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When is it time to repot?

Discussion in 'Introduce Yourself' started by ladybree, Sep 13, 2011.

  1. Sep 13, 2011 #1
    ladybree

    ladybree New Member

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    Hi, I'm a new member of this forum and a relatively new orchid grower.

    I received a phalaenopsis as a gift back in May. Most of the blooms have died and is almost ready to be trimmed. There is new leaf growth and lots of root growth as well.

    I'm not sure if I should repot or at least get rid of the moss and plant it with new media?

    Thanks for your help!

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Sep 13, 2011 #2
    Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    Your photo isn't showing up. Try hosting it on OI.
     
  3. Sep 13, 2011 #3
    Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    Much better.

    What do the roots look like beneath the moss? If you haven't repotted it since you've had it, I'd say repot it. Perhaps with a looser media like an orchid mix you'd get from a garden center. It's obviously happy in your conditions, hence the new root growth, but to me, new roots above the media means your plant wants out of whatever it's potted in.
     
  4. Sep 13, 2011 #4
    mrbreeze

    mrbreeze Anglican Supporting Member

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    Or...it may mean that the roots prefer to grow towards the light and it has nothing to do with the condition of the media. I read once that Phals are often grown in clear plastic pots for just that reason. It helps to keep the roots in the pot. I'm not saying Jon is wrong...just that he isn't right.
     
  5. Sep 13, 2011 #5
    Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    I'm always wrong when it comes to supermarket phals. :)
     
  6. Sep 13, 2011 #6
    ladybree

    ladybree New Member

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    LOL, since it was a gift, I don't know if it was purchased from a supermarket. I have read that the roots are photosynthetic which is why they grow towards the light.

    I don't know what the roots look like beneath the moss because it's planted directly in the black opaque plastic pot. I suppose I could dig around and see.
     
  7. Sep 14, 2011 #7
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    It looks as if some of the roots are coming up out of the moss and continuing to grow which would indicate the moss isn't that bad. Poking around usually breaks of root tips if there are any. Better to pull the plant (moss and all) and see what the roots are doing. If everything is fine, just put it back in.
     
  8. Sep 15, 2011 #8
    ladybree

    ladybree New Member

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    Thanks for your advice.

    I will pull the plant out of the pot this weekend when I have more time to check the roots.