Should the leaves look like this?

[NeNa]

Hi!

I'm completely new to orchid growing. I was given this gorgeous plant last year, this is its second stem and has been in bloom for more than 5 months! I'm sure it's ready for repotting but I need to wait until the blooms die off...is that right? Also the leaves have dark patches around the edges, is this just the natural colour or is my beautiful plant poorly? Also I have no clue which type of orchid she is...

[WaterWitchin]

Can't see the whole plant well. Looks like a phalaenopsis. Lower leaf looks like it's on its way out. Perhaps not watering quite often enough. Can't tell from picture. That maroon coloration means it may be getting a bit too much light. A little is okay, but appears that's a bit too much. Better pictures would lead to better answers.

[MrHappyRotter]

It looks like natural pigmentation, and it could be a sign that the plant is at the upper end of its light preference / tolerance. Essentially the orchid equivalent of a sun tan. Hard to know for sure since you didn't really tell us much and there's only the one photo from a single angle.

The lower leaf is showing some signs of dying off. That's not necessarily a bad thing, they shed old leaves like many other plants, but it might also be a symptom of the plant needing to be repotted or other issues. Unfortunately, we don't have any information to go on and few details. For the most part, from what I can tell the plant looks reasonably healthy.

It's a Phalaenopsis hybrid.

You don't have to wait until it's done flowering to repot. Repotting might lead to the flowers dropping off earlier than they otherwise would have, but it's not like anyone can predict one way or the other. Either way, it's a good time of year to repot because it's spring, days are getting longer and temperatures are getting warmer, plus it'll have the whole spring and summer to grow and build up strength.

[Ray]

It needs more water.

The myth that "orchids must dry out between waterings" is based upon the fact that lousy potting media hold too much water in between the particles, which suffocates and kills the roots. Letting it dry out "unclogs" the open spaces, allowing the roots to "breathe", and stay alive.

If you use a potting medium that doesn't become completely saturated when watered, you can water more and the plant will grow better.

[NeNa]

Thanks so much! I'll move it to a different window and repot this weekend.