Repotting semi-hydro

[janice]

I have several (approx. 12 ) various orchids in semi-hydro. Some have been in the hydro for two years....................I am wonderiing if and when they should be repotted/freshened??????????????? Can someone give me some insight. They are healthy and have bloomed.................just kind of wondering???

[articuno75]

Jay would know more about this. I think as long as the medium or the Hydroton doesn't break down, they can stay in there pretty much forever. Just as long as you flush the minerals that settle at the bottom of the water.

[jay]

I recently repotted a large Catt in S/H. It was in S/H for about a year and had outgrown its pot. When I took it out I found several dead roots. It did not have rot from being overwatered, but rather it was just the roots time to die. They were towards the back of the rhizome and were probably just past their time. Even though the media does not break down, the roots may. I still plan on checking every 1-2 years depending on the plant.

But that is just my opinion, can't say from too much experience since I have only repotted a couple.

[lmartiny]

I don't know, but I'm starting to think that if they are happy leave them alone.

[Orchid664]

I am growing most plants in S-H and only repot when the plant starts to grow over the edge of the pot. It is important to flush regularly to remove any salt build-up.

[janet_a]

yes, from what i've read, you only repot when they crawl out. have you seen

Welcome to First Rays Orchids

? lots of good info on there.

[CulpableCaptive]

They only need to be repotted when they either become root-bound or too large for the container (as in height or width) which they are in - whichever comes first.
There is no time limit with inert mediums as there is with medium which breaks down (such as every one or two years or when medium breaks down, disintegrates, holds too much water, etc. – this does not happen with inert planting medium).
It's a whole different ball game.

Although I only have about 8 years experience planting in passive (semi) hydroponics – I have found the above to be true and applicable in practice.

Also, I rarely if ever increase pot size with Monopodial or Sympodial orchids – unless I am looking to grow specimen plants – which I am not.
With Monopodial orchids I cut them down and trim the roots, using the same size pot.
With Sympodial orchids I remove a back bulb or three, trim the roots and place them back into the same pot size.
This is more of a personal preference than a necessity.