How to remove tightly packed moss?

[Silje]

Yeah, that's basically all I'd like to know. Got a new onc NOID that came in a tiny pot with this really compact moss as growth medium, and I want it out of that and into bark/coir mix.

Now, this is obviously something that I've done lots of times before since many of my purchases come in sphag moss, but I'm still not quite sure how to do it to ensure minimal root losses.

I normally soak the little plant for some time, and then start working on it, but despite trying to carefully remove moss strands with tweezers and bamboo sticks I still feel that I'm tearing off way to many roots.

How do you guys do it?

[Ray]

Other than using finger tips, as opposed to man-made tools, I use your method.

Don't be overly concerned about root damage. Obviously one should try to avoid it as much as possible, but when you repot, the plant has to grow new roots that are tailored to the new environment anyway, so it's not as big of an issue as you might think. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if a little damage doesn't stimulate the plant into growing new roots to compensate.

[tucker85]

I agree with Ray but I would add that oncidiums are one of the most difficult to remove sphagnum from because of the small roots. Orchids with large roots like cattleyas or phalaenopsis I try to get all the moss off but with the fine roots on oncidiums I often leave a little of the moss that's hard to remove. Especially repotting this late in the summer I would prefer to leave as many roots intact as possible. Good luck.

[james mickelso]

Yes. The root loss is unavoidable but with tweezers and patience....PATIENCE... it can be done. Some times it takes grasping a strand at a time and working it free. But if you give the orchid optimal growing conditions, good light, moisture, a little food, and warmth, it will make a good recovery.

[Leafmite]

Use a bright light and light colored paper underneath, For good visibility. I start at the outside and bottom and work my way to the middle, going very, very slow.

[Bud]

I also do what you described but just like Ray, no tweezers just my fingers....and let the faucet run over it as you pry the moss loose and let the flowing water do the tweezing

[Lagoon]

I always found a skewer to be helpful. Sometimes you just have to allow some remaning moss to avoid to much damage. So don't feel bad if you don't get it all.
Good luck