How fragile are orchids to mechanical stress?

[Joelovefragrance]

I recently bought 3 orchids, 2 of which need repotting (a Phal. Baldan's Kaleidoscope and Onc. Sphacelatum). I am a new orchid collector and I have been reading a lot on the subject, but I have little-no hands on experience with orchids. I am a little scared to repot, as I am afraid I might break something. So my question is, should I be extremely careful or do I really not have much to worry about?

[estación seca]

Welcome!

Phal leaves and roots can break if you're careless, because they're thick and succulent. But most people don't have this happen. Leaves scratch and ding easily. These marks don't hurt the plant but also don't go away.

If you soak the roots in water for an hour after you remove the old medium, they will be more flexible, and easier to fit into the new container.

The Oncidium is very sturdy. You could probably play catch with it (as in, two people with baseball gloves or bare hands) for an hour and not hurt it too much. The thin, flexible leaves don't break, but you can tear them if they get caught on something.

[Joelovefragrance]

Thank you so much!

[No-Pro-mwa]

Welcome to the board. I was frightened to re-pot at first also, but at some point you will have to just wade in. The other day I was vacuuming and broke off a new psb one one of my most reliable Catts can I tell you just how mad I was NO! But poo poo does happen.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Hi Joelovefragrance

I like to think of it this way.

Yes, it is possible to do some physical / mechanical damage to an orchid (roots, leaves, etc.) while repotting the plant. However, the consequences of _NOT_ repotting when the plant needs to be repotted can potentially be much worse. for example, if the medium is all going bad, and repotting is delayed, you could lose most of the roots instead of just a few.

The two plants you mentioned should be relatively tolerant of being repotted. The Baldan's Kaleidoscope can be repotted anytime. The Oncidium is best repotted when new roots are growing, but when there is a need you can repot at other times too.

[pipsxlch]

My Jumbo (a noid bifoliate cattleya) just had a tree fall on it- literally. Broke off several new growths, and mangled some more old ones. I expect I won't get a show this fall, and it may sulk for a year, but afterwards it should be as good as new. They're tough.