LARGE Phalenopsis - Repot or not??

[suneday]

I have a phalenopsis with 12-inch leaves -- it bloomed from Feb 15 - early June, with a huge spray of large white flowers. When the blossoms finally withered, I cut the stem to just above the second node. It has new leaf growth and seems very happy. It's in a 7-inch, shallow pot,
which it came from the florist in.

I am thinking of repotting it into an 8.5-inch clay pot, which is about 8-inches deep (tapered). Is this a good idea? The plant is top-heavy, and I now have the smaller plastic pot inside this large one.

Thanks!!
Carol

[kiki-do]

I think it's the perfect time to repot and that will give you a chance to see how the roots are doing. Are you familiar with repotting? If not, we can walk you through it.
I just lost a beautiful white phal to root rot (got it in Feb.) so that's kind of why I say "yes" to repotting.

[BikerDoc5968]

The pot is your choice. I used to use orchid clay pots...the ones with the slits on the side but have changed over to clear/translucent plastic. I can see when to water, growth and they are much lighter. The kind I am using have a heavy plastic rim on the top so I can still hang them out during the summer

[suneday]

Thanks Kiki & Doc!

I would love a bit of advice on the repot. I bought a pkg of general purpose orchid mix at the NY Botanical Garden with coconut husk, diatomite, charcoal & perlite. Should I put some Styrofoam or pebbles in the bottom of the pot for drainage?

Also, should I withhold water for 10-15 days after repotting?

[kiki-do]

Make sure you soak the mix for at least 24 hours before using. Peanuts on the bottom are fine as long as they aren't the type that dissolves in water, so you might want to test them first. You can use real wine corks, also. Your mix sounds like it's a good one and has all you need. I'm not sure about the withholding water part. I don't do that, generally, but I am sure not to overly water. Oh, and be sure to cut off any black mushy roots with sterile scissors.
Something I do that I learned here, is that I spray listerine (regular, not minty) on the roots before repotting. Good luck!

[Ross]

While not generally a Phal grower, I would agree with Kiki in that I see no reason to withold water. I also use clear pots (for my couple phals) and use the eyes to determine when to water. Little white mold balls develope really quickly if not careful.

[caseydoll]

You know, I've read on several occasions to withhold water for a couple weeks after repotting. I've always wondered why because my phals start to wilt a bit if I wait to long to water after repotting. I think it's to encourage the roots to start growing while looking for water but 10-15 days seems too long to me.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by caseydoll

but 10-15 days seems too long to me.

And it only leads to wilt (shrivelling) of the leaves. All Phal wilt is due to root problems. Could be too little water. Could be to too little ability to take up water. Could be to almost anything root-related.

[Lagoon]

I've heard this time lapse for catts, tho' not heard this about phals. I wonder if this would be more related to greenhouse growers

I don't water anything for a couple of days after repot, I feel this gives time for the roots to close up and heal abit.