Catasetum repotting- every 1 year or 2?
 

Was curious as to how other handle repotting these plants. I’ve read info that says to do it every year when potted in spagnum moss and that most roots die during dormancy. I’ve also read that every two years is better and that many of the roots survived.

Anyone done it both ways and noticed a difference?

I used to repot every year but now only do so when the media starts to break down. I never cut roots. I'm looking at my tabulare growing a 3rd spike this year and it's been in that clay pot going on 4 years. I'll repot into a slightly larger pot next year. Orchiata bark lasts easily 3 years in my conditions.

Meant to add that all mine go outdoors in Summer and the media is regularly washed by rain. No fertilizer salts build up.

I was wondering the same thing, so it was good to see this thread. Mine seems very loose in the pot. It was given to me, so I am unsure the previous care.

I am in SWFL. Mine dropped the leaves in Sept, and immediately set a spike. So I reduced water to once a week - very lightly. Flowers opened this week. When do I actually cut watering?

It depends on the media. Long fiber spag is the most common potting media is the US for Catasetinae, which needs to be changed every other year. Potting in other media means you can repot whenever it breaks down, which is usually longer than two years.

---------- Post added at 08:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:44 PM ----------

Loose media is bad for most species of any genera! Orchids need nice tight media to prevent the plant from wiggling around. Repot into something better in the spring. There's no need to water your plant until the new roots are around 4" long. I usually stop watering in late November and start watering again close to Memorial Day.

Steve,
Would it be good to remove the bulbs from the media after the flowers fade? I hear that it is done, then I hear it is not good. So, I am confused. My first Catasetum, so humor me...LOL

Don't disturb it now. Let it go dormant. Then in late winter/early spring you can repot in anticipation of new growth starting soon after. (but don't resume watering until the new roots are 3 inches long or more... when in doubt, wait)

I repot yearly in a layered substrate. I mix around 1 part of sand (mostly for weight) with 3 parts composted cow manure and fill the pot about 2/3 of the way. On top I use a layer of cheap sphagnum (Mosser Lee) that the plant is buried in. I start watering lightly per the usual, when roots are 3" or so. By the time the roots work their way down into the manure, they're ready for about as much moisture and fertilizer as they can get. And they get it. The really nice thing about this is that because of the nutrient rich substrate I don't need to make up a separate batch of stronger fertilizer for them like I used to. I just use what I put on the rest of my orchids and still get excellent growth.

Agreed!