Should I switch to s/h or not?

[NewBloom]

Hi gang,

I've been flirting with the idea of switching my catt to s/h. I've got 5 new roots. There are 2 new canes growing (they're about 4 inches now).

The reason I'm hesitating is that since I got this plant in February it's been repotted twice. The first repot came in late March after it had finished blooming. I stayed with bark medium and let it grow outside under shade. Between March and May, the new canes appeared and I thought all was going great.

A gardener friend mentioned that my growing spot didn't have good air flow and I should keep an eye on my orchids because of the heat and humidity here. I poked around and found that the catt's roots had become rotted and mushy. This lead to the second repot in early June.

Most of the roots had to be removed and what I was left with wasn't that great. Instead of straight bark, I used a mix of Hydroton and Repotme's Dendrobium mix with some small Coconut chips. I relocated all the orchids and got fans... Fast forward to August and I see new roots burrowing into the medium. The plant is finally stable in the pot which was a problem before because of its C-shape.

The new roots aren't that far down that it's too late to switch to s/h but I question whether I should just leave well enough alone. It's to the point where it's now or never. The canes are very wrinkled, you'd think I never water this plant. But maybe the wrinkling is irreversible and I should accept it.

This is my first catt and I'm not as confident with this plant as I am with others in my collection. I thought s/h would cover the areas where I'm deficient. But then, if I've helped the plant to throw out new roots and the new growth is happening then I can't be all that bad.

I've only got 2 months experience with s/h on a phal so I'd appreciate the feedback of experienced growers. Should I go ahead with the switch or would it be too stressful?

[vcuchick]

I say leave as be...You really have to move into S/H when the roots are just starting...but from your description, the plant might be getting adjusted to the new environment and already is stressed enough. My concern is that if you move it into S/H now, you'll kill it. I've heard not to use "intermediate" potting medium when you transfer to S/H...I think the plant will be happy in the medium it's in now. The pseudobulbs will come back once it grows new roots.

Do you use a nursery tray to grow your plants? I recommend buying a seeding heating mat- easily found on any website or lawn care store...you put it under your plants and it warms up the root zone even if the air temps are cooler and promotes good root growth. I also HIGHLY recommend investing in a bottle of SuperThrive. I started using it about 2 months ago when my collection was recovering from a fungus outbreak...and now everything has new growth and blooming ! (off season too!) I would love pictures.

[zaeem]

New Bloom Hi!

I think your second repotting seems ok.Coconut chips, bark and Charcoalor crocks will support the Catt.with sunshine (part of The Day).Water/spray daily if outside in partial sun.
Dont stress the Plant,more psudo bulbs will grow.fertilize as per your location ,with root hormone.
zaeem

[NewBloom]

Thank you both for your input. I'm going to leave the plant as is.

Vcuchick, I don't use plant trays for my 'chids. I've read about the seedling mats on this forum but with the current low temps hovering around 80, is a seedling mat too much? I grow the plants outside.

I've seen Superthrive in stores but there have been mixed reviews on this website so I've resisted the urge to buy it. Yours is the first ringing endorsement I've read. Now I'm tempted to give it a try on a lagging phal. I currently use DynaGro's KLN Rooting Hormone whenever I repot and to get the plants established. I'm impressed with it. From what I understand you shouldn't both Superthrive and KLN at once.

Thanks again for your advice.

[Ray]

I generally agree with what has been said above - it sounds like the plant is getting nicely established in the new medium, and it is likely a bit late to move it to S/H culture.

Yes, even in 80-degree temperatures, a heat mat can accelerate rooting, but if your plant is progressing as you say, you probably don't need one now. When you DO decide to, be sure to get one that is UL-approved. A friend bought one that isn't, and it shorted out from the water.

Both k-L-N and SuperThrive contain synthetic rooting hormones and vitamin B1. If you're using one, there is no need to switch to the other.