Cattleya repotting. - Orchid Board

Ashleyma23 · #1 05-21-2015, 06:00 PM

I have about 4 Cattleya newly purchased. Two I repot into lava rock. The roots looks dead but I have some new ones forming. Is it recommended to remove all roots before repotting into different media? They were previously in bark, charcoal , perlite ... Decomposed mess.

L.C Commander 'Pink Pal' is forming new roots but old ones are now shriveled.

BLC Always Dream 'Volcano Queen' is not doing anything and roots look shriveled.

The other two I keep with the mix it came in so I didn't repot it in new media.

Thanks !

WhiteRabbit · #2 05-21-2015, 09:07 PM

If there are new roots coming in, cut off any dead ones (leave good ones)

Ashleyma23 · #3 05-21-2015, 10:09 PM

Ok I will.

bil · #4 05-22-2015, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

If there are new roots coming in, cut off any dead ones (leave good ones)

Is there a school of thought that says leave them as they provide support?

wintergirl · #5 05-22-2015, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bil

Is there a school of thought that says leave them as they provide support?

I have heard you can leave some to help anchor the plant, if you don't have many roots. But I would only leave dried up ones, not rotting mushy ones.

Ashleyma23 · #6 05-22-2015, 10:41 PM

I trimmed the dried up ones. And removed some dead ones. They were on the back bulbs so they won't help it either way. I anchored it with a pencil! Thanks as I am new to Catts.

Leafmite · #7 05-22-2015, 10:58 PM

With Cattleyas, I always trim off all the old roots, too, then set it on top of the red lava rock and stake it very well so that it cannot wiggle. The new roots grow down into the medium and, by autumn, the orchid is usually stable enough in the pot that I can remove the stakes.
Good luck with your new Cattleyas!

Ashleyma23 · #8 05-22-2015, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leafmite

With Cattleyas, I always trim off all the old roots, too, then set it on top of the red lava rock and stake it very well so that it cannot wiggle. The new roots grow down into the medium and, by autumn, the orchid is usually stable enough in the pot that I can remove the stakes.
Good luck with your new Cattleyas!

Thanks so much! I'm glad I can finally use my lava rock.