Climbing Orchids

[navyderek]

All-

This is a question that has been bothering me for a couple of weeks, and now I'm posting on a forum with very knowledgeable growers. I've got two Intergeneric Oncidium style plants that are just climbing right out of the bark mixture. I repotted them when I first got them about 8 months ago, but both of them are putting out new psuedobulbs and roots much higher than the pot and mix.

It seems obvious maybe to repot these deeper or in a MUCH larger pot. However- I have them in very tall ceramic orchid pots that I picked up fro like 2 bucks each at a discount store, and they are about 10 inches tall by 5 inches diameter and the root systems have FILLED these pots- I checked one last night. The exposed roots of these new growths are a very healthy white with large green tips, they seem happy doing what they are doing. Do I HAVE to repot these right now, or can I mist them daily and get away with having them open-air?

-Derek

[Halloamey]

Hi Derek ! This is a very usual problem with Oncs. I do not repot mine for this reason. If you water or mist sufficiently, the roots will find their way in to the substrate, The plants will be extremely healthy no problems what so ever.

[Germinatorman]

Hey Derek,

Yah, I agree, those guys like to climb out of their pots. When I finally do repot them I lean them a little so more roots can get into the pot. But I also agree, if you keep them misted those roots will be fine. Some people like to plant Oncidiums on wooden mounts for just that reason. They can just climb right up the bark or whatever you use.

Don

Another hint on Oncidiums, they like it cooler than many orchids. A little chill will go a long way toward setting flower spikes.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

They will be fine, but eventually you will want to repot to 'center' the plant in the pot again.

Cheers,
BD

[walingwaling]

hi derek,
i agree with the above, you could also divide em and mount one half to see how it goes, if they want to climb so let em...

[Ron-NY]

I gave up with them climbing out of their pots...mine are now mounted and doing well

[bedt]

Hi Derek, certainly agree with the above post. I have an oncidium that does the exact thing as yours. Next time I repot, it will be mounted. Good Luck!

[navyderek]

Thanks for the advice guys. If I was to go ahead and mount it now, will it continue climbing in the same direction it already has? What I mean by that, how should it be oriented? The current lowest psuedobulb on the bottom end of the mount?

They are not flowering, still a month plus of summer left, seems like a good time to mount I think.

[walingwaling]

Thanks for the advice guys. If I was to go ahead and mount it now, will it continue climbing in the same direction it already has? What I mean by that, how should it be oriented? The current lowest psuedobulb on the bottom end of the mount?

They are not flowering, still a month plus of summer left, seems like a good time to mount I think.

hi derek,
yep, the lowest pb on the bottom, it will climb upwards.

[Ron-NY]

yes it will climb toward the light source.