Repotting surprises
 

I bought a couple plants from some very reputable vendors during the Apopka show last weekend. But when I repot those that are in need, I found some surprises.

Plant #1: it appeared to be a very vigorous grower with overall bigger plant size and more leaves compared to other seedlings in the same tray. But when I unpot it, it was actually not 1 or 2 but 4 seedlings in one pot. While I know it's not uncommon to have multiple seedlings in 1 pot for various reasons, I find myself in a dilemma here: I'm always looking for the more vigorous/healthier plant, but it seems "better is the enemy of good" in this case. If the "best" is actually the sum of 4 averages, maybe the 2nd or 3rd best is actually the best individual.

Plant #2: fine bark/perlite on the surface/outside, sphag moss on the inside. If I didn't unpot it, the chance of me overwatering the plant is very high.

It is NOT my intention to question any practice or vendors. But I'd like to know: are these more like the "unspoken knowledge" about each vendor so we, as growers/consumers, accumulate along the way, in other words "live and learn"? Are there any other "unspoken rules" you'd like to share? And what are the tricks to pick a more vigorous plant?

Thank you!