Zygopetalum Advance Australia Roots Exposed/Varied PBulb Heights

[Als]

I just took home a Zygo Advance Australia and I was considering waiting to repot until after it blooms. However, I realized the pseudobulbs are all at different heights so some are buried in the media and one is high above with the roots coming down... Thinking that this might be a terrestrial (or semi-terrestrial??) orchid I was worried that might be a problem, so I wrapped it in sphagnum moss. Was that right?

I would be ok with repotting sooner - but in that case, any advice for repotting when the pseudobulbs are at different heights?

• First photo is my attempt to cover the roots with moss.
• Second photo is what the roots look when I pull the moss aside.
• Third photo is the other side of the plant with the low planted pseudobulb.

Also, I believe the potting material that came with the plant is pure orchiata bark. All the moss in the photo I added.

Thanks everyone for your help!

[Roberta]

I personally would wait and enjoy the flowers... The plant has fantastic-looking roots, and clearly doesn't mind the fact that it's climbing out of the pot. It tends to grow vertically, so you'll never have all of the pseudobulbs at the same level relative to the medium, at least not for long. If the oldest one is a bit buried, that's OK... it's just reserves for the plant. I think you can remove the moss, again the plant appears to be doing fine. When you water, get those new roots wet too, and they'll be fine. When you do repot, consider putting a slab of hapu'u (tree fern fiber) behind the newest growth. In nature, this plant (or rather its parent species) probably grow up the trunks of trees, hence that climbing and rambling habit. The genus is related to Maxillaria, which often has new growths growing on top of old ones. So, maybe a bit untidy, but a happy plant.

[Als]

Thanks so much, Roberta, for the quick and super informative reply! What a relief to hear that it's normal. I like messy happy plants!

I will look into hapu'u fiber. Thanks again!