Renanthera repot help

[0rch1dman]

I bought this Renanthera Nancy Chandler 'Red Dragon' a few months ago. It is huge, about 3 feet tall in a hanging basket. I think that it needs repotting but it is very well "connected" to the existing basket. If anyone has experience with this your help is very much appreciated!!!!

[jkhom]

Mine was the same way. When I repotted, I used my Dremel and very carefully cut the basket away piece by piece. Sorry, I don't know of a better way.

[0rch1dman]

I was leaning in the same direction. maybe soaking before hand to help loosen things up. Thanks.

[Molly Taco]

I was advised to just put the basket into and larger basket and leave it alone. Don't know if that is a good thing but that is what I was told to do.
Cin

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I have vandas that we just left in the smaller basket and placed into a larger one. With some cattleyas that do this, I soak them for 10-15 minutes to get things loose and if in plastic, I cut away the pot, if in a clay pot, I take a hammer and break it away. Sometimes pieces of the pot will not come away from the roots, so just leave those alone. Remove what you can without damaging the root system.

With this one, It looks very 'happily attached' so I would just place it into a larger basket. Tie it to the center of the basket with wire. Before long the roots will attach themselves to the new basket and you will no longer notice the inner basket at all.

Cheers,
BD

[clintdawley]

Just put the old basket down inside a newer basket.

Vandaceous orchids hate their roots being disturbed. Potting on is acceptable.

[0rch1dman]

Thanks for all of your help. I will place in a larger basket. Now, last question, should I use any medium or just place in the next largest basket? Thanks again.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

You could go either way depending on your watering schedule. If you water fairly regularly, I suggest using lava rock. It is fairly lightweight and will help anchor the plant in the new basket.

Cheers,
BD

[0rch1dman]

Muchas gracias!