Cattleya Jairak ‘Cosmos’ that I picked up today (among others in a small haul) at Chicagoland Orchid Fest. This one was from Natt’s Orchids. I fell in love with it on the website- (see pic of flowers-omg) but didn’t realize it would be potted in one of these baskets. Ugh! I just know I’m going to completely set it back when I repot. Any advice other than soaking it really well and just being meticulously gentle? 😬
Personally I’ve found just being really gentle and crossing my fingers is the best. Maybe try cutting the plastic around the roots to create a bit more of an opening? Best of luck
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That basket is fascinating! Since orchids are epiphytic, I wonder if it would survive long term in that very basket without you needing to cut it out? Questioning why the grower would grow orchids in something like that if it wasn’t good for it. But then again, that’s a dumb question since growers do all kinds of dumb no good things for orchids. Lol. Is there any substrate at all inside the basket or just air?
2 likes What of you were to put that basket inside or over another hanging basket or pot a bit bigger, with some substrate in it, so that it kinda grew together as one?
1 likeSomeone else suggested that to me, but there IS some bark in the lower portion of the basket that will start to break down eventually and get acidic. At SOME point, I’d have to completely repot and start from scratch and then I’d have 2 vessels to deal with. I’m thinking if I don’t get a bloom, and it starts on new roots, I’m just going to go for it. Eeeeek. I absolutely hate these baskets- I think growers use them because they work well with seedlings. Also, because they hang, it gives them more space in their greenhouses, while bringing the plants closer to the light. But these in particular look like they got really established really quickly. 😬
2 likesOMG that’s where I did my haul too!!
1 likeAlso I saw all the plaques and baskets and I was like… yeah I’m going to go for the ones that are younger and won’t bloom for a couple years because I’m so afraid of the baskets!! I wish you major luck <3
0 likesThanks! I have some Cattleya seedlings that are still YEARS away from blooming- I thought I could wait, but it’s been agonizing. 😆
0 likesI know right?? I have been just searching up the photos on the internet like look at this!!! This is my plant!!
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