Orchid leaves -- how long do they last?

[cythaenopsis]

Thanks for the advice. I'm suspecting the roots will be entangled, as the crowns are so close together... so best to keep them together.

I bought this phal back in the fall, I believe around October/November. It's really starting to take off on growth, compared to how it started. The pot is distorting, due to the root growth. Would there be any risk to putting it in a bigger pot at this point? The flowers were done about 6 weeks ago.

[Gage]

Originally Posted by cythaenopsis

Would there be any risk to putting it in a bigger pot at this point? The flowers were done about 6 weeks ago.

Although Phals can generally be repotted anytime, even while blooming, right after blooming is usually the best time, so now is perfect. Personally, I always inspect the roots of newly acquired Phals and repot immediately (blooming or not) if the roots look poorly or if the medium is not suitable for my growing environment. i.e. sphagnum moss for a large Phal stays too wet in my growing spaces, and will rot the roots within a few weeks to a couple months.

[cythaenopsis]

Thanks, Gage. I am more than certain it is time to repot my "phal" (thinking now it might be a NoID in the phalaenopsis species). I discovered a root growing underneath the pot! The little bugger sneaked out through one of the drain holes. And another is testing a small slit in the side of the pot.

The grower used a moss that looks like sphagnum, but I'm thinking a less fine potting mix may be better to help against root rot. I do see some rot going on underneath the moss, although the plant is showing itself to be quite healthy. The only stress I see is that one of the spikes I trimmed has turned reddish. I trimmed it further down in the healthy section and sterilized the cut with cinnamon, to help guard against possible infection. Well, time to head out and get some potting mix.