Repotting scare

[tom499]

In the time i've grown orchids i havent done much in the way or repotting. I've so far only attempted it on my older phals. So far though for each one i've done it, it seems to slow or stop their growth, roots die off, and they look very unhappy. I have a few orchids that will need to be repotted in a few months, which include my favourite paph and den. I'm scared stiff they will go the same way.

the phals i repotted were too big for their pot, so i put them in similiar medium in a slightly bigger pot. But then all the root died, and i ended up having to pot them in smaller pots than their original should i have just given them longer to get used to their new pot, or is there something else i should do, im seriosly scared of repotting orchids!

[Sharyn]

Tom: Did you inspect the roots carefully when you repotted? All black or dark brown roots should be removed with a sterilized tool. You mentioned that all the roots died. Do you have any roots left at all?

Most of my phals. are in 4 inch pots, even the ones with pretty large leaves. I usually sterilize the pot and reuse. Be careful of using a pot that's too big - that will definitely slow down the growth. Unless your plants are very large, I doubt you need anything larger than a 4" pot.

[prisana]

Did you say "all" the roots died ? It's been a year since I repotted any phals but I repot other orchids almost daily ( accidents ) I had a few of my phals looking quite unhappy following the big day, but all of them bounce back nicely. Could be luck, could be normal. If your roots are no where to be found you might try putting it in sphag (sphag & bag ) in sterilized a jar or bag and seal it, if you have any rooting hormones, you might want to sprinkle some on the roots . You can also leave it in the pot.. after sprinkling the roots ( or no roots ) with hormones , pot it normally, go easy on the water and light for a couple of weeks..it should be ok. It worked for me.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

That Dendrobium should be repotted right away if it needs it and can't wait another year, as you want to repot when the new growth is just starting new roots. The Paph should get repotting every year or sooner. If it has been longer than a year, you are walking on thin ice and should repot very soon.