Repotting Sharry Baby - Orchid Board

Tindomul · #1 (**permalink**) 01-16-2007, 09:57 PM

Need some info. What do you repot an Oncidium Sharry Baby into? The one I got now is in full bloom, but is overflowing the pot. Also, upon further investigation below the surface of the pot, I find what looks like soil!!

I'm thinking its more along the lines of decomposed orchid bark mix. So I think its time to repot. What are your suggestions, and tips. Dare I say, I need someone to hold my hand

:blushin g:

Thanks!

mnh3281 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 09:53 AM

When I repot my oncidiums, I usually use a fine bark mix that I have picked up at the local orchid greenhouse here in Indy. They use it for seedlings and smaller orchids like masdies, but I find it holds up these larger overflowing orchids better than the chunkier bark. I also think it holds the moisture a bit better, but that is just from personal experience. I would repot it into just a size bigger pot, as it will give this guy more room to grow, but it won't be overwhelmed by the pot, and hopefully will throw out more blooms for you. I usually try and eliminate a lot of the old decomposing roots that I find encompass the oncidiums when they need to be repotted, too. I hope this helps! Good luck!

Pippin · #3 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 03:29 PM

I'd go for s/h, large LECA. They really love s/h. After they're done with blooming, is the right time to move them to s/h.

Ironwood · #4 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 04:16 PM

There wasn't much to this Sharry Baby when repotted in 4 inch clay pot in Sept of 2005. The roots were pretty much non existant when repotted. 15 months later now look at it, as it could easily be in an 8 inch pot and you would still have to stuff the roots in. They produce a lot of roots given the right conditions so I wouldn't restrict the pot size too much. I don't think it makes much difference what you grow it in, as you can see it happy growing in nothing. And Tindo I know you are going to grow yours properly so look out it might take over.

Edit: Forgot to say that there is course bark in pot.

Tindomul · #5 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 04:18 PM

Thanks Meredith. I think I will do that. Pippin, I love using S/H on my orchids, but one thing about it that really P O's me is that they have a tendensy to fall out of the pot because they leca is so light weight.

Tindomul · #6 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 04:21 PM

WOW! Ken, that is a monster. I want mine to look like that!

Ross · #7 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 05:33 PM

I'm following this sogga with a lot of interest. My Sharry Baby is spiking, but not sending o0ut new roots/growths, so I am faced with re-potting at some point. Let us know how you make out Tindo.

Tindomul · #8 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 09:07 PM

Lets hope I don't have to repot for a while. I want my current blooms to last and last and last!

orcdfrk · #9 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 10:30 PM

I've heard mentioned that people make their own mix using leaves and the like that they gather in the fall. What orchids would you use with that and what exactly are the ingredients?

justatypn · #10 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 11:05 PM

Great thread Tindo, you have read my mind

. I wanted to wait until after it finishes blooming, but heard they like to be pot bound, mine as well is flowing over with roots. Seems to me repotting and mix is the easy part, my question is they like there roots exposed would you repot and keep them exposed or allow them to grow into that type of enviromental exposure?

This is my first "Sharry Baby" how long do they bloom?