Psychopsis--to repot or not

[Chris1140]

I bought this Psychopsis papilio about 9 months ago, and since that time it has produced one new growth after another and is growing beyond the edges of the small clay pot. I was planning on repotting it but noticed at the base of the newest bulb another growth starting as well as what may be its first spike. I'm reluctant to repot since I've read that Psychopsis don't generally respond well to repotting. I'm also concerned that many of the roots have attached themselves to the inside surface of the clay pot and would be damaged if I try to unpot. Do you think it would be ok to leave it and let it grow beyond the edges of the pot or should I repot?

[ksriramkumar]

Chris, good buy and fantastic culture. I have not seen such a growth in 9 months. I would suggest you wait for plant to bloom once and then think about repotting. you are right, Psychopsis does not like to be disturbed. if the medium is ok, I would soak the clay pot in water so that the roots are pliable and then carefully break the pot without disturbing the medium and insert the entire content in a bigger pot. keeping fingers crossed. do let us know how this goes. all the very best

[Orquiadicto]

I've got one that I bought in May last year in bloom. It has bloomed again in October more or less, but it hasn't put out one single new growth. It still has the only pseudobulb it came with. I'm really hoping to get new growth this spring, so perhaps I'd have another spike.

[Chris1140]

Chris, good buy and fantastic culture. I have not seen such a growth in 9 months. I would suggest you wait for plant to bloom once and then think about repotting. you are right, Psychopsis does not like to be disturbed. if the medium is ok, I would soak the clay pot in water so that the roots are pliable and then carefully break the pot without disturbing the medium and insert the entire content in a bigger pot. keeping fingers crossed. do let us know how this goes. all the very best

OK, thanks a lot for the advice.

[Chris1140]

After the plant produced four sequential blooms and rested for a while, I finally got around to repotting. When I unpotted I was surprised to see the roots completely filled the old pot--no medium visible (it was planted in tree fern). Also the roots were not attached to the old pot at all--they slid right out. I 'potted on' with a mix of fine bark and fine tree fern, and secured the plant with a couple of metal rhizome clips. Here's hoping it takes!

[ksriramkumar]

looks good. I would suggest you feed only rain water or RO water till stabilizes and starts putting out new roots.

[Chicknlegs]

Please keep us posted on its progress. I also have a physhopsis that is quite pot bound that has 3 spikes one currently in bloom and 3 new growths. I know the medium is quite broken down as it stays wet for quite a long time and the bark is quite soft.

Does anyone know when the best time to repot this orchid, is it when new growth has appeared without roots appearing and does the season play a part as well? We are in our last month of summer here in Australia and I believe most orchids prefer it warmer for repotting? Thanks