Encyclia mariae repotting help

[nicki]

I could use some help with the best way to repot this Encyclia mariae. I've been watering this every other day and have it under lights. All the roots you see are are new and they prefer to be stay out of the mix. I'd like to get it repotted while it's putting out the new roots. I think most suggestions will lean towards mounting it and I'm not too familar with that.

[leafmite]

I have my encyclias in a net pots with lava rock. They are happy.
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[pavel]

Watering every other day for a potted Encyc sounds excessive, Nicki. What are the roots like in the pot medium? And for that matter what is the medium? (From your pic, looks like sphag. If so you DEFINITELY need to cut back on the watering.) IME, a potted encyc will do fine watered once a week during the winter months. (Mine are in a mix of large chc, hydroton, & large grade hort charcoal.)

If you enjoy watering frequently -- and I know a number of folks who do -- then mounting is the way to go. There are several threads on mounting, just use the forum's search engine and it should bring them up for you. (I believe one or two of them are in the "Articles" section.)

If you decide to keep it potted, check the roots in the medium. It may be a good idea to change the medium you're using. Once you tell us what it currently is, we can give you some advice there. Personally, I would not go up a pot size -- the plant still has plenty of room from the looks of things. With regards to the wayward roots, this is simply what orchids do. It does not mean a larger pot is needed. Once you check the buried roots and the medium (figure out what the medium is and if it has started to break down), this plant can be replanted in the same pot.

It will be easier to advise you once you have had a look at the medium and roots.

[nicki]

It's in a net pot that is a mix of bark, charcoal, hydroton and i think perlite. I will double check tonite. The moss is just on top, it's what was on the original mix it came in so I kept it in hopes of keeping it alive since it looked nice There is also a styrofoam peanut that fills half of the pot. So it dries out pretty quick or so I'm thinking. I'm not sure what the original roots are like now. I potted it in that mix after I got it a few months ago. Since it put out those roots that won't go in the media I figured it might not like it and prefer something more airy.

[Tom-19951]

I grow mine on hardwood stick and I water/mist it once a week in winter but every other two days in summer. This species does need to dry out between waterings.

[espranch]

This particular encyclia might do very well in a vanda slatted wooden basket. That way, its roots can "roam around", and it would also dry fairly quickly. Betty

[nicki]

I'll see if I can find a slatted basket small enough for it or look into ordering a tree fern mount. I'll space out my watering too. Thanks.

[espranch]

You are most welcome...Betty

[pavel]

Nicki, the Pittsburgh orchid show is March 17 & 18. So if you have difficulty finding a basket or other supplies, you should definitely be able to find them there.

[nicki]

Pavel thank you for the reminder!