Cattleya question

[Kaleighh]

I’ve had this cattlya since mid October. It is in the same 3 inch pot with bark mix that it came in. In the last few weeks it has been putting out roots like crazy. No new plant growth but I’m concerned it will be way out of the pot by spring. Thoughts on repot now since root growth is present? It lives indoors under lights. Name is in last pic.
Thanks

 

[monocotman]

I agree. I would repot now. Be aware that the new roots are very very fragile. I would be tempted to drop on, without disturbing the old roots, into a slightly larger pot. It depends on what you find under the compost surface.

 

[Kaleighh]

Thanks so much for your advice. Would you recommend a 5 or 6 inch pot?

 

[big923cattleya]

I would agree with monocotman. Gently lift it out of that pot and tap if a few times gently against a flat service. That might dislodge some old media.
From 3” to a 6” pot could easily lead to trouble. Too big of a jump.
Repot according to what you see NOW, not what it might be in the future.
But a happy plant putting out new roots is exactly what you want. If it means that it needs yearly repotting, so be it. Better that then one who simply won’t put out roots at all.

 

[southernbelle]

Always repot when you see new root growth. The eye above the new roots will break soon. Agree with everything above. Shake out old mix you can and carefully place in a pot just big enough to handle the growing roots. I wouldn't allow more than 1/2-3/4" of room on growing side and none on back side. Remember any older mix in center that's left will hold water longer than the new mix, so be careful not to overwater, but don't let the new roots stay dry too long.

 

[Kaleighh]

I would agree with monocotman. Gently lift it out of that pot and tap if a few times gently against a flat service. That might dislodge some old media.
From 3” to a 6” pot could easily lead to trouble. Too big of a jump.
Repot according to what you see NOW, not what it might be in the future.
But a happy plant putting out new roots is exactly what you want. If it means that it needs yearly repotting, so be it. Better that then one who simply won’t put out roots at all.

Thanks! I suspected 6 might be too much. I have 4 and 5 inch pots I’ll see which fits best.

 

[Kaleighh]

Always repot when you see new root growth. The eye above the new roots will break soon. Agree with everything above. Shake out old mix you can and carefully place in a pot just big enough to handle the growing roots. I wouldn't allow more than 1/2-3/4" of room on growing side and none on back side. Remember any older mix in center that's left will hold water longer than the new mix, so be careful not to overwater, but don't let the new roots stay dry too long.

Thank you! I’ll keep that in mind. With heat on now, everything is drying pretty quickly despite my humidity efforts.

 

[BrucherT]

Those fat new roots look terrific! Root Porn! Chiming in to support repotting now, not just because it's in active growth but because, in your photo, it appears that the old mix is toast. The more Cattleya-experienced folks seem to be recommending gentle taps to remove old media; I would be inclined to pick it all off carefully, maybe even rinse the old roots clean. Please do not take that advice; I am posting it to ask the other folks why they would not favor doing so. Best wishes!

 

[monocotman]

It all depends on what you find under the compost and how easy the old roots are to remove. The most important thing is not to damage the new ones. It’s so easy to do, believe me, I’ve had this problem myself.
If the old compost drops off then fine. If not, then err on the side of caution and leave bits of it on and some of the old roots if it means the new ones stay pristine.