re-potting a phalaenopsis hybrid? - Orchid Board

Mastiff · #1 05-12-2009, 09:08 AM

Last november my best friend gives me as a present for my new home a white hybrid of phalaenopsis, which is still growing well. But I have a doubt about it, because it is placed in a clay pot (very nice looking) which has no hole to let water flow away. I have been very carefull when watering to avid rotting problems and since now everything has gone fine. Do you think I should re-pot it as soon as possible or I could wait until next spring? Leaves and roots are still good looking.

violetta · #2 05-12-2009, 10:14 AM

Pots without holes are sure death for orchids, the roots will rot sooner or later. I think you should repot it before it's too late!

camille1585 · #3 05-12-2009, 10:42 AM

If the pot has no holes, it would be better to repot soon. Despite the fact that you are being careful, the purpose of holes is also to provide some air flow, which orchid roots need very much. Now is actually the best time to repot since most orchids are entering their active growth phase. If you can, repot in a clear pot. It's easier to monitor watering needs by looking at root color, and it also allows the roots to photosynthesize, giving more energy to the plant!

let_it_grow · #4 05-12-2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camille1585

it also allows the roots to photosynthesize, giving more energy to the plant!

Is it bad to have white roots rather than green? Both my phals have white roots at the bottom...the top of the roots are green. One is in S/H in a clay pot and the other is in a clear plastic pot sitting in a clay pot. Both are growing well... 2 new leaves each within the past 4 months or so. I never really considered letting the roots get light too

camille1585 · #5 05-12-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by let_it_grow

Is it bad to have white roots rather than green? Both my phals have white roots at the bottom...the top of the roots are green. One is in S/H in a clay pot and the other is in a clear plastic pot sitting in a clay pot. Both are growing well... 2 new leaves each within the past 4 months or so. I never really considered letting the roots get light too

Normally for phals that are in clear pots, when you water the roots you can see will turn green, and when they are dry they become silvery/white.(the dry velamen is less transparent, so hides the green) The roots at the center of the pot, and Phals that are in non-clear pots will always be white/yellow, even when you water them. That's because they don't get light, so no chloroplasts to make the green color.

Mastiff · #6 05-12-2009, 04:49 PM

Do you think I shoul re-pot it now even if it is flowered?

let_it_grow · #7 05-12-2009, 05:21 PM

You could drill holes in the pot with a glass drill bit (careful ... the bits get HOT) I did that with a couple of my pots for drainage

Regarding the white roots... its not the silvery skin on the outside of the roots its the root itself. The roots are a cream colour I'm guessing cause the clear pot is set in a clay pot so the roots get no light. I just never thought about giving the roots light to photosynthesize

Mastiff · #8 05-13-2009, 05:56 AM

Maybe I should wait to repot until it is not more flowered, what do you think?

Mastiff · #9 05-16-2009, 07:46 AM

Thanks to all of you for your advices. Very wise advices. After cheking the roots 2 days ago, I decided to repot it immediately. Now my Phal looks fine, she seems to be not demaged by the loss of some of its roots. Think I have done the right thing. The new pot is in clear plastic ad with a good drenaige, a little smaller than the previous one.

Thank you again