Neglected cattelya. Should I repot?

[zerb16]

My grandmother gave me this orchid. She lived in coastal Florida and had it hanging from a magnolia tree in her backyard for years. It is in a clay pot and the roots have grown out and onto the pot. I have no idea what type of bark it is in. I'm new to orchids and really want to keep this thing alive! I live in east TN and have it in a window that gets sunlight nearly all day. Should I attempt to repot and if so, what type of pot and medium should I use. Thank you so much for your help!

[WhiteRabbit]

Yes, repot into a much smaller pot. Medium grade fir bark mix would be good.

[silken]

I prefer to re pot when there is a new growth that has new roots just starting. Then it will adapt better. I like medium fir bark for my Catts and a pot that is not much bigger than the roots need to fit. The roots like to get wet and then dry off quickly, so a large pot can cause root rot.

When you do repot, you may have to soak this one for a while to try and ease some of the roots off of the clay pot.

[snowflake311]

I would let it adjust to its new home. Then after a week or 2 repot in a bark mix. Plastic pot Clay drys out way too fast. But if you live where there is lots of humidity then maybe clay pot would be good.

Smaller pot and it will be happy and grow well with a little love.