Loose growing medium

[andyt]

Hi all,
I'm new to orchid growing, I have a phaleonopsis that has become loose in its pot. I'm not sure if it has taken a tumble and nobody has told me or if it happens over time anyway (I've had it about 4 months), but as it is, I could easily lift it right out of the pot, it's so loose.
It is in bark, and I'm just unsure how to make it more secure in the pot. I have another of these, a paph and a dendrobium, and they are all secure in their pots, so I'm concerned about this one.

any help gratefully received
andyt

[greg_s]

AndyT,

Might not be too big of an issue unless it takes another tumble. I would say leave it until it is out of bloom, then repot it. Unless it is really hainging out of the pot and you don't feel comfortable leaving it the way it is. I would, however look for exposed roots and take care not to let them dry out. Maybe throw some more bark in on top of anything that has been exposed. Keep the roots moist and happy and I would think it should make it to your next repot.

Hope this helps.

Greg

[andyt]

thanks greg_s,
there are a few surface roots drying out, now you mention it, but room in the pot to cover them with more bark. I'll do that. When it comes to repotting, I see there is plenty info elsewhere on the forum to help.

As you can see, I'm new to the game (1st post). it's reassuring to know there is a site like this to turn to.

thanks again.
andy

[Daniel S. Barrett]

As long as your not too rough, you can press the bark down with a firm, but not to hard pressure to snug the bark back down, add new bark on top and repeat as nessary. As the roots grow, they'll most likely attach themselves to the pot sides & bottom for support

[Aniko]

Possibly, the roots are overcrowded and push the plant out of the pot. It happens.
Since your orchid is a Phalaenopsis you can re-pot it any time. If the medium is good and the roots are healthy just transfer the whole root ball in a little bigger pot and add some medium around. This way the plant will be safe, no danger of falling .
Good luck
Aniko

A useful link on re-potting phals:
http://www.midpacificorchids.citymax...age/235341.htm

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Paphs are not heavy rooters, in fact quite the opposite, so pushing them selves out of the pot isn't going to happen. Paphs should be repotted much more often than other orchids, but be as careful of the roots as you can when repotting, as there usually aren't a lot of roots, and you don't want to loose any. Many repot once a year, I am repotting my dozen Paphs once every 6 months for now.

Oops, my mistake, not a Paph. Ignor above.

[andyt]

thanks for all the advice. Aniko's link looks useful.
the plant is just about done with flowering, so I think I'll have a go at repotting then, maybe using the slightly denser material which my mother uses for hers (mine seems very loose, quite large pieces of bark).

cheers all
andy

[johnemartin]

When I repot, the plant sometimes needs to be stabilized while roots form attachments to the medium & pot. While that is occuring, I use river rock on top of the medium to provide stability. Once the plant is stabilized via its own root system, I usually remove the rocks because of the weight it adds to the pot, not because there would be an adverse effect on the plant.