Phal overgrow but in spike - should repot?

[Nicolas]

My first Orchid is a Phal and it has overgrown the current pot - there are 5 thick roots coming out. However, there is also a growing spike. I am not sure if I should repot now or wait until it finishes blooming. Any thoughts? What if I wait?

[camille1585]

Hi Nicolas, welcome to OB!

Phals have a tendency to grow aerial roots all over the place so it's not a problem at all. Also, phals also like to be snug in their pots, so they are not often repotted into bigger pots.
Right now (unless your phal is really exploding its pot), the only reason you would need to repot is if the medium it is growing in is in bad shape or if you see rotten roots (easy to see if the plant is in a clear pot). Is it in bark or moss? If you have picture, it would be helpful also.

[kiki-do]

Hi Nicolas! Welcome to OB!
Without pics to look at, it's a tough call. However, if it's really outgrown it's pot, and sitting in decomposed medium, now would be a good time to repot....before it blooms. I'd be very careful working around the spikes, but it shouldn't be a hard thing to do right now.
Generally they do not like to be disturbed while in a "bloom" cycle. However, I've read that the perfect time to repot is when new growth (spikes) are evident.

[Nicolas]

It is in moss. Although in a clear pot inside of a ceramic one, I cannot easily take it out to see the medium or rotten roots, if any, as one of the roots has grown through the drainage holes of both pots. I think the Phal is in a good shape as the aerial roots look healthy (green redish tips), as well as the leaves (got 2 new ones over fall). I guess I'll wait until after blooming as I don't want to damage neither the spike nor the roots. Thanks so much

[Ray]

After it finishes blooming, you WILL need to repot it, as most can get really "sour" quite quickly, and take the root system with it.

Got a hammer?