New orchids is it ok to repot - Orchid Board

Rhonda Svoboda · #1 06-27-2021, 04:59 PM

So I received two new plants Trichopilia tortillis x Stella and Chysis aurea var. limminghei. Both are potted in spagh. moss. Usually I repot immediately as they've probably been in that mix for a year or so. However, when I looked up their care both of them had strong warnings against repotting in the height of summer because it would cause great stress to the plants.
Here's an exerpt:
"Therefore, the plants should be repotted when new roots start growing or only a little earlier. This allows the plants to acclimatize in a relatively short time and provides them with the least stress. This is very important, because the plants must acclimate to the additional stress caused by the approaching hot, dry, summer weather."
I am torn between the need to examine the roots and possibly harming the orchids. Any thoughts?

Roberta · #2 06-27-2021, 05:05 PM

You could try just pulling out enough of the sphag to look at roots. But as far as new roots go... you should be safe repotting when you see new growth - for sure on the Trichopilia new roots will start at about the same time, not sure about Chysis because I don't grow that one but probably a good bet. Even if the current roots aren't great, they are acclimated to the current medium and are doing their job. I'd follow the vendor's advice,it sounds well-thought-out.

Rhonda Svoboda · #3 06-27-2021, 05:07 PM

Thank You!!!

DeaC · #4 06-27-2021, 05:10 PM

I can only speak for Chysis as I have bractescens for 2 yrs. It bloomed nicely this past spring and has new leaf growth from a fat "cigar". Has never been repotted as I've read it hates root disturbance so for now it stays in original chunky bark mix, staying moist for now and somewhat dry but good airflow. Fragrant and lovely plant and I will buy var. that you have since I'm lucky with this one.

estación seca · #5 06-27-2021, 06:03 PM

I would definitely not repot the Chysis until it's just waking up in spring 2022. I have a seedling Chysis bractescens potted in a 2" pot in sphagnum. It will use up all the water in completely soaked sphagnum within a day. This is an orchid that liks a lot of water.