Newbie needs help with cattleya

[claire24]

Hi all,

I'm a newbie here and I would like to ask for some advice.

I have a cattleya bowringiana which I have been given and I feel it needs re-potting. It is pushing it's way up out of the pot and the pot has just started to split where the plant is getting too big. I have read an article on another website - Cattleya bowringiana | Chadwick and Son Orchids and according to their guide I think it is the right time to carry out this task.

My queston is what potting medium would you suggest I purchase. I have looked in a couple of garden centres today and I seem to be able to get two different orchid composts - one peat free, (Orchid Focus), and one with reduced peat, (John Innes). Which would be best for this orchid?

Thanks in advance for any help.
Claire

[Call_Me_Bob]

i think it would help if you posted pictures. here is a link to help you do that. http://www.orchidboard.com/community...hidboard.html\

welcome to orchid board!

after you post pictures, than i think we will be able to help you easier

[claire24]

Ok, here's a picture.

It's not a great picture, sorry about that. I can't stand the pot up as it is top heavy and falls over!! I've been keeping it in a clay outer pot since I got it so it stays upright!

Hope that helps
Claire

[claire24]

Sorry also meant to say thanks for the quick reply and the welcome message.

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome to the OB.
It does look as though your cattleya needs to be repotted. The only thing I would suggest is you use a clear plastic pot with good drainage and just a bit larger than the pot it is currently in. I am not familiar with your garden center products since I'm in the US, but someone from the UK will chime in soon.
Joann

[claire24]

Thanks for your reply Joann. Phew, (sigh of relief) - I bought the pot earlier today and from what you've said I managed to buy the correct one! Step one complete!!! ;-)

Thanks again
Claire

[Kaykay]

Hi Claire!
Orchid Focus sounds great to me- that's what my Catt is in! Just make sure you soak it overnight before using to let it take in water. The other peaty option orchid composts in the UK (such as BandQ's own brand) I've found are great for newly deflasked seedlings and other finer rooted orchids, but not at all great for grown-up Catts or Phals.
It's always great to see another Brit here. I've found so much help on this forum, so I'm sure you will too!
Kay
x

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by claire24

Sorry also meant to say thanks for the quick reply and the welcome message.

no problemo!!

i would agree with the above comments. its time for a repot. get a slightly bigger clear plastic pot with good drainage. the orchid focus sounds good. but, you have to soak it over night prior to repotting.

when you repot, cut off all dead roots.

[trdyl]

Welcome to OB!

It is a good idea to allow enough room for 2 years of new growth from the growing lead.

[claire24]

Thank you all so much for your kindness and your informative replies. I am so glad I stumbled on this forum and the expertise of it's members.

I'll be at the garden centre again tomorrow and will buy the potting compost you recommended.

Thanks again
Claire