Phalaenopsis repotting problem

[Richard White]

Hi Members
I repotted my moth orchid last year and it seems very happy apart from the fact it keeps falling over to one side and occasionally toppled over. I have tried everything to keep it upright by trying to shore up one with extra bark chips but it keeps tipping to one side. Does anyone have any suggestions?. Also I don't know why it is so much bigger than the other moth orchids I have, see the photos to see the scale!. Is it another type of orchid?. The flowers are the same as a phalaenopsis but much much bigger. Thanks in advance.

[Bud]

Its a mature Phalaenopsis. Maybe 9 years old. The others beside it is maybe 4 to 5 years old.
I suggest to put the plastic inside a heavy clay cache pot because the way that it is now, it will keep on falling over. The plastic pot can barely balance the tall heavy plant.

[NYCorchidman]

As mentioned, it is just much older than the other smaller ones. They will all get that way as they get old. lol

For the older (taller) one, you can use a stake to keep it from falling over.
Eventually, the "stem" will lose leaves and become bare. It will start growing roots. When there is enough roots, you can chop it down and pot up.

[Polarizeme]

Phalenopsis naturally lean toward the light. You need a heavier pot to hold him. You shouldn't try to force him to "straighten up" but turning the pot. It's a waste of energy for the plant.
Lots of folks put them in clear pots to give the plants light and air (if it has slits), so putting in a solid pot defeats that purpose. I don't know if this is your reason for having a clear pot.
Try finding a clear pot that isn't tapered as yours are. The wider the bottom is the more stable it is. You could build a small frame around it if you have any wood working skills/tools.

[quiltergal]

It appears that the large plant may have a good dose of Doritis in it. Doritis has been reclassified as Phal. That said it has a very different growth habit than Phals. Doritis has a more cornstalky look to it for lack of a better description. They tend to be more upright and have more space between each leaf. Doritis also holds on to it's leaves longer. That's partly why there are so many. I have a Phal. that is at least 10 years old and it always only has 4 leaves. Typically it sheds at least one leaf a year. So, it isn't just age that makes that plant have so many leaves, it's genetics.

It also looks to me like they are not potted deep enough which could have something to do with it flopping over. You could also put a layer of hydroton in the bottom of the pot the next time you repot. The added weight in the bottom may help keep it from tipping over. Or get one of those pretty clay orchid pots with holes in them to use as a cache pot.

[Optimist]

I have one that is about as big. I thought there was a genetic type called "gigantia" or something like that. My phal flops over too. To put an end to these fun and games, I have a heavy pot cover that I slip the plastic pot into. It is just a pot inside a pot.

[tucker85]

I agree with everyone else's suggestions. Like Terri, I think it could have been planted a little deeper in the pot. Next time you repot, you can actually cut an inch or two off the bottom of the main stem. I know it's a little scary but it will shorten the plant and it doesn't hurt it.

[Joseia]

I have a similiar problem with a phal that kept tipping over. I hung a weight from the lip of the pot on the opposite side side of the pot to counterbalance the weight of the leaning phal and it has worked well. I used an old combination lock, unlocked it and hooked it onto the pot.

[Richard White]

Thank you to everyone for their help with this, it is much appreciated.