Preferred mix for angraecum sesquipedale

[peeweelovesbooks]

Hi there.

I purchased an angraecum sesquipedale about 8 months ago and it's pretty much doubled in size. I think it's time to repot, as the roots are winding themselves outside its little pot now.

I currently have it potted in 50% coir and 50% bark mix, and it's growing outside on my porch. I live in South Florida.

Can you recommend a good mix. Or, should I just repot using the same mix? Should I add something more? I tend to be a heavy waterer.

Thanks for your suggestions!!

[JennS]

I don't have the answer, but just wanted to give a little bump. I have been looking at adding this one to my collection as well.

[Jorch]

I would recommend an inorganic medium, like lava rock, dyna rock or clay pellets. Something that will not break down so you do not have to repot it every 2 years. Sesquipidale absolutely hates any disturbance to its roots once they reach maturity.

[mollycart1]

Originally Posted by Jorch

I would recommend an inorganic medium, like lava rock, dyna rock or clay pellets. Something that will not break down so you do not have to repot it every 2 years. Sesquipidale absolutely hates any disturbance to its roots once they reach maturity.

It sounds like a great idea. Mine has gotten pretty big and was repotted in a gallon pot with several holes on the side. As far as a mix goes, I used a regualr paph mix with some larger barks.

I am not sure what I am going to do in a year or two once the plant gets BIGGER.

[peeweelovesbooks]

Would you all recommend lava rock exclusively? Or would a mix with lava rock, clay pellets, cork and charcoal work?

[Lorraine]

I know this is last year's thread ...but...I would really, really like to know what final repotting medium was used. What would you do differently if you did it all over again?

I bought one of these guys at the Boca Raton Orchid Show on Saturday and as soon as the new bloom and second bud is done it will need to be repotted. I know that the roots do not like being disturbed but a couple are growing straight out like a vanda outside the pot. I grow my chids outside all year round.

[SOS]

A couple roots growing outside the pot doesnt mean it needs to be repotted though. I personally would use coarse.

[smweaver]

A coarse material will work well. My plant is growing in a mix of large chunks of coconut husk (after being washed in RO water several times to ensure that any residual salts were leached out), charcoal, Aliflor and pumice (not perlite!). The roots grow very well in this mix, and it's porous enough that lots of air gets to the roots as well (the plant's in a one-gallon plastic pot, with about a two-inch layer of styrofoam packing peanuts at the bottom). A coarse mix that uses a minimum of organic material will also let you go for a few years without having to repot the plant.