Software
Houzz Logo Print
dolom518

cattleya and dendrobium

14 years ago

My cattleya needs transplanting to a bigger pot. Do I need to clean off the roots- cut off any roots when I do this. Also my dendrobium is having a "baby". I'm thrilled, but is there a special way of doing this or do I just cut it and replant it???? The garden web has helped me to become an orchid lover. I now have 24 plants. Thanks again.

Dolores

Comments (6)

  • 14 years ago

    When i transplant my catts I remove them from their pot and remove as much of the old media as i can. Once all the media between the roots and such is gone i soak the roots in a water/physan 20/superthrive mix for about 5 minutes and make sure the roots are all cleanish. The physan prevents any fungus from growing and the superthrive stimulates new roots growth. Then i use sterilized mini garden scissors(sp?) and cut off any dead roots, that are usually brown and mushy when lightly pinched between my fingers, keep any green roots or firm white roots. Pot up in a medium bark, charcoal, perlite mix and soak it with water (with a drop a superthrive maybe.)and wait.. This is a good time to do this as well because new roots should be emerging and it will have a better survival rate.

    The Dendrobium keiki should have at least 3" of total roots before removed from the mother plant. I usually keep them on a bit longer though because if its not hurting the plant then it can only get bigger and stronger. When the baby plant is removed it no longer recieves any nutrients or anything from its mother plant and has to fend on its own. So the bigger the better. If it is big enough, then yes you can basically just cut it off and pot it up.

    Good Luck!!

    Ben

  • 14 years ago

    I don't do that much work when I repot my Catts. I wait until I see new roots forming before I repot. I dump the plant out of the pot, give the roots a quick rinse of water to knock off any loose bark. I try not to break any healthy roots. If anything looks slimy or dead, I cut it off.

    My Catts are mostly planted in large bark or stone. They are easy to repot. They go into the new, fresh bark, get a good watering - that's it. I don't use any chemicals on the roots.

    Jane

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    My baby cattleya got a new little leaf it brown why and the root white brown

  • 11 years ago

    Laura, to get good advice you have to tell the people more about where you are in the USA. Where you have the plant. How much sunlight it is getting. How often you water the plant. etc etc.etc.

  • 11 years ago

    Also Laura, this is Dolores's thread. In fairness you should start your own.

  • 11 years ago

    With dendrobium kekis I never remove them from the cane. It will eventually disappear. The first will never produce flowers. Cut the cane so it will wedge in a small pot. Keep roots at and above the potting material. Keep the pots bright but little to no direct sun early on. Keep them hydrated but give them some time to dry a little. Good luck...

Sponsored
Kuhns Contracting, Inc.
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars26 Reviews
Central Ohio's Trusted Home Remodeler Specializing in Kitchens & Baths