Have you ever seen something so pot bound?

[astrid]

Hey everyone!

My new orchids had stinky media, so I decided to repot them today.
*knocks on wood that their buds do not blast*

Check out this den antennatum, though!! All this was stuffed into a 2-inch pot and probably left there for several years. I upsized this to a 32oz soup container and it looks much more happy now, haha!

I love how there were only about 5 pieces of bark in there, too!

[snowflake311]

If feels so good to repot an orchid that really needs it. My sherry baby was very root bound when I got it. Its nice to see the roots all look good on your plant.

[astrid]

Originally Posted by snowflake311

If feels so good to repot an orchid that really needs it. My sherry baby was very root bound when I got it. Its nice to see the roots all look good on your plant.

Yeah, in addition to being incredibly pot bound, I don't think there was a single unhealthy root in there! Truly!!

[Orchid Whisperer]

The number of healthy roots in the old pot is probably a hint - seems that it likes being pot bound in a small pot. As you go up in pot size, make sure the medium is very well-drained to keep the roots healthy.

[astrid]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

The number of healthy roots in the old pot is probably a hint - seems that it likes being pot bound in a small pot. As you go up in pot size, make sure the medium is very well-drained to keep the roots healthy.

I've got it in chunky bark with some fabulous packing peanuts in the center to add some extra ventilation! I was going to just go up to a plastic cup, but I wanted to go up an extra size because the root ball was still so chunky.

I mean, it'll just take time before this pot is totally filled up again! Then I want to mount it or something... someday... when I get it specimen sized!!

[Pat'sCatt's]

Just a question, to which i have also no answer, but why teas the whole rootball apart? Couldn't it just be left alone as it was, and then potted on a potsize or two? Maybe i'm a little bit scared of repotting and doing the job right, but i would had left it just as it was...
Maybe someone on the board does have an answer?

By the way Astrid many thanks for this post, you really made me think about my own methodes! And raise some questions! 👍😃

[astrid]

Originally Posted by Pat'sCatt's

Just a question, to which i have also no answer, but why teas the whole rootball apart? Couldn't it just be left alone as it was, and then potted on a potsize or two? Maybe i'm a little bit scared of repotting and doing the job right, but i would had left it just as it was...
Maybe someone on the board does have an answer?

By the way Astrid many thanks for this post, you really made me think about my own methodes! And raise some questions! 👍😃

I wanted to get every single part of old media out, so I had to dig and dig and dig.
The media was smelling bad, so I didn't want to leave anything. Additionally, old media can break down, get moldy, and even hold bugs inside.

I have also heard that some insects like to hide in the root ball.

Another reason to get the root ball apart is to make sure there is no foam, moss, sponges, or anything else weird in the middle.

Maybe when you have the plant for years and you know exactly what you put into the pot, you do not need to pull the root ball apart. But when you repot the first time, you NEVER know what is living/hiding in there.

That is my reasoning.

When I pull root balls apart, it takes me over an hour because I am very careful and gentle while I do it. For me it is a relaxing/"zen" activity so I enjoy taking time and trying to undo the knots.

[Pat'sCatt's]

Originally Posted by astrid

I wanted to get every single part of old media out, so I had to dig and dig and dig.
The media was smelling bad, so I didn't want to leave anything. Additionally, old media can break down, get moldy, and even hold bugs inside.

I have also heard that some insects like to hide in the root ball.

Another reason to get the root ball apart is to make sure there is no foam, moss, sponges, or anything else weird in the middle.

Maybe when you have the plant for years and you know exactly what you put into the pot, you do not need to pull the root ball apart. But when you repot the first time, you NEVER know what is living/hiding in there.

That is my reasoning.

When I pull root balls apart, it takes me over an hour because I am very careful and gentle while I do it. For me it is a relaxing/"zen" activity so I enjoy taking time and trying to undo the knots.

Never though of it that way, so thank you for that! Do you soak the rootball in water first? Or is it easier when the roots are dry? 👋👋👋

[astrid]

Originally Posted by Pat'sCatt's

Never though of it that way, so thank you for that! Do you soak the rootball in water first? Or is it easier when the roots are dry? 👋👋👋

When it was dry, it was impossible to even move anything in the pot! This one was so tight I couldn't even get a bamboo skewer in (I use skewers in the middle of the pot to see when I need to water as some on OB have suggested).

I just watered the plant like normal that morning, and then I worked to get the plant out in the evening. I gently squeezed the sides of the pot over and over until it loosened up and I could pull it out.

I think if you try to do it dry, all the roots will just snap.

[NYCorchidman]

That sight is very typical of any oncidiums and coelogyne I've had.
Sometimes cattleyas and paphiopedilums as well.

Thing is, I hate repotting such root bound plants as I don't want to disrupt the tight root balls.

What I normally do is just leave them as is and just slide the whole thing into a larger pot and then add some new potting mix around the edge.
Have fun!