Stanhopea

[Barry Cockerell]

I have just bought a Stanhopea Wardii and a Stanhopea Tigrina from a recognised orchid firm I am surprised to see that they are both in plastic pots. Should I transfer them to baskets straight away?

[michael_exler]

I have killed more orchid by repotting then when i got the home.
I dont know if it goes with the feeling of ownership or what.
My motto is: wait and see what it wants to do.
Keep in mind you just took a plant from an acclimated environment, to a new environment = possible shock.
Dont add to it by repotting unless it is potted in mush.
Sit back, enjoy the plant watch it grow, hopefully and guage its growth rate nad if you will need to repot in the future, as well as if it isin a media you prefer not to use such as pure Spagh.
I hope this helps barry, alot of orchids paid with thier life for this knowledge.

[dave b]

Originally Posted by Barry Cockerell

I have just bought a Stanhopea Wardii and a Stanhopea Tigrina from a recognised orchid firm I am surprised to see that they are both in plastic pots. Should I transfer them to baskets straight away?

Are they small, young plants? I ask because many places will put young Stanhopeas in plastic pots, since they are too young to bloom. I got a young Stan. tigrina last year in a plastic pot. As you seem aware of, Stanhopea inflorescences shoot down below the pseudobulbs thru the media. They will need to be transplanted into baskets or mesh pots in order for the inflorescences to emerge. If the plants are small and havent outgrown the pots then you could leave them for a while.

They like lots of water and a good dose of fertilizer when in active growth (almost year round - slight rest in winter for some).

Post a pic if you can.

[gands]

Here's a trick you could try.............cut off the bottom of the pot, and then with a couple wires wrap the pot from one top edge under and back up to the other side a couple times making a cross pattern on the bottom of the pot. Do that a couple times, and the medium will be held in the pot, without disturbing the roots. When they want to bloom out the bottom, it's not a problem.

[cb977]

I always repot whenever something new comes home...but gands' idea is pretty nifty.

[Barry Cockerell]

Hi Gands,

Thanks a lot. That's a pretty cute idea. I want to put the plants in a basket -because that is the recommended way of growing them, but I did not want to disturb the roots while they are still young.

I will let you know how I get on. Thanks again. Barry