Dendrobium spectabile roots

[MCD]

My humble 2c, I happen to be growing the same species in what looks like the exact same pot (4in from Ravenvision). There is room for a lot more roots, I don't think that you need to be in a rush to repot. I would leave it be and let it do its thing for a few months, and not worry too much about the occasional root that strays out of the pot.

For mine, the plan is to wait until the pot is mostly full of roots, then drop it as Roberta suggested in something larger, backfilling the extra space. I might cut off the old pot, but if you have a lot of roots, losing a few that escaped through the slits is not a big deal, especially for a vigorous plant like this one.

[Roberta]

Pots with slits definitely run into this situation often, but roots sometimes do the same thing with ordinary drainage holes. So the "root escape route" of opening up the sides of the pot works there too. In this case, where the pot is not yet full of roots, it's easier to do it now when there is less chance of hitting good roots while dointg the cutting.

[idreamoforchids]

Thanks for the advice, Roberta and estacion seca! From estacion seca's post, I'm interpreting this to mean that my Den should go in a pot with holes on the bottom only, especially since I live in a dry climate. Is there a different type of pot that would be good for the Den? I'm thinking that whether or not to use a pot with holes/slits depends a lot on the orchid genus as well. With my phalaenopsis orchids, for instance, they seem to do 110% better with holes and slits on the sides. But that could also be because I had a tendency toward overwatering them (still working on that issue, but I'm getting a lot better).

[Roberta]

I'd suggest holse in the bottom only. But even in that scenario, you very likely will get some roots escaping the hole in a way that it's not easy to remove the plant without breaking some, especially if they get stuck to the sides,
Your odds are better, though, getting escaped roots out of a larger round hole than a narrow slit.
My "add an escape and drop pot" still works if you need it. . Of course this approach demands that the the bark be in good condition - if it's broken down, you'll need to remove enough pot to reomve the old bark. One of many good reasons to use high-quality bark suck as Orchiata or Kiwi Bark that stays good for years.

[idreamoforchids]

Such an interesting issue! Regarding the dilemma of waiting vs. not waiting to repot, the other consideration that jumps to mind is that I repotted the plant only two months ago, right near the beginning of this thread. Might repotting the Den so soon after the last round put undue stress on the plant, while the roots are still growing like weeds? I realize there are no easy answers here. Welcome to the world of orchids.... which is part of why I love them so much.

[Roberta]

Another reason to just open up the pot and drop into a bigger one with more bark. That won't disturb the roots, which are clearly in active growth, but will give them a chance to just continue to establish, they'll find the cuts and go out into the new space.

[Dalachin]

I grow my Dendrobium spectabile in semi-hydro, so there is no escape. I use Ray’s method of two holes an inch or so above the bottom of the container to create a built-in reservoir. I’ve had the plant 2+ years and it has quadrupled in size, it is now in a 2.5 quart container and I’ve yet to see a spike.