So many questions!
 

Hi Everyone! I have so many questions, but I will try and ask one at a time:) Why is it recommended that when you receive a plant, either brought home from a store in a pot, or shipped bare root, that some of the care instructions for repotting that I have read on the internet mention to not water the plants for a week or two? What is the purpose of this? Wouldn't it be better to water with something like Dyna Gro KLN to help with stress and transplant shock? They also mention to keep the plants in a shady area during this week or two time period....why why why? Sorry about all of the questions, I tried to stick to just one, but they all seem to relate to each other! :) Thanks!

Becca

I honestly don't do the not watering the plants a week or two (and I never heard of it)...I don't know why it would be necessary. It doesn't make any sense to me.
Keeping it in a shady area isn't necessary. I don't do any of that.
Plants need their energy. Why would we give them less of it? It's not rational

I believe that keeping the plant slightly drier for a week or two after repotting is done to encourage new root growth as the roots are supposed to travel thought the medium in search of water. How true that is I'm not sure but I never noticed it doing any harm.

Thank you both for your thought!. Both suggestions make sense to me, I will just have to wait and see what works best for me I guess!

When we first started growing orchids I did read some of this kind of material and we tried to fallow the watering and light recommentations but the plants just languished. Having been a gardener since a kid I didn't see how this was logical, but we tried it anyway thinking that orchids are indeed different. :lol:

We know better now. :_(

Plants get repotted in presoaked bark as soon as they get home and watered thoroughly and put under the lights. They usually need water again in 2 days (but this depends on your growing environment) then again in 2 or 3 days after that. The drying rate also depends on the potting media and air circulation, and the water demands of the particular plant. It's best to know the plant and its perferances. Once the potting media starts to 'set up' then I find that they don't need as much water, this usually takes about 2 weeks for me.

Plants also need to dry between waterings so they can search for water by stretching their roots, this makes them develop a stronger root system.

It is believed that the roots receive mini damages at the time of repotting and if you water the plant after repotting the roots may start to rot. It is also believed that the dry period is necessary for the roots to heal the damages. But I usually water the next day after repotting.

I actually agree with Barbara on this question. I think many home growers "don't have a clue" so-to-speak and the pot instructions are for them (not for us Orchid Board members :) ) I prefer to soak bark ahead in anticipation of repotting a new orchid. I've been known to hold a new purchase for several days waiting for bark to soak and pots to be on hand. I doubt any minor damage to roots in shipment really makes any difference in long run. KLN is always a good bet when transplanting and even when some 'chids aren't responding correctly to new growth period.

It also depends on the genera.
For catts ok I would let it dry.
For phrags no way will I do that!

What is KLN? Why use it? :scratchhead: