Repotting Orchids that came in an arrangement.

[peacefuldusk]

I have two orchids that I have had since May. They came in an arrangement that included a branch, moss, and two succulents. The container is a plastic rectangle box inside of a wooden rectangluar box. There is no drainage. I knew I should have taken them out already but they seemed to be doing pretty well and the arrangment was so nice I left them alone. I have posted pics of what they looked like when I got them, in an album under my profile (it wont let me post links here yet)

Anyway, the box is now all moldy underneath and rotted out the bottom. I wanted to ask if it is ok to repot them at this time in their cycle, one has a new leaf halfway grown and the other has grown a foot long spike from the top of the spike I trimmed and it has some unopened buds on it, it started growing a new leaf also last week.

Thanks for the help

PS anyone ever seen a branch like this before, it is so nice I wonder if I can repot it somehow with another type of plant. Any Ideas?

[terra_australis]

That's a very well constructed arrangement but I have no idea why someone would put cacti with a an orchid that needs near constant moisture. Is it possible to simply drill some holes through the bottom for drainage so you can put off a repot until it finishes blooming? Phals will stay in flower for ages.

[dounoharm]

it wont hurt the phals to be repotted while they are in growth....better to get em out of a mouldy environment into some nice fresh bark....the succulents will thank you too for a repot....dig in!

[skiye021683]

I'm new at this too so I'm not really sure what the answer is to your question. I just wanted to say welcome and that really is a pretty arrangement you have. I don't blame you for just leaving it alone

[Fishmom]

You know, if you want to keep the arrangement you could re-pot and put the orchid in a separate container and the small succulents in their own pots. They would probably be more likely to survive that way, as you could limit the water and give the orchid what it needs also. Repotting a phal will not hurt it as long as you are gentle with the roots; it will be happier with fresh medium and good drainage. You also will be able to check the condition of the roots, which may soon show damage from the lack of drainage.

By the way, if you just comment on a few threads on the site, you will be able to post pictures; it only takes 5 posts. Welcome, and have fun!

[peacefuldusk]

Thanks everyone, I am going to repot them now, I dont want to risk some kind of mold growth if I wait longer. I had that on another orchid and I am still having problems with that one. That will be another post question!


I decided I am going to repot the branch in a new container as well and cover it in airplants.

[terra_australis]

Originally Posted by peacefuldusk

Thanks everyone, I am going to repot them now, I dont want to risk some kind of mold growth if I wait longer. I had that on another orchid and I am still having problems with that one. That will be another post question!

I decided I am going to repot the branch in a new container as well and cover it in airplants.

Sounds like a much better idea than succulents