When to repot - Orchid Board

birdbrain · #1 05-22-2018, 12:38 PM

Orchid lovers.... now that the flowers are past there prime what now? Does this orchid need to be repotted? I have repotted my phals I can do that. I’m not sure what to expect. Any advice? Thank you.....B

WhiteRabbit · #2 05-23-2018, 08:59 PM

(sorry, not one that I grow)

Roberta · #3 05-23-2018, 10:13 PM

I don't see a photo or an ID, but if it is in the Maxillaria forum I assume it is a Maxillaria or related genus. If a Maxillaria, they tend to resent having roots disturbed. So unless the mix is broken down, don't be in a rush. As with all orchids, new growth is the best sign of being ready for repotting. Don't be aggressive about removing old media... just plop into new medium and let it do its thing. But for more specific info, more info (like which one?) would be helpful.

Dollythehun · #4 05-23-2018, 10:58 PM

It's a Zygopetalum. The roots are brittle. Follow Roberta's suggestion, just gently clean up the root ball and move it into one size bigger pot. They like to be moist, not sopping, so plan for that.

birdbrain · #5 05-24-2018, 01:17 AM

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my cries of help. I got an iPhone for moms day I don't completely have the ins & outs of vs my OLD android. In other words I thought I uploaded a pic of my zygo. I'll try again. I'm not sure exactly what it is, the trader Joe's tag read dendrobium nobile. I got it cuz it wasn't a phal (I have 3 phals) wanted something different. Be careful what you wish for. Lol I've repotted all my phals they seem to be happy and thriving. Zygo hybrid is a little out of my comfort zone and my knowledge. It seems to be doing good flowers definitely past there prime hanging on by the flower stalk clips. When or do I cut the flower stalk like I would with my phals? Do I look for a keike? Thank you for you valued knowledge and also taking the time to read my thread......B

Roberta · #6 05-24-2018, 02:12 AM

Zygo spikes don't produce keikis or new flowering branches the way Phals sometimes do. So when the flowers finish, the spike is done. Personally, I am in no hurry to cut old spikes until they dry up and turn brown, since the plant can "recycle" the tissue contained in that stem. However, if you don't want to look at it, you can cut the old spike before it dries up, won't do any harm, and it's not going to produce anything more. . When it is done blooming, you can repot. As Dollyththun said, you can gently clean up the root ball, but don't try to take off all the old medium. Just shake off what comes easily, perhaps rinse under the faucet, and put it into the next size pot (maybe an inch larger) I'd suggest small bark, since it does want to stay more moist than a Phal would.

birdbrain · #7 05-25-2018, 06:51 PM

Thank you especially Dollythehun and Roberta for taking the time for helping me. I appreciate the advice you gave me. Im listening too. My zygo looks perfectly content for now. Orchids are so different that what I’m i ingrained with. Orchids are not the only thing i grow. I have catcti, succulents, etc all grown indoors. I absolutely love all my plants. Orchids are teaching me ways of new thinking. Orchids are kinda new experience for me. I really having fun. Again thank you I’d be lost without OrchidBoard and it’s members....B