Repotting root length- is it the right time?

[astrumes]

I purchased this Smbc. Frances Fox 'Sun spots' just three days ago from a nursery which grows outdoors. It's a novelty breed I've been itching to have so I bought her right away, despite it being winter. She looks very healthy with at 6-7 backbulbs though she is not yet mature since I see no evidence of previous flower spikes.

The nursery owner told me not to repot since the plant is not in active growth with the shorter days and lower temperatures. I'm growing indoors with the avg night low at 66-70F and supplemental lighting so I had hoped the change in environment would help nudge the plant into growth. I believe it worked over the last three days since her newest growth has some roots coming in. I also have some new root activity and this eye that I believe is swelling and showing some growth.

Should I wait for further root development before repotting into semi-hydro or this this sufficient new root growth to repot her right away? I would've repotted her already but I think the eye will develop so I thought it might be better to wait after all but I don't have any experience growing this type of plant.

I have a feeling her old roots won't survive the transition. I was told this orchid likes to dry out between waterings. I know her new roots will be fine but I want to minimize the shock as much as possible.

Any input or advice about this would be greatly appreciated!

[estación seca]

You might find more on this plant searching on Myrmecatavola. The genus Schomburgkia was split up, and the species Schomburgkia tibicinis put into Myrmecophila.

I don't see a photo with your post. If there are new roots growing, now would be a good time to move to S/H.

You are correct that old roots mostly die when you make the move. It will be important to keep those new roots well-watered until they reach the wet zone in your container. This means you might have to water every day for a while after the move.

Edit: You can't post links here to a Dropbox. It requires a sign-in to see the photo. There are ways to post links from other photo-sharing sites. I haven't done this before; I upload my photos to Orchid Board. Others here can probably help.

There is a sticky thread on posting photos in the "About this board" forum, accessible via Forums in the left yellow menu.

[astrumes]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Edit: You can't post links here to a Dropbox. It requires a sign-in to see the photo. There are ways to post links from other photo-sharing sites. I haven't done this before; I upload my photos to Orchid Board. Others here can probably help.

Thank you so much! I edited the post with the photos attached.

I should just go ahead and repot? Do you think spraying the roots in the morning would be sufficient until the roots grow into the leca?

[Ray]

If root tips are emerging from the base of the plant, by all means pot it up.

[estación seca]

You can spray the roots in the morning, but the ones farther down in the LECA will also be taking up water. So even if you spray the roots in the morning, I would plan on watering the container often, every 2-3 days. Remember, every time you water, completely fill the container to the brim, then let it drain.

[Optimist]

I have a Recchara now in the family Mermecatovola It is a "Honky Tonk Woman." Like Francis Fox, it changes colors and so on, but this one is all red, so the flowers look iridescent and change from red to pink to purple (etc.) I was told never to allow it to go to bed wet-footed. For that reason, I do not think I would ever put it in semi-hydro. In fact, all of the mature cattleyas are in traditional large bark/lava rock, and I only have young seedling cattleyas in semi-hydroponic. Have you seen any other Francis Foxes that have thrived in semi-hydro?

[astrumes]

Thanks for all the advice! I went ahead and repotted the plant. I have a heat mat she will be staying on to help keep the water temp and root humidity steady. I flush my orchids twice a week until their established so I'm not too worried about the watering.

Optimist: this is my first myrmecatavola so I can't really say how this plant will do. I believe MissOrchidGirl (youtube) has hers in semi-hydro and was able to get a rebloom.

My plant is young and healthy and I live in a warm environment most of the year. I have high hopes that since the timing was right, my Frances Fox will recover and grow her new roots and adapt. I'll update the thread when there is any development to report if you're interested!