For anyone else considering repotting try this different method. When I repot any of my cattleya's I always use a new plastic pot (they are cheap enough to buy) larger catt's with several bulbs I plant in clay pots with lots of holes drilled into the sides. Back to the plastic pots. Suitable drainage material in the base of the pot is essential. Then fill up the pot with a suitable medium with allowances for ariation in the pot. The medium should fill the pot to a point where the rhizome will rest on the surface and the roots are just covered. Now to the important bit, to make secure and fix firmly in the pot without any movement. We all have some of those wire coat hangers, from dry-cleaners etc. Cut a length of the coat hanger an inch wider than the pot, pierce the wire through the top part of the pot (normally an inch from the rim), so that it just covers the rhizome (in the centre) when the wire is in the correct position make sure that its pressing down on the rhizome then pierce the other side of the pot with the wire. If it's firmly fixed you should be able to lift the plant and pot by the psuedobulbs straight away. It's this tightness and firmness of the rhizome to the medium that helps to establish new roots. After several months when new roots have been established, the wire can be removed. I have used this proceedure for many years and found it to be most satisfactory.
bernabu
re-potting
For anyone else considering repotting try this different method. When I repot any of my cattleya's I always use a new plastic pot (they are cheap enough to buy) larger catt's with several bulbs I plant in clay pots with lots of holes drilled into the sides. Back to the plastic pots. Suitable drainage material in the base of the pot is essential. Then fill up the pot with a suitable medium with allowances for ariation in the pot. The medium should fill the pot to a point where the rhizome will rest on the surface and the roots are just covered. Now to the important bit, to make secure and fix firmly in the pot without any movement. We all have some of those wire coat hangers, from dry-cleaners etc. Cut a length of the coat hanger an inch wider than the pot, pierce the wire through the top part of the pot (normally an inch from the rim), so that it just covers the rhizome (in the centre) when the wire is in the correct position make sure that its pressing down on the rhizome then pierce the other side of the pot with the wire. If it's firmly fixed you should be able to lift the plant and pot by the psuedobulbs straight away. It's this tightness and firmness of the rhizome to the medium that helps to establish new roots. After several months when new roots have been established, the wire can be removed. I have used this proceedure for many years and found it to be most satisfactory.
bernabu
bernabu