Wooden baskets engulfed by large cattleyas - is Repotting even possible?

[Roberta]

Generally, my Catts do best once they escape from their pots, or even baskets. I figure if they bloom better with wild roots, that's what I'll let them have. And not try to make them behave according to someone's aesthetic standards.(Tall people walking in my yard just have to watch where they are going...) In nature, they don't have media at all... just maybe some old detritus, but rain washes away any bad stuff.

[BobcatJohnson]

Without having seen an orchid in the wild, my guess would be that living bark on a living tree doesn't break down. Maybe better insight from someone with more knowledge will give a better answer.

[Roberta]

I have seen quite a few orchids growing in the wild... some of the roots grab onto the tree, others may hang free. Leaves and other "forest junk" gets caught in crevices, as it breaks down, that's a source of nutrients. But there is plenty of air, and plenty of drainage. Some of the smaller epiphytes may actually be more embedded in moss or lichens or similar plant material that itself is attached to the tree. But again, lots of air and perfect drainage. And usually a very humid environment (though that can vary geographically and/or seasonally) But in general, epiphytic orchids have colonized a niche where they don't have a lot of competition for light and the real estate to establish their roots. (The ground is a much more crowded place)

[estación seca]

Travel is more difficult recently, but it is such a learning experience for orchid lovers to visit habitat. Florida is not impossible for people in the US to visit. With a proper guide or directions there are plenty of public parks and nature reserves with readily seen epiphytic orchids in the wild. Bromeliads, too.

[piping plover]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Generally, my Catts do best once they escape from their pots, or even baskets. I figure if they bloom better with wild roots, that's what I'll let them have. And not try to make them behave according to someone's aesthetic standards.(Tall people walking in my yard just have to watch where they are going...) In nature, they don't have media at all... just maybe some old detritus, but rain washes away any bad stuff.

Sound advice Roberta and with your orchid collection it seems to be working well!

[piping plover]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Travel is more difficult recently, but it is such a learning experience for orchid lovers to visit habitat. Florida is not impossible for people in the US to visit. With a proper guide or directions there are plenty of public parks and nature reserves with readily seen epiphytic orchids in the wild. Bromeliads, too.

Yes, so true ES. I almost didn’t go to FL a few weeks ago because of all the travel hassle. I am so glad I did though, the visit to the Marie Selby garden in Sarasota really made it worth the trip. Seeing the epiphytes outdoors and the absolute jewels of epiphytes indoors in their conservatory was the highlight of the trip. Some photos below. Seeing them in the wild in woodlands and the Everglades is always a treat.

[piping plover]

Here’s my Lc. Park Ridge 'Thornridge' (Spring Comet x C. mossiae). And speaking of escaping from the basket, it’s learning a few tricks from its brother that I posted a few posts back. It’s the happiest I’ve seen it though; the most sheaths ever. Looking forward to March blooms. Photos below of it’s Houdini antics and a bloom back in 2020.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by piping plover

Here’s my Lc. Park Ridge 'Thornridge' (Spring Comet x C. mossiae). And speaking of escaping from the basket, it’s learning a few tricks from its brother that I posted a few posts back. It’s the happiest I’ve seen it though; the most sheaths ever. Looking forward to March blooms. Photos below of it’s Houdini antics and a bloom back in 2020.

Now THAT is a happy plant (and very pretty flower too) I'd say that qualifies as root porn. The basket is useful just to have something to attach a hanger to, doesn't faze the plant particularly.

[piping plover]

Okay All, I finally did it. I cut my large cattleya out of the wooden basket that it has been planted in for approximately a decade. This is the same plant that started this whole post for me.

Anyhow, it seemed to be declining in vigor. Last summer I experimented with a tiny clay pot attached to the big basket and the lead that escaped to the clay pot was the only lead, of many, that bloomed. Many large leaves fell off this winter and it looked desiccated . My cats enjoy the baskets in the balmy summer outdoors but I just can’t keep them healthy in the basket during the winter. I’m transitioning back to clay as that seems better for my cattleyas during winter indoors.

As careful as I was, this was not a smooth process. I wanted to split into 4 or five sections but after damaging the only new growth and one swelling eye, I decided to just go with 2 large divisions for now.

I clipped the rhizomes (?) where I could and used brute sawing to cut through the dead roots and wooden basket. Impossible to be gentle on some of this.

After dissection, I noticed that the only living roots were along the basket edges and riding the crest approximately 3” above the dried “brick” of roots that filled the basket. It’s like the roots were suffocating in there.

I included photos below to show steps along the way. I’ll post 3 at a time to see if it uploads. Before and after the cut.

[piping plover]

After the cut. Note,the center “brick “ of the basket was a dry no-go zone for roots. One division placed in pot.