Repotting a root bound orchid

[bil]

Wider and shallow is the way to go. Roots need room to stretch out and breathe.

[SaraJean]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

They are huge plants. Speaking from experience, choose a lower wider pot next time. Feed until fall then water only. Higher light than you might guess also. Mine is a beast.

Great I'm gradually working it up to some higher light levels. Thanks

[SaraJean]

Originally Posted by bil

Wider and shallow is the way to go. Roots need room to stretch out and breathe.

I actually wasn't happy with the initial pot I put it in and ended up switching it out to something a bit wider ( maybe I could have gone wider still?). Same depth, the roots are on the bottom, but there is a little more room on the sides

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by SaraJean

I actually wasn't happy with the initial pot I put it in and ended up switching it out to something a bit wider ( maybe I could have gone wider still?). Same depth, the roots are on the bottom, but there is a little more room on the sides

I think that looks good. The wider pot also helps with stability. I don't think you need to go any bigger at this point. Time to stop fussing with it and let it establish in its new home.

[SaraJean]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I think that looks good. The wider pot also helps with stability. I don't think you need to go any bigger at this point. Time to stop fussing with it and let it establish in its new home.

Definitely. If I can leave this thing in here for at least the next 2 years, I'll be happy
The first pot was just making me nervous.. it seemed too tight and even when placed inside another pot for stability I had the feeling that one stiff breeze would knock it over. This one feels much better. Just in case, I do still have it sitting in another pot! Thanks

[Dollythehun]

Please don't laugh. I bought some small bungee cords because I have to bungee it to it's shelf. They get very top heavy and; I'll bet next year it will be root bound again.

[SaraJean]

No laughing here! That is an excellant idea

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

I'll bet next year it will be root bound again.

oh my

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by SaraJean

Done and done! Thank you both for calming this old bird down

Wow, beautiful growing area!

[SaraJean]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Wow, beautiful growing area!

Thank you! It's super small, but it works and I love it

[bil]

Originally Posted by SaraJean

I actually wasn't happy with the initial pot I put it in and ended up switching it out to something a bit wider ( maybe I could have gone wider still?). Same depth, the roots are on the bottom, but there is a little more room on the sides

In terms of orchid health, and plenty of time between watering, the wider the better. As soon as you go over 4" deep wwith finne bark, you are in the danger zone. Width doesn't matter, it's the depth that kills.