New small phal in bloom repot?

[Ellzeena]

I have a 20 yo phal I almost killed from bad repotting advice from a source that should have known better, thank heaven my hospital care saved it (although it will take YEARS to go back to its constant blooming state): new leaf, yay. Almost losing it prompted new purchases, both young (in bloom) and both repotted immediately one size up in well ventilated clear plastic pots with sphag + a little bark. Yesterday I wanted to purchase a mature orchid, could not find one that wasn't "double" and in heavy clay pot with no ventilation and did not want to see the disaster if unpotted so I purchased a small beautiful little Phal with visible healthy roots and a new leaf starting (it's still in bloom, small purple flowers) plus an air root and new root from base. It's in a tiny grower's plastic pot (and of course "decorative" ceramic), it is still wet (from being overwatered in store) and I want to repot this now. Problem: the smallest ventilated clear pot I have is too big (3", it's in grower's 2" pot). If I get flower drop I don't care but I'm worried about tiny new leaf growth. Medium is probably not good, plant is starting to climb out. Should I repot this now,leave flower spike of course, doing it as gently as possible? I do not "pack" the moss, I almost lost my mature plant that way, and I think this little Phal could use some food too. Can anyone advise me? TY very much!

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!

Phals aren't fussy about when they're repotted - in bloom is fine, if the plant is healthy and you're gentle, the flowers will probably not even be bothered. You're right to repot now rather than waiting for roots to rot in bad media, and it sounds like you have had success.

That 3 inch pot, if well drained, should be fine. The problem with overpotting is having an airless soggy spot in the middle. As long as your medium is well drained and the pot has good ventilation, the plant will be fine in the slightly larger pot. It's still small enough to dry out between waterings, which is the goal.

Don't stress on fertilizer - orchids need very little. Treat it the same as your others. Dilute (1/4 to 1/2 of whatever it says on the bottle, every week or two) Err on the low side with the fertilizer.

[early]

I am a former RN, so I know what you mean about hospital care. whether or not you meant that literally. I am a quick study from years of nursing experience and know how to " triage" the answers I find elsewhere, and to evaluate the answers here if they are different before I make up my mind. You have years of experience with orchids; chime in here. We will listen. and welcome.

[Ellzeena]

TY very much for your answers. I will repot her tomorrow. I have been using Repotme.com special orchid formulae for feeding with reduction for winter months for years with my oldest orchid and it is working quite well for the two new ones already repotted. Thanks again!