Coelogyne pandurata, four inflorescences

[K Barrett]

I inherited a Rodriguezia decora that's in a similar pot (large clay pot, tree fern column). But mine has reached the top of the column. I don't know what to do next. Add a column and once established cut away the lower dead stuff? That's sorta unweildy. tear it apart and start over again? The plant'd probably die. So it sits there as I dither.

[Ricardo in PR]

I would add a piece of tree fern, wood or other object that could be easily removed and once the plant has climbed on top of it I would cut it away from the base. I have done this in the past, it looks a bit awkward for a while but usually results in the survival of the plant with little loss of vigor. My experiece tearing plants away from bark filled columns has been uniformly hideous.

[K Barrett]

Yeah, adding a piece is probably the best way to go. Luckily I have a 4 day weekend in which to deal with my orchds, woo-hoo!!! Nothing i hate more than getting involved with a project then having to stop (for reasons other than exhaustion or failure, *G*)