New Cattleya, No ID

[mofms1]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

For the pot, aim for a pot that provides not only very good drainage, but also very good air-flow from media surface (and then through the media) to the bottom of the pot. This means big enough holes and an adequate number of holes at the bottom of the pot.

If any other pot is placed around the outside of the main pot, then either ensure that the same aim about air-flow is met ----- or (another option) remove any outer pot. These are options. Of course - if the orchid grows nicely for very long times (for seasons and seasons), then it's ok to keep using an existing setup.

The bark medium currently in the pot appears to be quite satisfactory! Ensure that this orchid receives adequate light level and light duration. Provide nice warm temperature and maintain gentle air-movement in the growing area.

Thanks so much for responding. I just have one more question. Do you think I need to repot this into a slightly larger pot? The roots are all over the place on this one. If the plant is doing well and the medium is good, I'm happy leaving it as is. But if it needs a new pot because the roots are escaping I can always go and get some of the mix Orchid Trail uses because they seel it by the bag. Or I could pot it in LECA (as a medium and not s/h), which the AOS says can work very well with proper care. If I do need to repot it, I think I may be able to use that outer pot because it's slightly larger, but not a whole lot bigger.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by mofms1

Thanks so much for responding. I just have one more question. Do you think I need to repot this into a slightly larger pot? The roots are all over the place on this one. If the plant is doing well and the medium is good, I'm happy leaving it as is.

You're most welcome. The roots indeed had spread out and grown very long too. In general, just look at the rhizome region and the directions that the new growths (new bulbs) are popping out --- or moving towards.

Sometimes, the rhizome may even get to the edge of the pot and the bulbs start to emerge around the upper rim of the pot, and grow out of the pot. If this happens, cattleyas can still do just fine - depending on the growing environment (eg. enough humidity and moisture and nutrients needed).

If the orchid already has lots of roots, then the orchid will still do just fine (and grow more roots within the pot) if long roots are cut (preferably with sterile cutting tools and good hygiene). It just depends on the growing area you have, and whether you don't mind roots spreading out everywhere (if they can sustain themselves).

Putting into a slightly larger pot is no problem too. In the tropics here, I have repotted orchids at various stages of growth. I avoid breaking or snapping roots whenever I can. Sometimes it just happens - in which I then allow the break to dry and seal up naturally before the next watering time begins.