When to repot?

[Sekhmet121]

I've recently purchased my first Cattleya and was told by the seller that it's due to be repotted. I have read that you should repot in the spring before new growth starts, but this guy already has a new lead growing that's a good three inches or so. Since repotting is stressful, will that disturb this new growth if I pop him into a new home right now?

I also have a Phal that I was just given whose roots I'm not so sure about. It's blooming at the moment. How would I go about repotting it? Should I snip off the spike and repot it, or wait it out? I tipped it out of the pot when I found that the pot it's in has no drainage and was holding some water. It seems to have some good roots, but it would appear that an equal amount are rotted. While I love that it's in flower, I want to do what's best for the plant in the long run.

Thanks so much.

[RosieC]

Are there roots forming on the new growth yet, often they form after the growth has got a bit bigger, or sometimes even as the next growth after it starts.

They key time to repot is just before, or just as new roots are starting on the new growth. I think if the new roots have not started yet then it's good to repot now, they will be along shortly with the new growth.

If there is already a problem with the roots in the pot it's even more of a reason to repot now.

[WhiteRabbit]

with Rosie

[PaphMadMan]

In almost any case, best to repot when a flush of new root growth is about to begin, but if there is question about the health of old roots the time to repot is now no matter what stage of growth.

Now is a good time for the Catt. If there is new growth it is spring for the plant even if that rushes the calendar a bit.

For the Phal, personally I wouldn't cut the spike just because I'm repotting. The flowers will wilt and fade very quickly if the plant can't support them. Even them, the spike itself is healthy green tissue that just adds to the strength of the plant. Cutting spikes to let the plant rest or encourage new growth is much more about "feel good" for the owner than "do good" for the plant if the plant is otherwise healthy.

[Sekhmet121]

Thank you all for the help. I guess I'll be potting on my next day off.