repotting a Dendrobium hybrid
what you'll need...

click on photo to see a close-up

As always, begin your potting session by sterilizing your cutting tools. Remember to re-sterilize between plants. This is a Dendrobium phalaenopsis-type hybrid we bought at a home center. Such plants are often overpotted in a fine peat-based mix. If the plant has finished flowering and is showing new growth, it is a good idea to get it into fresh media. Squeeze the plastic pot all around to loosen the plant from the pot. It should easily lift out. If not, use a lever to gently pry the plant out of the pot. If the Dendrobium is in a clay pot, use a knife or lever to free the roots and remove the plant. 

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Although the roots are not in very good condition, there are enough good live roots that this orchid should begin growth quickly. Remove the old potting media with your fingers. Cut off the old bloom spike and carefully begin trimming away old dead roots. If there any old shriveled pseudobulbs that appear to be seedling growth, you may remove them for a better fit in the new pot.  Because evergreen dendrobiums have short rhizomes and fine roots they can be potted in smaller pots than say, a Cattleya. They also appreciate ample moisture when they are in growth so we will use a plastic pot. Select one that will allow for about two years growth.


-----© 2002 GREG ALLIKAS   -   WWW.ORCHIDWORKS.COM/POTTING  -  PROTECTED BY DIGIMARC-----
For this Dendrobium we will use Better-Gro®  Special Orchid Mix mix that contains fir bark, charcoal, peat and perlite and provides a perfect growing environment for dendrobiums.. Add media to within a half inch of the pot rim, do not bury the base of the pseudobulbs. Use a rhizome clip to secure the plant. You may need to tighten a standard clip to fit a plastic pot. Because of the height of this Dendrobium, we will use a straight stake to further stabilize the plant.

-----© 2002 GREG ALLIKAS   -   WWW.ORCHIDWORKS.COM/POTTING  -  PROTECTED BY DIGIMARC-----
Dendrobiums generally have fine roots and prefer small pots. Keep this in mind when repotting.
Prepare a nametag with the name of the Dendrobium. You can also add the date if it will help you decide when to repot the next time.

 

 


© 2002 GREG ALLIKAS   -   WWW.ORCHIDWORKS.COM/POTTING  -  PROTECTED BY DIGIMARC



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