repotting large plants

[Jeff214]

Hi,

I have a question regarding the re-potting of large plants. I have a few orchids (dens, onc, catts) growing in 6" and 8" terra cotta "orchid pots" from Lowe's but they are quickly running out of space for new growths.

I've seen a 10" shallow terra cotta pan for azaleas. Would that be fine for orchids? I've noticed that the orchids in large pots tend not to grow roots all the way down the media anyway... It seems like a shallow pan might be fine. The larger pots (8"+) seem like a waste with all the extra? media.

Also, I've noticed that the orchids that used to bloom well in small pots stopped blooming once I repotted them to 6" and 8" pots. I don't think I'm doing too much damage to the roots during repot as my smaller plants flower well after repotting. I wonder if these plants need to be potbound to flower and the larger pot sizes are making it difficult. In that case, I may just divide them up.

[MrHappyRotter]

I sometimes use styrofoam blocks (the stuff they put in boxes to protect the product) or inverted pots in the center of larger pots to help ensure there's more air space in the pot and that things can dry out quicker (for those plants which this is important). This can also help with things that bloom better when root bound and also helps make the plant & pot lighter weight.

But usually I divide most plants once they get really big. This way I can have extras to sell, trade, donate, etc and for really important/valuable stuff it's nice to have an extra division in case something goes wrong.

For the few things I do grow out to large specimens, I also sometimes just buy specialty pots (online or at dedicated nurseries) that are extra wide bulb pots.

[Jeff214]

inverted pots are a great idea, thanks. Alot of my plants are getting too large and I'm dreading chopping them up.

[Dollythehun]

Jeff214. We have a member, "Bil" who was addicted to bulb pans. He couldn't say enough good about them. We haven't heard from him in awhile but looking up some of his old posts might be fun and educational for you.

Like MHR, I tend to divide and give away the extras.

[Roberta]

I like the "bulb pan" form factor a lot, to help get around the fact that there is too much volume as the diameter gets larger. The inverted pot in the middle helps mitigate that problem too. Also, don't be too quick to "remedy" crowding... The stress of being rootbound does seem to encourage blooming, if there is room the plant is likely to just grow leaves and roots. I know that with my Cyms, they bloom best just before they break the pot.