Would you repot these? - Orchid Board

bballr4567 · #1 01-19-2012, 03:05 PM

So, I got my orchids about two weeks ago and both are in spike.

The Liu's Triprince has two healthy spikes with buds on them. It it is planted in moss and it does go dry within a week of watering, not that it needs much as the pot is tiny. Yet, I still want to replant in a slightly bigger container so its easier to handle and doesnt want to tip over as much.

Also, not a repotting question, but should I worry about the tips of the spikes going the direction they are? Are they trying to make it towards the light?

The Burning Star has a very immature spike. Its maybe two inches long. This plant does not dry well at all. The medium is still damp from its first watering. This is the one Im worried about leaving in the moss until its finished its bloom cycle. Its spike is also going horizontal but it was straight up when I got it. I also assume its trying to go after the light but could be wrong.

Gage · #2 01-19-2012, 03:17 PM

If it were me, I would repot the second one because it needs it, and the first one to put it in a medium and pot I am comfortable with. But if the first one is drying quickly enough I might just put it down in a clay pot for stability and wait to repot until it really needs it or I'm nervous about something in the roots. On the other hand, the sooner you repot it the easier it will be to remove the moss from the nooks and crannies of the roots.

bballr4567 · #3 01-19-2012, 03:20 PM

That is what I was thinking with the first. The only issue is that I cant find a clay pot around here small enough! Plenty of 3" deep ones and I even have a few 3.5" ones but they are too big.

Only thing with clay is that I cant see whats going on inside with them. Being new, I dont know how their water regimen is.

Call_Me_Bob · #4 01-19-2012, 03:29 PM

If it were me, i would repot both. i dont do very well with moss, and grow all my phals in bark. i would repot.

Gage · #5 01-19-2012, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bballr4567

That is what I was thinking with the first. The only issue is that I cant find a clay pot around here small enough! Plenty of 3" deep ones and I even have a few 3.5" ones but they are too big.

Only thing with clay is that I cant see whats going on inside with them. Being new, I dont know how their water regimen is.

I grow my mini Phals in sphagnum moss in 2.25" plastic slotted pots. If it's a top heavy one, or if I'm putting out on the table for display, I just set the plastic pot down in a 3" clay pot. Even if it were a bigger clay pot, it's just to keep it from toppling over, it doesn't need to "fit" inside the clay pot. Besides, with my slotted pots they will get still air circulation in a "too big" clay pot, which is good.

bballr4567 · #6 01-19-2012, 03:36 PM

Ahhh, cant believe I didnt think of that. I should have some bottles that I can make into a homemade pot pretty easily.

Bud · #7 01-19-2012, 03:37 PM

By all means repot them...it will also give you a chance to find out about the root conditions. it might boost the buds for a bigger flower...

bballr4567 · #8 01-19-2012, 03:40 PM

Repot will happen after class today.

What about the spikes changing directions on me?

Call_Me_Bob · #9 01-19-2012, 03:43 PM

thats probably just the spikes following the light

Lagoon · #10 01-19-2012, 03:52 PM

Just me - I would'nt be rushing to repot these orchids up. Both are in spike with one spike forming buds and the other has new leaf growth, if you repot now you could stunt the new leaf and blast those buds. Been there, done that.

Instead I would remove a few wads of the moss, help dry them out abit this way you can have alook at the roots. 7 to 10 days is not along time for this kinda moss to dry out, most ppl growing in this type of media shoot for that time duration.

If the pot feels heavy then don't water. If the moss is still very damp then don't water. If the roots are dark green then don't water yet.

The pot should feel fairly light to pick up and the moss should just feel slightly damp before you water again.
You can use a wooden BBQ skewer, just place it down inside the media and check every couple of days. If its slight damp then thats you're cue to think about watering you're orchids. Don't be nervous, just alil water at a time.

Pull some of that moss out (easy does it) and check the roots make sure there healthy and happy.

We're hear to help you, this hobby is supposed to be fun