard to get rid off too. I get really annoyed to see them feasting on leaves. And most annoyed when I find them inside the cups of my Broms. I destroy those snails with a rock or something.

Luckily,no snails on my orchids...... yet.

nlm2951 · #10 10-29-2013, 05:28 PM

Hello, when you have a broken pot, brake it into small pieces, you can put that inside the basket, bottom or around to hold the plant, I always keep those broken clay pots..norma