cattleya fustration
 

so i have a few cattleys that i have had for years and i cant get them to do anything, 3 of them i feel like their growth is stunted because they barely grow at all. Im wondering if the potting media is whats wrong, i just have them in small bark chips. One of my cattleys is potted in aussie gold orchid mix and that thing blooms twice a year for me.

tips?

We definitely need pics to be sure. It kinda sounds like you've figured it out already.

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Attachment 67105

ive had them since 04

A little bit more of a close-up of roots would help. At first glance, they look over-potted. They should be somewhat underpotted so that there is only room for a year or two of new growth. When was the last time you changed the potting media? Do the pots have excellent drainage and aeration?

I would go with 3/4" rock or a LECA product like hydroton for potting. Also try to use distilled, RO, or rain water if you can.

So your plants have been in there since '04? I would definitely repot them!! Wait until they have a new growth throwing new roots though. Repotting them without new roots coming out would probably just add to their stress.

Also, like silken said, they need pots that are much smaller.

Personally I would repot them ASAP..... Most of the time repotting will stimulate new roots. When you repot, remove all the dead stuff ect. and soak the plant in a kelp extract. This may help in stimulating new root tips. Ray has shown good results with his SOLO product.

I think 3 1/2-4" unglazed terra cotta pots would work well....

I agree, the catts in the picture need to be in smaller pots with a chunky medium that will allow for fast drying and more air to the roots.