Moving Odontocidium (and maybe Phalaenopsis) to S/H

[Niki]

I am strongly leaning towards moving my Odontocidium Tiger Crow 'Golden Girl' to S/H medium. I plan on using coarse PrimeAgra repotted in the clear pots.

I just purchased my Odon about 6 weeks ago, and am now learning that it really prefers to stay moist (but of course, not too moist). I haven’t figured out exactly how to water it, although I feel like I have a much better handle not allowing it to get too dry, etc. However, because of this plants preference for moisture, growing it in S/H really appeals to me.

First of all, does anyone think I’m crazy to plunge into S/H for this plant?

I went to Ray’s website and read about how to repot, but I noticed another thread that the plants are supposed to be in the root growth stage. I have no idea what my root growth is like (although I’ll find out when I take it out of the pot), or even if my roots are in decent condition.

Can I still repot in S/H if I have little/no roots? Or is this something where I’ll have to pull the plant out of the pot, look at the root condition, and based on what I see determine whether it’s appropriate to go S/H? (I’m hoping the later is not the case).

Also, is there any reason why I shouldn’t repot my Phal in S/H?

If I do S/H, I'm guessing it's safest to just use should I just use distilled water (until I get my RO system in) with the RO system MSU fert. Also Is alge something I have to worry about if I go the S/H route?

And Ray, since others have indicated that you’re the resident expert on this, I’d love to hear any additional comments/advice that you may have (especially since I'm sure there are pertinent questions I haven't asked)!

Thanks

Niki

[bonsai1504]

i like to re-pot into s/h when the orchid has new root growth because the old roots aren't used to the constant moisture and will rot away. the new roots are more "willing" to go into s/h because the cells have not been accustomed to any sort of potting media. hope this helps

[Niki]

So, since I need to repot, does this mean I should repot into some kind of bark and then figure out when the new roots are growing? And once I have new root growth repot them again into S/H?

[Niki]

Also, I can't find Prime Agra anywhere. the only thing i can find is Aliflor. Anyone know anything about it?

If you all think I should repot in something else to promote good root growth and then move to S/H after _____ amount of time (if someone could fill in that blank, that would be great) then I'll order the Prime Agra and the MSU fert from Ray when he's back in town.

[AHAB]

Welcome to First Rays Orchids

[Niki]

Originally Posted by AHAB

Welcome to First Rays Orchids

Yeah, I've been there already, but didn't find any info on my main question: which is if I should repot in traditional medium and start root growth before moving into S/H and if I should, how long would be the minimum time before I it's "safe" to repot the plant. (I've heard so many people say it's bad to repot orchids, but it seems like many here have repotted with no problem and that repotting should be done whenever the soil starts to decompose, But I just want to make sure on all this before I start messing with mine)

Niki

[Snowden]

Niki, you may want to gently pull the plant from its pot to check the condition of the bark it's in. If it looks reasonably good, put it back in its pot and leave it until it starts growing new growths and roots, and then repot it into S/H. Since you only got this plant 6 weeks ago, hopefully from a dealer with good repotting practices, it should be fine until then.

Except for a few certain cases, repotting can be stressful on the plant, so it would be best not to do it twice in a short period of time if you can help it.

[DelawareJim]

Niki;

Everyone that does S/H says Phals do great in it. I currently only have Dendros, so I have no personal experience.

You'll be able to see when the plant starts new roots. You'll see little lime green nubs at the base that will be slightly larger each day. After a couple days to a week you be able to see the white corky material on the new roots. That was the time I transplanted to S/H.

Ray has PrimeAgra if you can wait until he gets back. Check the "The STore" tab.

Cheers.
Jim

[Niki]

Originally Posted by DelawareJim

Niki;


You'll be able to see when the plant starts new roots. You'll see little lime green nubs at the base that will be slightly larger each day. After a couple days to a week you be able to see the white corky material on the new roots. That was the time I transplanted to S/H.


Cheers.
Jim

Jim,

Thanks for the info! My new buds just started getting the white corky material and so I transplanted to S/H this afternoon.

I also have a maxillaria tenuifolia that just started new growth (just one bud and the plant has a lot of pbulbs...maybe 13-20). How many new buds should I wait for before making the switch? Also, should I divide the plant or would it be better to get it used to S/H before messing with it.

Lastly, I've heard some people say after you repot to S/H you should wait 2 or 3 days before adding water to the reservoir. Do you agree? also, I don't have any root grow yet, so should I withhold fert for a while to allow root growth? (I have green jungle, a 1-0-1 developed by a PhD at U of Minnesota).

Niki