catt roots, question

[VickiC]

As for pickup lines, "love your roots" would be a first (as far as I know). At least, no one has ever used it on me.

I really do appreciate you and help (both Bobs??) advising me! I soaked the roots, as well as misted them. I know now what you mean about misting to remove the smaller pieces. You were right...I was amazed.

Thanks again,
Vicki

Originally Posted by BobInBonita

Love your roots (is that an orchid pick-up line?)

I agree with Help above - I'd try to remove as much of the old as possible. I've done the "just plop it in" and usually regret it. Another thing to try is to use a fine spray to rinse out the smaller chunks. Once you get an opening, by moving the spray around, it's amazing how much you can get out. Just don't use a really high pressure. If it feels gentle on my wrist, I use it. If it feels like needles, I turn it down.

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[johnblagg]

That is an amazing mass of incredibly healthy roots..

[VickiC]

Thanks for replying, John.

Yes, apparently my orchid was happy, and that makes me happy, too.....especially since I'm not an experienced grower. I've repotted it now, so please keep your fingers crossed that it likes it's new home.

Vicki

Originally Posted by johnblagg

That is an amazing mass of incredibly healthy roots..

[RobS]

My first reaction was to pry the roots apart as good as possible. Then I took a good look at the pictures and understand your dillema.

However I still think that my first reaction is the right one. Take them apart. Yes you will damage a lot of them but it will enable you to remove all the old media and roots. If you put them in a pot like this you also risk having a lump of decomposing roots in the pot in 2-3 years from now. The plant roots easily and should be able to recover quickly.

And yes clay over plastic as clay leaves no moist spots that will cause your roots to rot especially when you decide to keep the root mass intact (which I can completly understand).

Nvm just read the job is done good luck.

[silken]

What an amazing amount of roots. Getting lots of healthy roots is my downfall so I am always amazed to see such a display. Any tips? I would think the plant likes the clay pot and one of the few that I have in a clay pot does seem to be thriving. I think I will try a few more at re-planting time.

[Queenslander]

Wow what roots! Let us know your fertilizing secrets and potting mix.

[Orchid126]

You might not want to mess with those gorgeous roots unless you see new green tips and growth. Messing with roots when they aren't growing can set the plant back. If they aren't growing, then pot up. That is, only move it to a bigger pot without disturbing anything. You can clean out the hollow center and stuff some packing peanuts up there so you won't have a mess of media there that stays wet with no roots to absorb it.

If you do decide to tease the roots, soak them in warm water for a couple of hours to make them more pliable.

[VickiC]

Hi Rob,
Even though I've already repotted it, I appreciate your advice and potted exactly as you advised.

If you don't mind, I have another question, please. Do you pot all of your orchids in clay? No plastic? I've never thought about plastic having moist spots whereas clay does not. That's interesting and makes very good sense. All of my phals are in plastic because I've gotten advice in the past that it's best to pot phals in plastic so the roots can get light. I understand they photosynthesize (??) Correct?

I would appreciate your advice for my repottings in the future.
Thanks for your reply and help,
Vicki

Originally Posted by RobS

My first reaction was to pry the roots apart as good as possible. Then I took a good look at the pictures and understand your dillema.

However I still think that my first reaction is the right one. Take them apart. Yes you will damage a lot of them but it will enable you to remove all the old media and roots. If you put them in a pot like this you also risk having a lump of decomposing roots in the pot in 2-3 years from now. The plant roots easily and should be able to recover quickly.

And yes clay over plastic as clay leaves no moist spots that will cause your roots to rot especially when you decide to keep the root mass intact (which I can completly understand).

Nvm just read the job is done good luck.

[VickiC]

Hi,
I'm proud of the healthy roots, but lots of nice roots are not common for me, unfortunately. That is my downfall, as well.

I actually have no tips. I'm a pretty new grower...less than 3 yrs., so these healthy roots may be just luck, or maybe I'm doing things right. ?? I'll know better when I repot my next orchid. If you're serious about "tips", I'll be glad to share with you how I grow in my conditions, if you're interested.

Whatever the case, I hope your orchids do well....lots of nice roots! I'm sure you're a very good grower and are just being modest.

Thanks for your reply,
Vicki

Originally Posted by silken

What an amazing amount of roots. Getting lots of healthy roots is my downfall so I am always amazed to see such a display. Any tips? I would think the plant likes the clay pot and one of the few that I have in a clay pot does seem to be thriving. I think I will try a few more at re-planting time.

[VickiC]

Hi,
Sorry...I have no secrets. I haven't been growing long enough to have acquired any. I just try to do as all of you here on Orchid Board advise, taking my growing conditions in consideration. As for fertilizer, I water weakly weekly with MSU-type for well water with a bit of KLN rooting hormone added. My potting mixes have just been trial and error. I'm still learning what's best for each orchid type in my conditions. This catt was potted in mostly med. fir bark, with small parts of charcoal and hydroton. I repotted it in a new mix of the same, as well as in a clay pot...same as I initially potted it in. All of my catts are in clay, so you and I are on the same wave length.

Good luck with your repottings and thanks for your reply,
Vicki

Originally Posted by silken

What an amazing amount of roots. Getting lots of healthy roots is my downfall so I am always amazed to see such a display. Any tips? I would think the plant likes the clay pot and one of the few that I have in a clay pot does seem to be thriving. I think I will try a few more at re-planting time.