okay to repot when blooming? - Orchid Board

meemnum1 · #1 11-10-2010, 05:25 PM

I have a phalaenopsis. It is currently in bloom. Is it okay to repot?

Masdyman · #2 11-10-2010, 05:38 PM

I repot if they are in bloom or not and have never had any problems ,just don't disturb the good roots too much .

Zoi2 · #3 11-10-2010, 05:39 PM

Is there a problem with the current potting media? If there are no problems, I would probably just let it go until the flowers have faded. If you suspect root problems or have trouble growing in the media the plant came in..go for it. Phals are usually ok with repotting while in bloom, be VERY careful of the bloom spike. Good luck
Joann

val_and_graham · #4 11-10-2010, 09:02 PM

I agree with Joann - it comes down to the reason you are wanting to repot. Can you tell us more? Are you concerned about the roots (rotting?size of roots versus size of pot?mould/algae in potting medium?), pests?
Photos always help if you have a chance to take some.

RosieC · #5 11-11-2010, 04:37 AM

I agree with the advice above.

If there is a problem with the medium (rotting roots in sphag or decomposed medium, pests, mould etc) then I would repot even when in flower as it's better to save the roots.

However if there is no reasons to repot imediately then I would wait until the flowers have finished.

I've repotted in flower before and had no problems, but I've also had one or two where the flowers have dropped soon afterwards. I think the main thing to think about is long term survival of the plant, if that is at risk because of the potting medium then get it repotted straight away and if the flower drop (which they may or may not) that is a small price to pay for keeping the plant alive (flower drop is even more likely on an unhealthy plant anyway). However if the current potting medium is fine then wait till the flowers are gone.

CTB · #6 11-11-2010, 05:38 AM

Ditto!

JerseyGirlBecky · #7 11-11-2010, 06:55 AM

How long have you had it? I have never gotten one that did not need repotting. And, of course they have all been in bloom when I got them.
I just got two, both in bloom, and repotted them right away. Blooms are still fine and the unopened ones are opening. the spag they were in was packed around the roots tightly and was so smelly. Ugh.
Anyway, I have had them two weeks and all is fine.
Becky

meemnum1 · #8 11-11-2010, 10:23 AM

You guys are wonderful! I wasn't expecting so many replies! I purchased the plant from a box store. It is in about a 2 inch pot. I purchased it about 1 week ago, and thanks to this website, I knew to check the roots prior to purchasing. The roots look healthy. It is potted in spaghum <-(spell check) moss, however everything seems really compacted. I can pick the entire plant up out of the pot without effort.

JerseyGirlBecky · #9 11-11-2010, 10:34 AM

I would repot in the bark mixture. Clean out all the old spag as best you can. Just handle it carefully and it will be fine.
But, if you want to wait by all means wait.
Good luck, Becky

Zoi2 · #10 11-11-2010, 07:50 PM

If the roots look healthy and you can take the plant out of the pot, I'd leave it alone until it finishes with the blooms. You are in a good position to moniter the roots and will know when to water. Since you bought the plant in bloom you have no idea how long it will stay in bloom so just enjoy the flowers and watch your watering.
Joann