Needs new medium

[bronco]

I picked up this "Brassavola nodosa" epidendrum,in a hanging basket,at an orchid auction this past Saturday.
Looks to be in a bark mixture.
As you can see the roots are very happy and are growing in and out of the slots in the basket.Looks like screen was used in lining basket,than bark was added. Now I can't fiqure the best way to go about replacing the bark mix which looks like it needs to be replaced. Any ideas of how to best replace the mix.

[Oscarman]

That looks like a bit of a challenge. If it is actively growing, any root damage you cause should be quickly overcome.

It looks like you have 1 main clump with a smaller back section and space in between.

I would soak it well prior to the challenge.

[zxyqu]

Honestly, I might just consider leaving it as is. Can't really tell how NA the bark is, but if it's not mushy etc, it's obviously happy sound what it's doing. Though you may have to water it more as its basically mounted at this point.

[Bud]

It depends if you want to pot it or remain in a basket...all you need to do is invert it and hose it so all the decayed media will come loose...then put fresh media in the basket ...but you can put the whole thing inside a pot and cover it with media mix...

[bronco]

Upon closer inspection,it looks like mainly charcoal was used,unless the bark just completely decayed.
I think I will do as bud suggests and invert it, hose it out and add fresh bark mixture. It looks very happy in the basket and think it would go downhill if it were put in a pot and covered with medium.
Thanks for the replies.
Denny

[tucker85]

The previous posts gave you one good option, leaving it in that basket. Decaying medium doesn't cause much trouble in an open basket.

Many growers will just set the entire plastic basket inside a slightly larger wood basket and let it continue to grow undisturbed.

If you really want to repot it, it's not too difficult. Take some small nose clippers (like needle nose clippers) and cut the plastic basket into pieces, trying to avoid cutting too many roots. You'll damage a few roots but it can definately be done.

[bronco]

Thanks for info tucker. I might just do as you suggest and place the plastic basket and all in a bigger basket.
By the way I,as you, like that liquid seaweed.
How often do you use it on your plants.
Do you mist the leaves as well as the media also.
Denny

[RJSquirrel]

yup just put it into a bigger basket,,you will tear it up trying to do anything else and its such a nice looking plant you have there...the little bit of bark or charcoal in there is not doing much but being a grab bar for some roots stabilizing the plant. and as said isnt much a problem...

good luck with that nice plant!!

charcoal is good stuff...next time you do re-pot an orchid notice whats the roots are diggin into. mostly its the charcoal and I bet you can tell everyone why