New N. Falcata Potting Question

[Melian]

I just received a new plant from laorchidjohn on ebay which came planted in bark in a 2" basket inside another 4" basket. I can see roots growing into the outer basket. I'm not sure if I should just leave it as is for awhile, or take it out of the small inner pot. I'm afraid it might be hard to repot in the future if the roots grow too much around both pots.

[jkofferdahl]

I personally would leave it. Granted, you may have to cut the pot to remove the plant but unless the media is totally broken down - which I very much doubt from this vendor - for now it would be best to leave well enough alone.

[Melian]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

I personally would leave it. Granted, you may have to cut the pot to remove the plant but unless the media is totally broken down - which I very much doubt from this vendor - for now it would be best to leave well enough alone.

Great, thank you! Yes as you would expect the media looks fine. I did read that this vendor has a very good reputation. Do you know the purpose of potting it this way? I have extremely limited experience but I've only seen orchids potted up in a single container.

[AnonYMouse]

Originally Posted by Melian

Great, thank you! Yes as you would expect the media looks fine. I did read that this vendor has a very good reputation. Do you know the purpose of potting it this way? I have extremely limited experience but I've only seen orchids potted up in a single container.

It's happy! N'uff said.

If you can maintain high humidity, you can let it grow like this for a long time. Think of it as quasi bare root.

[charlesf6]

I have one this way from him and have left it.

[MattWoelfsen]

It is important for Neofinetia roots to have plenty of air surrounding the roots or they suffocate. This is one way to grow Neos.

I hope the substrate isn't packed too tight. At this point in the plant's growth, you might be able to remove the larger pieces so you can see into the root mass. If you live in a less humid environment--than Baton Rouge, LA, consider putting a couple of strands of sphagnum moss in the pot loosely inserted. This will add a little bit more humidity.

When it comes time to re-pot, soak the plant so that the roots are completely green, then take a thin straight edge tool and gently pry the roots off the outside pot. The inner net pot, you might have to cut off.

[NYCorchidman]

Originally Posted by Melian

I just received a new plant from laorchidjohn on ebay which came planted in bark in a 2" basket inside another 4" basket. I can see roots growing into the outer basket. I'm not sure if I should just leave it as is for awhile, or take it out of the small inner pot. I'm afraid it might be hard to repot in the future if the roots grow too much around both pots.

I would take it out for the reason you mentioned.
As the roots grow out through the slits on the net or basket style pot, you will only damage those precious long roots, so what's the point?
I mean you could take a very sharp tool to carefully cut through the plastic pot and free the roots at the time of repotting next year, but why all the hassle?

For mounted orchids or large basket, it may not be much of an issue, but not the net pot.

For this reason, I don't like net pot, but I do grow a few plants in the net pot. I line the pot with some kind of fine sheet first so that the roots won't go through those slits. Much easier to deal with at the time of repotting and won't damage any roots this way.

[Melian]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

I would take it out for the reason you mentioned.
As the roots grow out through the slits on the net or basket style pot, you will only damage those precious long roots, so what's the point?
I mean you could take a very sharp tool to carefully cut through the plastic pot and free the roots at the time of repotting next year, but why all the hassle?

For mounted orchids or large basket, it may not be much of an issue, but not the net pot.

For this reason, I don't like net pot, but I do grow a few plants in the net pot. I line the pot with some kind of fine sheet first so that the roots won't go through those slits. Much easier to deal with at the time of repotting and won't damage any roots this way.

Hi, thanks yes I actually did end up cutting the inner net pot off and just kept it potted up in the outer basket. Roots are starting to grow out of the larger net pot and it is doing fine so far. I don't mind cutting pots to free the roots but thought trying to do this with roots growing through two pots would be awfully risky.

[charlesf6]

Originally Posted by Melian

Hi, thanks yes I actually did end up cutting the inner net pot off and just kept it potted up in the outer basket. Roots are starting to grow out of the larger net pot and it is doing fine so far. I don't mind cutting pots to free the roots but thought trying to do this with roots growing through two pots would be awfully risky.

I suppose that I ought to try to do the same

[NYCorchidman]

Yes. Good luck now!