what size pot - really dumb question - Orchid Board

ladyslipper · #1 05-07-2007, 01:22 AM

Hi guys, this might seem really obvious but I am not clear about the answer...at the moment, I am growing phals (both species & hybrids) and my amabilis needs to be repotted. the vendor said to just replace the medium, & said the pot size was fine. This plant looks like its trying to climb out of the pot. So how do we know when to bump up the size of the pot? Are we supposed to know which of our plants like to have their "feet" cramped?

thanks m

smartie2000 · #2 05-07-2007, 01:31 AM

I find that phals don't mind getting bigger pots. They take whatever you give them, just as long as it is not too much larger than the root system

Lagoon · #3 05-07-2007, 08:09 AM

I always like to give it about 30% extra space inside the pot, for new growth. Orchids don't mind having tight shoes aslong as the media is not all broken down.

PS -- it's not a dumb question!

justatypn · #4 05-07-2007, 03:29 PM

Never a dumn question, just the question you don't ask

Ahhhhh the "moon orchid" ... Phals like to be what I call noisy...there roots like to grow out of the medium, they like a lot of air. You will find because roots avoid darkness, roots of plants grown in clear pots generally stay inside the pot better than the roots of plants grown in opaque pots.

Dorothy · #5 05-07-2007, 04:13 PM

Roots in clear pots?

Is that like people that live in glass houses?
Hm .. I don't think orchids throw stones thought,

but I could be wrong!

Ross · #6 05-07-2007, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dorothy

Roots in clear pots?

Is that like people that live in glass houses?
Hm .. I don't think orchids throw stones thought,

but I could be wrong!

Actually, I think I am a convert. Just got my first Phal in a "clear" pot (they actually aren't really clear, just pretty clear) and I can watch over the roots and see they behave (and don't rot, like Phal roots sometimes do.)

justatypn · #7 05-07-2007, 05:04 PM

There's your sign Ross...love my clear/cloudy if you may pots...it's easier to watch for those little guys throwing stones. It also helps to be able to see those toenails painted green...

Ross · #8 05-07-2007, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justatypn

There's your sign Ross...love my clear/cloudy if you may pots...it's easier to watch for those little guys throwing stones. It also helps to be able to see those toenails painted green...

In my case the whole toe is painted green

Dorothy · #9 05-07-2007, 05:47 PM

I have my phals in them too.
I love to see the 'string beans'!

Ross · #10 05-07-2007, 05:56 PM

Luv string beans!