The Orchid Garden

Repot or Not?

Question:

<<  I don’t know the variety – whatever Home Depot sells  (The longest stem is about 1′ and the leaves "alternate" up the stem, not a clump of leaves at the base)  It is outdoors, in a fiber basket with bark/charcoal potting mixture. There are about 6 small green sprouts along one side of the basket opposite the main plant. Probably a dendrobium. Dendrobiums like to be underpotted. Let it alone for another year as long as the potting medium doesn’t get soggy. The best time to repot dendrobiums is when the new growths are putting out roots. Iris, Zone 5a, Sunset Zone 40 "The trouble with people is not that they don’t know but that they know so much that ain’t so."  Josh Billings, 1818-1885.

Response:

I am very new to growing orchids, but have one which has been with me for about a year – it is still alive!  It has the two main stems it had when purchased, as well as the new one (about 1" with two leaves) starting from the base of the other two.  I don’t know the variety – whatever Home Depot sells  (The longest stem is about 1′ and the leaves "alternate" up the stem, not a clump of leaves at the base)  It is outdoors, in a fiber basket with bark/charcoal potting mixture. There are about 6 small green sprouts along one side of the basket opposite the main plant.  If I change the potting mix now, I will surely sacrifice the little sprouts – unless I cut up the basket and keep a chunk with each little sprout, as they are sprouting through the basket fiber.  There is plenty of room presently, as the basket is quite large.  The plant was blooming when purchased, but not since.   Also a little bug problem – saw the first sign of spider mites.  What and how often is best treatment?  Thanks in advance for tips – I went orchid shopping yesterday, but resisted.  I think I will go back today while my husband is out fishing:)  Sinister, heh?  Have two side walls on patio which would be glorious for orchids.  Also have small potted lemon tree full of babies; trying a potted avocado tree as well.  The avocado may  only be good for shade, but it is good at that!  (My mother was a direct descendent of Johnny Appleseed, and she did improve this world a little bit during her stay; she left many happy birds and squirrels, owls, gopher tortoise, fox and raccoon, quail and possum, who enjoyed her yard with her.)

Response:

Filed under: Growing Orchids

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