How to repot orchids with aerial roots...

[NeoOrchid]

Hi fellow Geekers!!

I have two (of 12) orchids that I believe need repotting. The first one is a large NOID phal rescue (sending up her first spike no less- was a total train wreck when I got it) that has a 3-5 long very healthy roots outside of the pot and it is close to repotting time (I repot generally 1x per year).

The second orchid is an epi-catt Siam Jade (bought on Ebay-very healthy plant) that has COPIOUS healthy aerial roots as well. This plant is also producing new growth. I consider this plant pot bound but it doesn't seem to mind...

Now my questions are- do I repot during these active growth phases? Do I put the aerial roots into the potting media if possible? Also, with the epi-catt, it's a "tweener" too big for a 4 inch pot and too small for a 6 inch pot. Do I keep it in a small pot or move it to a 6 inch pot?

Both orchids are healthy and appear to be growing well in their environment (east windowsill in midwest u.s, clay pot with moss)

Thank you buddies!
Cheers and Blessings
Neo

[orchids4me]

Hi Neo,
Rule of thumb (most) of us follow is if you can fit 2 fingers between the root bal and rim of the pot that's a good fit and room for new growths between re pot to re pot.
Have you checked the roots in the media yet(not the ones hanging out , out siode the pot). Some times after trimming old dead ones it may fit back in the original pot.
What are you using, clay pots or plastic pots ? They do make plastic pots in 5" is one reason I ask.
If you must go up to a 6 inch here's my personal tip... Use clay becauseit will dry quicker if over potted and dry a bit more evenly. Reson I point this out is because if in plastic the center area around the root ball in the media will stay wet longer in plastic when over potted and this will cause root rot. Another tip also if over potted use a larger mix that's more airey so the center area can dry faster and more evenly that way also. If you don't habe a larger chunky mix you can use some of the larger pieces of bark placed into the root ball area or like lava rock or packing peanuts in the root ball to help keep it open to breath. The right kind of packing peanuts are the ones you can put in a bowl of water to test them if they melt or get soggy or slimy those are the wrong kind. If they stay the same as when you put them in a bowl of water (shape , form, firmness) these are the good ones to use. When I have to over pot I use lots of peanuts or a larger mix if in plastic pots especiallyl
Make sure you give the areial roots a goos soak so you can gently bend them to fit into the pot. They snap easy and break if you don't.
Good luck !!
Emmaye

[NeoOrchid]

Emmaye thanx for the tips!

I haven't checked the root ball as of yet. All of my orchids are in clay pots with pot shards to help with aeration...I can't seem to find a good bark media in my local area (I've had terrible luck with Miracle Grow orchid media) and I'm reluctant to order online without recommendations..

another question- I've read that all feeding should stop when an orchid is in spike- is this correct? I've been using rain water (they seem to love it)...

thank you!

NeoOrchid

[bearded orchid]

Regarding an online source, I would take a look at rePotme.com. They have a fantastic selection of mixes available and also allow you to create your own from a medley of materials.

As to your second question, I would continue your regular feeding schedule a per norm.

[E-Jag]

I've never heard of an orchid suffering because it was fertilized while blooming. I would think that is when it really needs the nutrients. And potting up (to a 6" pot) won't affect the orchid, you'll just have to be careful to dial back the watering.

[jsehorn]

Over fertilizing can sometimes cause leaf tips to brown, and flowers are even more sensitive to this, so fertilizing while in bloom can sometimes cause the edge of the petals to brown, but if you use a pretty dilute fertilizer, this shouldn't be a problem.

I second beaded orchid on the repotme.com suggestion. I've used their mixes before and I've had good results. If you are going to put the plant in a pot that is slightly larger than necessary, just remember to adjust your watering regimen accordingly, or use a more free-draining medium, like LECA or lava rock.

[jpyerry]

I don't fertilize nearly as often as I should, so while I do fertilize (albeit infrequently) while the plants are in flower and I've never had any problems. I also agree repotme.com has fine products (a tad on the pricey side), the ones containing Orchiata are quite good, I use Orchiata almost exclusively anymore. I agree with the comments that your new pot should be large enough to accomodate the root ball plus two finger widths, if you have too much room on the bottom of the pot, you can adjust with non-biodegradeable styrofoam peanuts. Lastly, I do try to gently coax any aerial roots into the potting mix, if I can without breaking them, then great, if not I leave them. As a warning though, be careful of the root tip, if the tip breaks off, it won't kill the root, but you have removed the growth point and growth from that root will stop, at least until it has time to repair and start a new growth tip.

Justin

[NeoOrchid]

Hello everyone:

Thank you all so much for your words of wisdom and experience. I've followed your recommendations and so far, the repot has gone well.

I've also managed to find Schultz Orchid Mix at Wally's Mart ($4 for a good sized bag) and I've repotted two paphs in it. I'll find out what they think of it...the bag says "medium" bark but it seems like it's finer than that. I added some clay pot shards and pebbles to open the mix up.


Cheers and Blessings
Neo