Looking for potting suggestions

[BGGraham1]

Hi all! Recently I acquired this Encyclia prismatocarpa. Its quite beautiful. I have been finding it a little challenging, however, because it is growing sideways and is a little difficult to manage at watering time. Does anyone have a suggestion as to how I might be able to repot this one? And should I wait until it is done blooming?

[syndywindy]

I have this orchid and mine hasn't grown sideways like yours has. But it definitely looks like it could use a bigger pot. I believe mine is in a 8" pot(mine is larger than yours) so maybe that could be why mine is growing more upright, but don't know that for sure. I have mine potted in a mix of CHC,medium bark, perlite and charcoal. Mine looks like it is just starting spikes, I see 3 maybe 4 just appearing. When and if you repot, be sure to put the back bulbs closer to the edge of the pot and leave room for the new growths to come.

[BGGraham1]

Is it okay to repot while it is flowering? I bought it in bloom on 7/9, and the flowers look the same as they did they day I brought it home. I've got two new growths coming, and want to make sure I don't make a mistake.

[Shannara]

I'd go ahead a repot. Whenever I get a new orchid I want to get it out of it's medium immediately and assess the roots then repot and get it started on accclimating to my mix. The blooms might blast but I am not worried about that. I would want to repot that one simply because I would be afraid of it toppling over and damaging itself.

I say go for it if possible bloom blast isn't a conern (I rarely see it negatively affect my blooming orchids).

Shann~

[BGGraham1]

Thanks, Shann! I bow down to the Queen! I'll start soaking my mix tonight.

[cable]

It looks like there's a new growth forming, so it should be a good time to repot! The plant will appreciate it, even if its immediate response is to drop its flowers (unlikely, I think).

[retroresale]

Wow, it looks like it is trying to find itself a new pot

[Filb]

What a beautiful plant! I love the shape of its pseudobulbs! This one has been on my list for a while.

Sorry I don't really have much else to add. A repot would probably do it well. Though, it would be better if you see any new roots popping or other new growth. It would take to the new potting better that way.

[syndywindy]

I agree with Shann, you can go ahead and repot while it is in bloom. I do it all the time and have never lost blooms because of it.

[BGGraham1]

Originally Posted by syndywindy

I agree with Shann, you can go ahead and repot while it is in bloom. I do it all the time and have never lost blooms because of it.

Thank you, Synda. I bought an azalea pot yesterday and will drill some extra holes in it today. My mix is soaking and i'm ready!

[otis 226]

Brigitte, some of the experts have already spoken. I'll just add FWIW that if it were mine, I too would go ahead and repot. I think this beautiful plant will appreciate it.
Good growing,
Tony