Experienced SH advice on Brassavola nodosa - Orchid Board

WaterWitchin · #1 05-31-2022, 11:49 AM

I've neglected repotting a few plants this past year. Probably know the answer to this, so I'm just asking for a friend...

Below is pictured a Brassavola nodosa that is absolutely stuck in the pot. I've done everything I can think of to get it out, and know the glass will need to be broken. This is sad, as I really like the container. First time I've ever had to break glass to repot. That's my bad.

The question... Are y'all fairly sure the roots on the right side will most likely fail when I get it into something bigger? The longest are around 8" long. If so, I could perhaps clip back the two leads after breaking glass, then mount that section. I've never mounted a Brassavola, so I'd get that learning curve, so am thinking about doing it. It would be better than having that part just slowing rot off and die.

Suggestions anyone?

estación seca · #2 05-31-2022, 12:09 PM

This species is so vigorous I wouldn't worry about damaging roots. Don't break the pot.

Take it outside, hold it inside an empty something big, and use the hose to spray it out of the vase.

WaterWitchin · #3 05-31-2022, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estación seca

This species is so vigorous I wouldn't worry about damaging roots. Don't break the pot.

Take it outside, hold it inside an empty something big, and use the hose to spray it out of the vase.

It literally is a web of roots on top. I tried that. I tried running a knife around the edge inside the pot, then thumping it, and spraying it again. I've managed to disturb about 10 LECA pellets enough to fall out. Solid mass of roots, and the sticky algae doesn't help.

Maybe some WD-40?

(only halfway kidding)

Dusty Ol' Man · #4 05-31-2022, 01:24 PM

If you are determined in the end to break this pot, wrap it with duct tape before smashing. It will keep most of the shards together so the don't play slice n dice with the roots. Personally, I would tell my "friend" to take the time to work it out of the pot one root at a time, if at all possible. Even if it took all day. You could decide where to make the dividing cut before removing it and only remove part of it at a time. Just thinking out loud.

estación seca · #5 05-31-2022, 01:28 PM

Try a surgical forceps for pulling out LECA. This is just an example. There are many styles. I don't know this company, I just grabbed a photo:
Graham Field Foerster Forceps Grafco

Let the pot and algae dry.

Roberta · #6 05-31-2022, 02:09 PM

And maybe add a bit of dish soap to the soaking water. Won't hurt the plant, and might help loosen up roots to get them separated from the glass. Not quite WD-40, but similar effect.

Ray · #7 05-31-2022, 02:18 PM

Aerial roots are supposed to be far better at adapting to new surroundings than are those that grew in another environment.

Roberta · #8 05-31-2022, 02:22 PM

For what it is woth, my B. nodosa left the pot behind a long time ago... The pot which now sits in a plastic basket mostly provides a way to hang it up. So if you lose some roots in the process of getting it out, any setback will likely be short.

WaterWitchin · #9 06-01-2022, 09:24 AM

Gracias all!

Yes, Dusty, I use painter's tape when breaking glass or terracotta. Good way to avoid messy cleanup as well. Or small slivers one can't see that end up in finger!

I have forceps and several tweezers, snips, chopsticks and other random blunt and pointy objects in my depotting toolbox. Gonna try one more time prior to breaking the glass. Drying out the pot when it's glass doesn't work for me. Actually makes the algae sludge stick worse. Soapy water, I'll give it a shot. Maybe some cooking oil following the soap... EVO of course.

Ray, if possible and I can get this thing out, I'll see how the aerial roots convert. Just did it with an LC Trick or Treat yesterday (another tough as nails plant). The aerial roots were 12" long that got stuffed into the new pot. Also a Wilsonaria that had climbed up out of the pot and had a nest bird basket of roots climbing everywhere.

I've not done this prior, other than with Phals, as usually I do timely repots. Didn't know aerial roots supposedly adapted better. Guess I'll be running a scientific experiment now that I'll end up with three subjects in my test. Three's enough for a WaterWitchin' type experiment, right?

Will report back once accomplished!