Phal roots, repot?

[VickiC]

Hi everyone!
I have 2 questions:
1) When I bought this phal in the pictures several months ago (I can't remember exactly how many), I immediately repotted it, as I always do with a newly acquired plant. At that time, I potted all the roots in the medium, but obviously some decided to come up and wander later. Just recently, the thought crossed my mind if maybe the reason they did not stay "submerged" as they grew was because the medium started breaking down and compacting, so they chose to grow out of it. How do you think it looks.....do you think it is breaking down this soon?

2) Directly related to 1: If so, would you repot it soon after blooming (as you see, it is in spike ) ?? The roots look very healthy and I really hate to disturb a plant growing so nicely...but on the other hand, I can feel the "pressure" of the roots against the plastic pot when I pick it up.

I would very much appreciate your thoughts and advice,
Vicki

[WhiteRabbit]

it all looks good to me - for whatever that is worth lol
I can't imagine the media breaking down that fasst - bark is usually good for a couple of years.
the roots in the pot look healthy as do the aerial ones - phals just like having aerial roots I think
If it were my plant I would leave it be and continue doing whatever you have been doing as your plant looks quite happy to me

[dounoharm]

ditto the rabbit.....looks good to me too...just leave er be and enjoy the spike....

[whygreenberg]

Yeah, I second what Wabbit says. Phals (most orchids, actually) love to make aerial roots—that's how they grow in nature. Looks like you've got a super healthy one there. Congrats on the spike!

[zxyqu]

Agreed with all the above, and aerial roots are generally a good sign of health, in my experience and from what I've read. For aesthetics, you can always try to encourage them back into the pot, but I've had mixed results with that. Whatever the case, the plant looks healthy, and hopefully you'll post some pics when that spike blooms out. Keep up the good work

[VickiC]

Thank you everyone!
I was hoping you would say this. Of course, I would have done whatever you had advised, but since it's "make no changes", I'm happy with that.
Thanks again,
Vicki