Re potting

[mbasden]

I am needing some information on re-potting a Stanhopea Oculata. I have it in a basket without any moss or tree bark. It is bare root, really. Should I take the basket away from it or leave it in the basket and put it in a new larger basket? I think the old basket is very crowded at this time and I need to know if the old basket can be removed without harm to the plant. It is in a growth spurt at this time also. Any suggestions?

[articuno75]

Well, it depends. Is your basket wooden? If it's wooden, then I'd leave it. Eventually the wood would deteriorate. As for plastic,,,,if it's super crowded You might have to cut it off. I don't know about placing a basket within a basket for them. I'd be afraid that the inflorescences couldn't make their way out and down, out of the holes/slots, causing deformities or failure to bloom.

[mbasden]

I wish I had a picture, but I am not as computer savvy as alot of the geeks. But try to envision an elephant squeezing into a pair of shorts. It is a very healthy plant with no place to go. The p-bulbs sort of worm their way out and then fill out and get bigger. The basket is wooden, by the way and maybe it will deteriorate.

[articuno75]

Since it's wooden, then I'd say try putting it into another wooden basket. The first wood basket would be enough to retain moisture like bark. Maybe get the next basket a couple of sizes bigger so that the everything fits comfortably without having to squeeze everything into place.

[mbasden]

Thanks, J. I will do that.

[kmarch]

mbasden,

Stanhopeas need mix. I have mine potted in plastic baskets that have approximately 1cm slots in the bottom for the flower spikes to come out. They're pretty tough plants and respond well to repotting, at least in my experience. They like to be a bit on the moist side so they need to be in some sort of mix unless you're watering really a lot.

The "O" in Stanhopea oculata should not be capitalized as it is a species name.

[mbasden]

Kmarch-Thanks I may need to re-basket and set some mix along the inside to retain the moisture. You are right the inflorences come out of the bottom of the basket and hang pendulous. The flowers are very fragrant but unlike alot of other orchids do not last very long. A few days at the most.