Too many roots! So much moss Help!

[alorindanya]

So this is what I found when I took my Den. Karen out of the pot I purchased it in: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...s/DSCN4841.jpg

I have soaked it, but it is a pain to get the moss away from the roots because there are so many that are so long, wrapped around and around. If I break the roots, will it kill it? Becauase I've been working on it for the last 20 minutes and I feel like I am getting nowhere.

Now, the only pot that I have to put it in is the very one it came in; will that be okay?

[kiki-do]

Hello Alorindanya,
I had a similar problem with my den. I soaked and gently swirled it back and forth, but couldn't get it all to loosen. I ended up repotting with the mass still intact into coconut husk, perlite, and charcoal. That is my favorite mix. Anyway, I put it into a slotted basket for hanging, and the roots ended up pushing all the medium out, and now all I have is roots everywhere. They like the rootbound feeling, and they like air. Not sure what you had for a pot, but it should work fine. I would keep trying to get the moss out, though. They like to dry out between waterings. I think moss would be trouble down the road. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. kiki

[kiki-do]

Forgot to mention that my den. wasn't in moss, but in a rocky substance, so I wasn't as concerned as I would be with moss. If some of the roots get broken, it should still be okay, but try not to let much damage happen to them. Perhaps try from the center of the bottom and gently try to loosen it up with your finger???? I would soak and swirl it a little longer, too. kiki

[alorindanya]

Thanks, It is getting better. I'll post a picture when I am through. I just hope the breakage of the roots doesn't kill it.

[alorindanya]

Okay, so, I have removed the moss! Yeah! There is a piece of bark that the roots have grown into, so that can't be removed, but now I have the delima of how to repot it. I have the "Better-Gro Orchid mix" of bark and other rocky stuff, so I think that's fine, but now I have to see if the pot it came in will work. What do you think?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...s/DSCN4842.jpg

The pot is a 4 inch.

[Shirley]

If it were mine, I think I would want to move it to at
least a 5 inch pot to get a little more medium around the roots. Looks nice and healthy. If you break a few of the roots it shouldn't hurt.

[alorindanya]

Originally Posted by Shirley

If it were mine, I think I would want to move it to at
least a 5 inch pot to get a little more medium around the roots. Looks nice and healthy. If you break a few of the roots it shouldn't hurt.

I am glad it looks good! I thought so too, but since I just bought my first orchid five days ago, I wasn't too sure of myself.

All that I have available to myself is a 8" pot. Will that hurt it?

[kiki-do]

I think that would be a stretch. They like to be more rootbound, than not. With this for a choice, I would pick the 4" pot.
Hummmm, could you put a baggy around the roots for a day until you could get somewhere that has a 5" pot? Is that a possibility? I'm just thinking here, I have never bagged the roots for a couple days before. Anyone know if this will work????? Perhaps more feedback will help. I'm really not sure. kiki

[Shirley]

Alorindanya, I agree with Kiki that going to an 8" pot would be too much. Orchids like to be a bit potbound. As she suggests, could you keep the rootball a little damp by bagging or with moss (or both) for a couple of days until you can get another pot - not larger than 6"?