Question on newly purchased Den? - Orchid Board

Yanquister · #1 05-19-2013, 12:07 AM

Hi everyone! I have a question and I apologize if it has already been asked before...I couldn't find this particular issue through the posts I have read.

I just purchased my first Dendrobium. I was going to repot it into a new pot with appropriate media and as I prepared the media for repotting, I took out the Den from the decorative pot and it appears that the roots have been placed inside half of a coconut husk/shell (whatever the correct terminology is). My question for you all is: Should I leave the roots in the coconut, or separate it and proceed with "regular" potting with the orchid media?

Of all the orchids I have purchased, this is the first time seeing something like this and I am truly stumped but want to do right for my new addition.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Joseph

RosieC · #2 05-19-2013, 04:12 AM

Does it appear that the roots are stuck to, or have grown into the shell?

I've seen pics of this before on OB not sure what the outcome was though.

---------- Post added at 09:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:08 AM ----------

Here are is a links to another with them inside a coconut.

Dendrobium NOID rescue - advice?

violetta · #3 05-22-2013, 05:17 AM

Hi Yanquister,
it's best to repot your den when there are new roots growing, so that they adapt well to the new media.

Yanquister · #4 05-22-2013, 05:31 AM

So are you saying workit out of the shell? Or just leave as is and plant?

violetta · #5 05-22-2013, 06:12 AM

It depends on the way the roots are attached to the shell .. can you post a picture of it?

Yanquister · #6 05-23-2013, 12:43 AM

Here are a few pictures from different angles...hopefully you can get a better idea of the situation. Thanks so much for your help! It is, as always, greatly appreciated!

This first pic is from the top looking down.

Yanquister · #7 05-23-2013, 12:45 AM

Front half.

Yanquister · #8 05-23-2013, 12:47 AM

Rear view.

RosieC · #9 05-23-2013, 01:57 AM

That looks to me like it will be very difficult to remove. I think I would follow the advice of someone in the link I gave... they put the whole thing in a pot and filled in with medium and left the shell on the roots.

Yanquister · #10 05-23-2013, 02:07 AM

Thanks so much, Rosie! As luck would have it, it fits perfectly inside the terra cotta orchid pot (I know some prefer clear plastic pots, but i had better luck with all my other 'chids in this) and I'm able to stuff some media here and there. Should give the roots plenty of room to grow and breathe; I was just worried the coconut shell might hurt or hinder the growth as time passes. Either way, thanks for your input! Very valuable information for a newbie into the world of Dens.