cattleya fustration

[Rinzo]

so i have a few cattleys that i have had for years and i cant get them to do anything, 3 of them i feel like their growth is stunted because they barely grow at all. Im wondering if the potting media is whats wrong, i just have them in small bark chips. One of my cattleys is potted in aussie gold orchid mix and that thing blooms twice a year for me.

tips?

[isurus79]

We definitely need pics to be sure. It kinda sounds like you've figured it out already.

[Rinzo]

[Rinzo]

ive had them since 04

[silken]

A little bit more of a close-up of roots would help. At first glance, they look over-potted. They should be somewhat underpotted so that there is only room for a year or two of new growth. When was the last time you changed the potting media? Do the pots have excellent drainage and aeration?

[keithrs]

I would go with 3/4" rock or a LECA product like hydroton for potting. Also try to use distilled, RO, or rain water if you can.

[isurus79]

So your plants have been in there since '04? I would definitely repot them!! Wait until they have a new growth throwing new roots though. Repotting them without new roots coming out would probably just add to their stress.

[isurus79]

Also, like silken said, they need pots that are much smaller.

[keithrs]

Personally I would repot them ASAP..... Most of the time repotting will stimulate new roots. When you repot, remove all the dead stuff ect. and soak the plant in a kelp extract. This may help in stimulating new root tips. Ray has shown good results with his SOLO product.

I think 3 1/2-4" unglazed terra cotta pots would work well....

[tucker85]

I agree, the catts in the picture need to be in smaller pots with a chunky medium that will allow for fast drying and more air to the roots.