when to re-pot Phalaenopsis..plus timing of stem cut back?

[Niki]

I purchased two Phalaenopsis's orchids almost a year ago and was wondering how do I know when to repot?

The lady I bought them from said to repot after one year, but I read in one of the threads on this board that they go into shock after repotting and take a while to re-bloom...and also I know that orchids don't like a lot of room (they like a tight fit for roots in the pot) so I'm not sure what size to re-pot and how to know if it's ready to repot.

I'm concerned because one of my orchids looks like it's about to fall out of the soil (the roots are growing above the soil in the pot, with no way to cover the roots because pot is full to the brim of soil and the roots are bulging up above that level...kind of like how tree roots can start bludging out of the ground). So, should I re-pot this one after the it finished blooming? (I plan to cut back the entire stem at this time and figured it would be a good time to repot..but not sure if I should re-pot and wait to cut back the stem...I know re-potting can shock so I don't want it starting new growth until after I pot, which is why I figured re-pot first, then cut).

To date, they both look good. Both have re-bloomed without any trouble and look to be in excellent health overall (one has 7 blooms on it's second bloom and the other has 5).

As always, your help and advice is much appreciated!
Niki

[jkofferdahl]

Phalaenopsises are a lot more resiliant than the lady led you to believe. They will survive repotting regardless of when it is done. That said, there are ways to optimize the job for best growth and results.

After blooming, they like a little rest most times (though you may see them grow and bloom at the same time). I prefer to allow my Phals to rest a little. Optimally I like to see a start of new growth when I repot. If the plant is adult-sized there is no reason to not use a new pot of the same size as the old one.

The roots outside of the pot are normal, and are called aereal roots. Orchids grow them all of the time, so they aren't indicative of the need to repot. When you do repot, however, take care with these aereal roots. They are best left outside of the new potting medium, as they are likely to suffocate if potted in the medium with the other roots.

[quiltergal]

I like to repot mine in the spring when you start to see new root growth. I've repotted them without seeing any new roots with no ill effects also. I like to go up at least half a pot size especially if the roots are crawling up out of the pot. These aren't aerial roots, they're just regular ones looking for a place to go. I have also put the aerials down in the media when repotting. It hasn't seemed to phase any of mine, and the roots are still good.

The response I normally get from any repot is not shock. If you do it gently and don't damage the roots there is no reason for it to go into shock. Mine usually respond by going into an active growth phase. I get new leaves, and lots of new roots. I can honestly say I've never had a negative response from any of my plants that have been repotted. The only exception would be a Slc. that did not like being in S/H.

[Niki]

terri,

How can you tell if the roots are aerial roots, or just roots that are crawling out of the pot?

also, do you pot your Phalaenopsis in S/H too? (I asked in my other thread what S/H is, since to me this stands for shipping and handling )

Thanks again,

Niki

[(..._...)]

they are aerial roots if they are actually in the air; the roots in the potting mix are not aerial

don't worry, I sometimes repot my phals in bloom and they are fine!!!

[Niki]

Well, that's certainly logical. So I guess if the roots are coming out of the soil, they are "creeping' out of the pot (as Terri described), vs. the aerials, which are never in soil at all?

I'm certainly learning a lot. One of my Phals looks like it's about ready to fall out of the pot (the whole plant is tipped sideways and it looks likes the whole thing is about to fall out of the pot...I was about to post a pic, but my battery just died , so I'll have to recharge before I can take the pic and post it)

Niki

[Ross]

I have also had pretty good luck just jamming all the roots (aerial or not) into a new pot and dumping in new mix. Now, keep in mind, I use coarse fir bark and repot with dry bark. I think this leads to the aerial roots acclimating to the bark mix.

[(..._...)]

oooh i think I get what your saying... you mean, the roots that are completely in the air... vs some roots that are in the air, but are coming out of the soil, and not growing out of a part of the plant that is above the medium right? --now i sound confusing

either way, any pience of root that it out in the air is an aerial root, and must be repotted out of the medium in order for it to continue to breathe.

does that make sense lol

Originally Posted by Niki

Well, that's certainly logical. So I guess if the roots are coming out of the soil, they are "creeping' out of the pot (as Terri described), vs. the aerials, which are never in soil at all?

I'm certainly learning a lot. One of my Phals looks like it's about ready to fall out of the pot (the whole plant is tipped sideways and it looks likes the whole thing is about to fall out of the pot...I was about to post a pic, but my battery just died , so I'll have to recharge before I can take the pic and post it)

Niki

[Niki]

yes! This is exactly what I mean. But, it sounds like whatever roots are in the air and supposed to be in the air, and that I should leave them in the air when I repot?

I took some pictures to show everyone what I mean when I say, "falling out of the pot"

If you look at the way the leaves are facing, you can see that it the leaves are sideways, as if the plant has uprooted. But, from the clear plastic pot, it's obvious that the plant is securely rooted into the soil by the other roots.

[(..._...)]

niki, some phals are like that. when you buy them, they may be upright, since in the greenhouse, the leaves grow ip towards the light. In the home, however, they are getting light from the windows, so the leaves go more that way. anyways, they grow naturaly like that in the wild.

your medium looks quite stale, so it would be a good time to re-pot. Is it done/almost finished blooming?

the two thick white-grey roots on the top have to be kept in the air, but the others that I can see just seem to have been in the medium, but the medium was moved away from the roots.