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The recent, rare discussion of
orchid culture concerning repotting of Cattleyas has been welcome and
useful. It has also stimulated me
to bring up a culture issue that has been driving me nuts for
years. Stated briefly, when I repot
Cattleyas or Dendrobiums that have
been in the pot for 2-5 years, most of the roots in the pots (ceramic slit pots)
appear to be dead. Top growth on
the plants usually appears healthy, and new, white roots with little green tips
are growing at the base of new, vegetative growth The problem is that the
�dead� roots become substrates for bacteria and fungi which can eventually kill
the entire plant. At one time I attributed the
dead-root-syndrome to roots that had been exposed to bark mixes too long. Then I changed to pure red lava rock
which does not break down. Results
have been similar; good top growth
but dead roots in pot after several years. About one year ago I began to use a mix
recommended by someone on this digest.
It is 2 parts lava rock, 1 part fine charcoal, and 1 part washed coco
chips. Plants seem to be doing
better in this mix but the experiment must run for several more
years I have concluded that under my conditions, it is not possible to keep
Cattleya-alliance and Dendrobiums orchids in pots more than 2 years without
removing all dead roots and starting over. I would like to know how some growers
are able to keep specimen plants in the same pot for many years. All suggestions, comments,
etc. will be welcome. Gene Howard Evans, Georgia |
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