repotting/timing questions

[Becca]

I know sometimes there are orchids that should only be re-potted during certain times of the year. So if they are putting out new root growth, should I still wait until this proper time of the year, and how do I know what plants require that proper time of the year? I have several Catt's I still would like to convert and they are putting out new roots. Is it okay to convert them now?

[quiltergal]

I would think if they're putting out new roots now would be an excellent time to transfer to s/h. They may or may not bloom next year, but that's probably true of repotting to any medium.

[Ross]

Ray has great info on timing on his web site. If new roots are just emerging, I think this is the time.

[justatypn]

Orchids are pretty forgiving but for the Cattleya's they are extreme regimented creatures.

When repotting and dividing any of the three conditions are necessary in determining when to repot Cattleyas:

1. The roots are growing over the edge of the pot.
2. The plant is starting to make new roots at the base of the old pseudo-bulb. In the best time is in the spring when rroots aand growth are developing.
3. If the plant is not doing well, and the bark in the potting mix is broken down, and it has finished flowering, then repot.

[Phantasm]

Most orchids should be repotted when the roots are beginning to grow. For these plants, spring is usually best so they can establish during the growing season. There are exceptions as some plants will put out growths without roots in the spring, then grow roots later. Paphiopedilums aren't very picky and can be repotted any time, but I would still prefer spring and fall.

[Becca]

Originally Posted by justatypn

Orchids are pretty forgiving but for the Cattleya's they are extreme regimented creatures.

When repotting and dividing any of the three conditions are necessary in determining when to repot Cattleyas:

1. The roots are growing over the edge of the pot.
2. The plant is starting to make new roots at the base of the old pseudo-bulb. In the best time is in the spring when rroots aand growth are developing.
3. If the plant is not doing well, and the bark in the potting mix is broken down, and it has finished flowering, then repot.

Well I think meet all three of the conditions:
1. These are seedlings and are growing over the edge
2. The plant is starting new roots...it looks like from both new and old growth
3. the bark/potting mix has broken down and I would like to convert it to s/h!

Thanks for the advice everyone!

[Oscarman]

I agree - repot now Becca.

Always repot when new root growth is occuring. Your plants will be the happiest and establish faster.

Good luck with S/H - all of my Cattleyas have really done well in it.

[missfitxo]

my oncidium psedobulb is shriveled and the leaves are starting to look a bit wrinkled. Can i switch to semi hydro even if there are no new growth? The roots are very poor...and i have another orchid that is rootless i dont know what type it is.... but i can see that it has eyes at the base and starting to grow i think can i switch to semi hydro? where can i buy prime agra in the philippines?

[quiltergal]

Don't make my mistake and put sickly orchids in s/h. It's too much of a shock and they might not make it. I would sphag n bag the ones with no roots and then after you have a few roots that are a couple inches long you can switch them to s/h.

Can't help you with a source for PrimeAgra in the Philippines. Sorry. Someone else may know. Marco would be the guy to ask.

[Ray]

...or Pot them up for s/h culture and put the plant, pot and all, into the bag, a la sphag-n-bag.

The benefit of the sphag-n-bag process is the maximized humidity. If the plant doesn't have viable roots, what difference does it make where the moisture comes from?

In fact, if you're planning on moving it to s/h anyway, that is the least-stressful way of doing it.