catt roots, question

[VickiC]

Hi,
Thanks for your reply and advice. You've also answered another question I've had on my mind. I've been wondering if stuffing packing peanuts into the hollow part would be a good idea....so thanks for answering my question.

Thanks again for your help,
Vicki

Originally Posted by 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.

[silken]

Thanks for the tips on your great growing VivkiC. 3 years is about how long I have been growing orchids as well so I guess I am a newbie still too. After last winter, I lost some plants from root rot, which was very discouraging. Mine are kept fairly cool (max 65F in the day and about 55 at night). So I likely over-watered for those temps. I have started to use a few clay pots as I think it helps prevent over wet roots for those of us with a heavy watering hand. I am also really trying not to over-water. I have increased the number of fans in the greenhouse and created a few little micro-climates. I am using KLN a little more frequently and just trying to be more careful overall. When it comes to outdoor gardening etc. I can grow almost anything, so it is rather frustrating to not do so well with the orchids. Live and learn as we go

[BobInBonita]

The discussions above about clay vs plastic, etc are a beautiful example of how there are different strokes for different folks.

In my opinion, you guys are catching onto the biggest secret of orchid growing. There is no absolute right or wrong, only what works for the way you grow (and the way each of us grows is just a little different).

There are some folks out there who will tell you in absolutes exactly how things have to be, but unless you grow the way they do (completely down the line). it just won't work. How others grow is a great starting place, but you have to expand, experiment, and learn what works for you. Unfortunately that means that there are occasional hard lessons, but those can turn into the best learning times because they stretch the limits of how you respond.

The BEST thing about OB, besides the wealth of knowledge, is the diversity of growing styles and opinions. This one thread really shows the expansion of knowledge and experience possible. Sorry to go all soppy on everyone, but thank you for letting me watch and participate.

[VickiC]

I have a heavy watering hand, also. I'm really trying to control myself, though. Sometimes it looks like some of my little orchids are just begging for water (before they should be watered), but I'm trying to use the "tough love" approach and not let them talk me into it.

I've had quite a few orchids die over the (approx.) 3 yrs. because of root rot. I've blamed this totally on my heavy watering hand, especially during periods of not much sun....but I learned from reading some past posts that the problem may not have been totally my fault. I understand that some orchids I bought might have already been sick, root-wise....so I could have gotten off to a bad start from the time I brought them home. It took me awhile to learn the importance of buying healthy orchids even though they may cost a few $ more. I think I tried to "rescue" too many orchids from big-box stores. That plus my heavy watering hand= disaster. Anyway, it was really discouraging that many orchids in my care failed miserably.

Same as you, I increased the fans in my greenhouse. One of my neighbors told me that it sounds like an air field when she walks into it.....sorta like jet planes. She was totally joking with me because my fans only create a slight breeze across my plants. Certainly not strong wind! The added fans have only increased air circulation (and they're not loud, either...despite her joking).

Also like you, I'm just trying to be overall careful.

As you say, live and learn as we go.
Good luck,
Vicki

Originally Posted by silken

Thanks for the tips on your great growing VivkiC. 3 years is about how long I have been growing orchids as well so I guess I am a newbie still too. After last winter, I lost some plants from root rot, which was very discouraging. Mine are kept fairly cool (max 65F in the day and about 55 at night). So I likely over-watered for those temps. I have started to use a few clay pots as I think it helps prevent over wet roots for those of us with a heavy watering hand. I am also really trying not to over-water. I have increased the number of fans in the greenhouse and created a few little micro-climates. I am using KLN a little more frequently and just trying to be more careful overall. When it comes to outdoor gardening etc. I can grow almost anything, so it is rather frustrating to not do so well with the orchids. Live and learn as we go

[krystle]

wow amazing roots looks extremely happy!

[silken]

Hey Bob, your insight on this whole discussion points out the fact that there are no hard and fast rules and only guidelines and that is true.

I too appreciate the wealth of info obtained from OB. It's hard to find someone in a smaller community who is growing the same things in a similar way so OB opens up the fields in a huge way. Glad you joined us in this one Bob.

[RobS]

Yes I plan to change all my Cattleya / Encyclia / Barkeria to clay pots. I always have the issue with plastic that the top half of the medium is dry and the lower half is still humid. This isn't the case with clay. Plants that don't mind or even like their roots humid all the time are better of in plastic.

[VickiC]

Both my orchid and I thank you, Krystle,
Vicki

Originally Posted by krystle

wow amazing roots looks extremely happy!

[VickiC]

Thank you, Rob!
Vicki

Originally Posted by RobS

Yes I plan to change all my Cattleya / Encyclia / Barkeria to clay pots. I always have the issue with plastic that the top half of the medium is dry and the lower half is still humid. This is the case with clay. Plants that don't mind or even like their roots humid all the time are better of in plastic.

[VickiC]

Ditto!

Vicki

Originally Posted by silken

Hey Bob, your insight on this whole discussion points out the fact that there are no hard and fast rules and only guidelines and that is true.

I too appreciate the wealth of info obtained from OB. It's hard to find someone in a smaller community who is growing the same things in a similar way so OB opens up the fields in a huge way. Glad you joined us in this one Bob.