How do I repot this Asctm. miniatum? - Orchid Board

Gage · #1 08-09-2011, 06:57 PM

Any creative advice for removing the roots from the plastic basket so I can move it to a wooden basket? I certainly don't want to cause any unnecessary damage. I was thinking of waiting till I see roots growing, then soaking it in warm-ish water and gently removing each root one at a time. Then I guess I would use tin snips to cut the basket up where necessary. You guys got anything better?

Kelo · #2 08-09-2011, 07:25 PM

I would try the warm water method first and take your time loosening the roots. You may be sorely tried but it would be worth it!

Gage · #3 08-09-2011, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelo

I would try the warm water method first and take your time loosening the roots. You may be sorely tried but it would be worth it!

Take my time, I like it. I suppose if I take my time I can't go wrong. So now I wait for signs of root growth... wait... wait...

Kelo · #4 08-09-2011, 08:13 PM

LOL When I'm watering my plants I get lost in a trance so maybe you can get into a Zen-like state when handling the roots lol.

Ray · #5 08-10-2011, 09:30 AM

Soak the thing first, giving the roots a bit more pliability.

I would go with kitchen shears instead of tin snips, but only due to the narrower, pointier blades to reach better.

Gage · #6 08-10-2011, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

Soak the thing first, giving the roots a bit more pliability.

I would go with kitchen shears instead of tin snips, but only due to the narrower, pointier blades to reach better.

Thanks. The reason I mentioned tin snip is because the basket is super intense, more than any of my other heavy duty scissors could handle.

Lorraine · #7 08-10-2011, 10:38 AM

Will the plastic basket fit into a shallow wood basket? I lost a beautiful Ascda when I tried that years ago. I have found that just cutting through the plastic and what ever comes off in pieces naturally without much disturbing of the roots is best. I have also made a wood basket shallower by removing the wire taking out a layer and re-wiring then putting the whole pot in. (Thanks HD for the wire used for drop ceilings )

glengary54 · #8 08-10-2011, 02:39 PM

Gage - Why would you want to put into a wooden basket here in Florida? It looks perfectly content to be where it is.

Gage · #9 08-10-2011, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glengary54

Gage - Why would you want to put into a wooden basket here in Florida? It looks perfectly content to be where it is.

Mostly aesthetics, but also humidity.

glengary54 · #10 08-10-2011, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gage

Mostly aesthetics, but also humidity.

I would leave it in the plastic basket and put basket and all into the new wooden basket. Or wait until next year when it will have a whole growing season to recoup from the inevitable root damage. Just my