Should I repot this orchid

[Hmmm15]

I just brought a very pretty orchid from wf. You see , it comes with a plastic soft pot that doesn't have airway except one in the bottom. It tightly packed with moss(I guess).

Since the plant has so many buds, I really wished they can all bloom healthily. Should I repot it now ? Or keep it as it's until the flowers gone?

I own a few of Phal also, those I repotted all live well, but those I didn't tend to drop their buds..

If you suggest I keep it way it's , how should I water it, eg, soak it into water?


Thanks!

[reliablefool]

I'm not sure how you should proceed, but it looks like you bought a plant with a terminal spike. A terminal spike is one that comes out of the center where leaves normally do...that plant will no longer grow leaves, but if you keep it healthy and don't rot out the roots it may grow a new plant near the base (or some people leave the last spikes on when this happens and hopes for a keiki on the spike).

I have terrible luck with moss and am going to repot my recent purchases...I think I've already done damage to them in the little time I've had them. Heh.

[Hmmm15]

Thanks reliablefool for the info. I didn't know that's a terminal spike, otherwise, I would have pick another one

[Orchid Whisperer]

Not sure if it is a terminal spike or not - can you take another photo with more light showing on the crown (center of the leaves)? If the spike is coming from the top/center of the leaves, it is a terminal spike. If it is coming from lower on the plant (between leaves, usually about 4 leaves down from the top) it is a regular spike.

Even if it's a terminal spike, it is likely to produce a basal keiki if kept healthy.

Regardless, that moss looks like it is in bad shape. I would re-pot now, into something coarse-textured (like bark), or the roots will die. You do not need to wait until it is finished blooming - it should keep blooming after repotting. After repotting, water very thoroughly when you water (in the sink, water flowing through the pot, no water standing on the leaves when you are finished); water once a week only, adjusting the frequency so that the bark is nearly dry when you water the next time.

[tarev]

If it were mine, I would repot, to help the roots breathe a little more.

[Cym Ladye]

Check out the sticky at the top of the Beginner page titled "The Phal Abuse Ends Here". It will give you many ideas on Phal care.

I agree with needing a new photo. If the flower spike is coming from close to the base, you are fine. The photo could be interpreted either way. In any case, repot with fresh mix. The sticky will give you different ideas for what to use and how to use it.

CL

[Hmmm15]

Thanks guy! Definitely will reference the sticky posts. I updated the picture. Please check it out

[Orchid Whisperer]

Thanks for the new photo.

Yes, its a terminal spike. However, if re-potted into a better medium (such as bark), it should remain healthy and develop a basal keiki, and flower in the future.