How should I repot a Den victoria-reginae?

[Jeff214]

I've had this Den victoria-reginae for a few years and the media looks like it needs to be changed. Though... I'm unsure how to go about it.

Aside from two growths coming out of the media, most of the grow is starting an inch or more above the media. Without the support, I think this entire plant would be uprooted at its current state.

When repotting, do I need to keep the part of the plant that's above the media the same when I repot? Or... is it okay to bury the bottom inch or so that the new growths would be just above the media? I know that many plants do not tolerate being buried that way.

[Roberta]

Since I grow this species mounted, I can't say much about potting, except to say that it probably doesn't like that pot much (and if you have not repotted since you got it, you are right it needs it) You definitely don't want to bury the pseudobulbs. to stabilize it in the pot, you can use a stake, and then you can stabilize the stake by tying it to the sides of the pot with "guy wires" giving equal tension in all directions. I think that I would recommend small bark - roots are fine, do like moisture, but also need air.

[Jeff214]

Thanks for the advice. I couldn't find small bark, so I used the Better-Gro orchid mix.

I was surprised how much root was growing in the container. I had to repot in a larger pot than I would have liked. The presentation is ...rough.

[Roberta]

Looks good! These aren't particularly "orderly" in presentation, especially since the canes with leaves aren't the productive part. But when those dark coerulea flowers appear on the bare canes, who cares? They're gorgeous.