BLC severely pot-bound?

[boytjie]

New to the board. Hello, everyone! I have a BLC that I purchased from a nursery in Florida, and dragged all the way back to Upstate NY in my hand luggage. It's in a clay pot and is so pot-bound that the growing medium is fused to the roots in a solid mass, and nearly all of the external roots have attached themselves to the sides of the pot. Any hints on how to repot this puppy without killing it? Or... alternatively, could I just smash the pot, put the entire root mass into a larger pot, and put new medium around it? Thanks! Also... what is the best time of year to do anything with it?

[addictedcountryman]

lol no, sorry can't smash it. i would soak it for about thirty minutes to soften the roots to avoid breaks in the roots, pot and all, slowly "massage" the media away. it takes awhile.... i have spent many a hour over the sink (and clogged the garbage disposal ). can you post a pic? sorry, i am a glutton for thriving orchids. IF you do get frustrated and smash it, please wear safety goggles

[boytjie]

Here's a pic. The growing medium is completely fused into a solid mass -- hard to tell where the roots stop and the fir bark begins. What time of year might be best to attempt your "soak 'n pluck" method?

[addictedcountryman]

wow. you weren't kidding! typically once a year after blooming, when new roots are coming in, but since yours is obviously root bound.... now? if you don't it can grow into thin air and the growth will be thwarted. hopefully someone else can chime in- i know with vandas (often fused to the basket) it has been recommended to just place the basket into a larger basket and put media in between, but for you, you will have one heavy pot. I think you can also take the opportunity to separate some plants (i wouldn't... i like how this one is). SInce the pot is already crumbling, it won't be as hard.

[justatypn]

Its good to hear it's a clay pot. I have had this similar situation. I would soak the whole pot in water for about 15 minutes. This would allow the roots to soften and some or all will separate from the pot. If they do not I would break the pot and with this they will come apart. Some might not and if you want another soaking is in order. I have taken these steps and there are a few roots that are honory and refuse to part from the pot. You can also take a clean sharp knife and separate them this way. I would also soak the plant once it is pot/medium free in a rooting stimulant and repot accordingly. It is best to repot just before new roots sprout from the rhizome, after flowering or in the spring.

A normal regimen of mine and many other orchid growers is when you receive a new orchid part it from the others as well as repotting it in new medium.

[addictedcountryman]

yeah... it can be done. soak for at least thirty minutes (sorry to repeat myself). GOOD LUCK and keep me posted please

[Helen]

I have taken some potting lessons at Cloud's Orchid Nursery (in Canada) and they suggest gently breaking the pot and whatever roots are stuck to the clay leave it alone and pot with the clay chunks...of course soaking the pot first is a great idea...good luck! They also recommend NEVER using a clay pot...plastic is best in their opinion.

[justatypn]

I agree, plastic "clear" at that is the best, at least it's my opinion. Orchid roots love to be noisy , draw to the light.

I personally would not repot with the clay chunks. I try very hard not to reuse previous pots without sterilizing. But it's of ones choice.

Keep us posted on how it went. Good luck

[quiltergal]

I just repotted one that looked very similar to that. It was also in a clay pot. I soaked about 20 minutes and was able to gently pry most of the roots stuck to the outside off. Once they were loose I broke the pot. It made getting the inside roots out easier. Take your time and pick away as much old medium and pot shards as possible. I'm with Cheryl I don't like to leave leftovers when repotting.

[Vanessa]

If you are doing this over a sink...place a small piece of screen over the drain to catch the old medium. Quarter Acre Orchids sells a universal mesh type sink drain thingie. This thing saved my marriage!