re-potting question

[sprwoman1]

I am a long time lurker and enjoy this forum, but tend to be forgetful. Lately though I am finding myself spending too much time researching things online. lol Instead of digging about for hours I'm going to ask my question. - Cringe, don't spear me. - So if this was already answered or in the wrong place please forgive me.

I am was hoping someone could enlighten me to the procedure of re-potting when already using the clay pellets.

I haven't switched over yet, just trying look at many angles. Thank you in advance for your help.

[cb977]

Hi...and welcome to Orchidboard
Glad to see you've decided to join us

Using clay pellets (I use aliflor or hydroton for almost all the chids) makes repotting very simple. First, because it doesn't break down so repotting doesn't need to be done so frequently Second, when repotting all you need to do is remove the plant from the pot, clean up any bad roots...and you don't have to remove any of the pellets that stick to the roots! Have your new pot ready, put some pellets in the bottom, seat the plant over those pellets and just pour in enough to fill it up. I always "tap" the outside of the pot to help them settle into place. It's a cinch and only takes moments!

[kavanaru]

...and very important when using LECA (clay pellets) do not forget to soak them very well before using them!!!
(My experience: the soaking is more important with LECA than with other media - well, maybe not more than with Sphag )

[cb977]

Thanks Ramon

[sprwoman1]

Sounds almost too good to be true. Thank you!

[cb977]

It's great! I do have some chids in sphag ( yikes: ) but nothing is in any sort of bark mixture anymore

[kavanaru]

I have almost all my plants in S/H (LECA) and they are doing great!!

Only Neofinetia and Sedirea are growing in Sphag (japanese traditional culture method - nice, but to be honest a pain in the ... anyway, I decided to give it a try and i am doing it.. (

[latebloomer]

I wanted to try S/H, so a week and a half ago I switched 2 orchids from bark to hydroton. They seem to be doing well so far, knock on wood. I decided to try these two because I can see them putting out new roots that would adapt to the new media. I moved some of the pellets and, from what I could see, the older roots are dying but the new ones are growing nicely. My question is, as the current roots die and decay, do I just keep flushing them out through the drain holes, or would I need to disassemble and repot again?