Psychopsis Mariposa

[Roberta]

I have found Psychopsis to be very unforgiving of having roots disturbed. Doing so can make them sulk for years, or just decide to die. If you really must repot, shake off what comes easily but disturb as little as possible. Or ideally not at all.

[farley101]

Definitely what I don't want to happen Roberta!

When I was unpacking the plant the pot fell off, that is how I know it is planted in about 2 inches of sphag and the rest packing peanuts.

I would feel a lot better if it was in a much sturdier pot that can handle the size of the plant. I may keep the idea of the peanuts and add some river rock to the bottom to give some heft and keep the amount of moss limited.

Not going to mess with the existing medium, I'll probably just wrap it with more moss so it fits in a larger pot and call it a day. I'm clumsy enough around my plants, I don't need the pot add to that!

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I have found Psychopsis to be very unforgiving of having roots disturbed. Doing so can make them sulk for years, or just decide to die. If you really must repot, shake off what comes easily but disturb as little as possible. Or ideally not at all.

It could be true Roberta. Although, a couple of years or so ago - at an orchid show, I purchased a Mendenhall 'Hildos' on impulse - only because I saw some photos of it online, with the flowers looking like yellow robots or something. Other people see other shapes hahaha.

Anyway, I can't remember what it was growing in now, but I did the regular thing - unpotted it, removed all the existing medium from roots, and popped it into 5 to 8 mm average diameter scoria. It continued growing - business as usual.

Doing really well in scoria. I didn't know what to expect actually heheheh. It's my only Psychopsis. I had only tried scoria because my paphs and phrags are doing nicely in it here. And the leaves of Psychopsis just reminded me of paph/phrag leaves.