Repotting a Phal

[Shalva]

Hi Everyone
I could use some guidance in repotting a phal... it is flowering and I was told to wait to repot until it stops flowering BUT it is a relatively new plant that my husband bought me at the grocery store and the leaves are getting quite yellow..I knew it wasn't in a good pot... (plain old clay pot with no ventilation) and when I checked the potting medium it it mostly moss...actually it may be all moss... So considering that it is not looking healthy to me I am going to repot it and if it stops blooming then so be it at least it will be alive...

So I need to go and get potting medium... I am unsure as to what to use for a potting medium... bark or a blend??? and then I need some kind of instruction on how to repot this guy... I have never repotted myself and usually have had it done by someone else so instructions would be helpful... I would like to keep this plant healthy and not let it get weak.

thanks
s

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

1. If you are not confident using bark, you may use CHC, (coconut husk chips).

I'm not too familiar with certain blends. Certain members here may be able to help you out.

2. Water thoroughly just as you are about to repot.

3. Remove all moss.

4. Inspect roots for any rotting material. Remove roots that are completely dead.

5. Place orchid in a clear pot with adequate drainage of an appropriate size that will fit the roots without leaving too much empty space. Some people have made their own pots by cutting up water bottles, so it is not necessary to buy clear plastic pots.

Clear plastic pots have the added advantage of partially monitoring the root zone for potential damage and for when they could potentially need water. They also provide some light to the roots, which can photosynthesize.

6. If you feel you still have too much empty space due to too many roots being dead, you may add some styrofoam peanuts.

7. Add water.

8. Enjoy.

Any additional questions, there is a section for anything and everything repotting related.

If you need a little bit of info on Phals, there is a sticky called "The Phal abuse ends here."

Good luck.

[Shalva]

thanks... my other phals are doing really well... I have three that are potted in bark and doing great... this one is the most recent addition and is having a rough time... I was going to wait to repot but dont think i have an option at this point... so that is my mission for today... thanks for the help... I appreciate it...

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

No problem. You're welcome.

[Carpe Diem]

Shalva, I bought a Phal. NOID from the grocery store, in full bloom, I repotted immediatly. Also a Phal. Brother Redland Spots x Dtps. Maui Galaxy, in bloom, went into a new pot and bark right away. Neither one missed a beat. It's been weeks and the blooms are still beautiful. With any luck at all, you can repot AND keep the beautiful flowers.

[Shalva]

Originally Posted by Carpe Diem

Shalva, I bought a Phal. NOID from the grocery store, in full bloom, I repotted immediatly. Also a Phal. Brother Redland Spots x Dtps. Maui Galaxy, in bloom, went into a new pot and bark right away. Neither one missed a beat. It's been weeks and the blooms are still beautiful. With any luck at all, you can repot AND keep the beautiful flowers.

good to hear... this one is quite pretty
i bought a new pot... couldn't find a plastic one but bought a clay with air vents for now and a nice potting mix that i have soaking right now so will get that done today and hopefully he will start feeling better fast
good to know yours did so well...

[Shalva]

So I repotted the orchid.... and I used a nice bark mix... but I had a heck of a time getting the orchid out of the pot... when I finally got it out... here is what it was potted in.... no wonder it wasn't doing well... hopefullly it will be alot happier now.... I clipped off all the bad roots and think I caught it in time... I got it a vented clay pot as they didn't have the plastic clear ones so it will be ok for now....