Too Late in the Year for S/H?

[Chlorophile]

I have recently gotten several new orchids that I would like to convert to S/H. I know that you are supposed to do it during new growth phases and right now my concern is that with days getting shorter and Fall around the corner there won't be time for new growth.

Would it be better to wait until Spring to transfer to S/H or is it ok to go ahead now?

[MrHappyRotter]

It's a valid concern, however, let the plants be your guide. The best time to repot is when you see new roots emerging, which is typically when plants are starting new growths or growing a new set of leaves.

Since you didn't tell us what kinds of orchids you're dealing with, I'll say that generally speaking, this isn't the worst time of year to repot, since the plants will still have a month or two to adjust before cold and dark fully kicks in. The main thing is, look for those new roots and use those as your guide.

It does also depend a bit on your growing conditions and whether you use supplemental / artificial lighting, what temperatures you're able to provide and whether you're able to adjust that (for instance with a seedling heat mat), and things of that nature.

All of that being said, as a general statement without knowing what kind you have, I would say that yes, it would be better to wait until spring. And yes, it probably would be okay to do it now given the plants are in active growth and you can provide the light & temps to support continued, healthy conditions for new root growth.

[Chlorophile]

The plants in question are onc. Twinkle, Onc. Heaven Scent, Phal. manii.

[estación seca]

The time to move to S/H is when new roots are growing. Those plants grow roots through the year if conditions are correct. For the Twinkle, wait until you just see new roots forming on new growth. Then move to S/H.

Phal. mannii wants to be quite warm through the year. S/H provides a cooler root zone than other potting methods, so it would be a good idea to put the Phal. mannii on a heat mat after the transition.

[Ray]

There is some good advice above, but you can extend the growing season by placing the newly-repotted plants on a seedling heat mat for a few weeks. Warmth in the root zone will accelerate their growth and the establishment of the plant. (So will KelpMax)