Please help! Has my orchid outgrow her pot? What's the next step?

[MrHappyRotter]

I'll add, don't try to force the aerial roots into the pot when you repot. For one thing, you're more likely to snap them off or break them open. Plus, they've adapted to growing in open air, when you stick them in the pot, they're prone to rotting.

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by MrHappyRotter

I'll add, don't try to force the aerial roots into the pot when you repot. For one thing, you're more likely to snap them off or break them open. Plus, they've adapted to growing in open air, when you stick them in the pot, they're prone to rotting.

Ask six different people and get seven different answers! Aerial roots are an indication of the plant looking for a new environment, in this case a bigger pot and fresh mix. I have always gently twisted my aerial roots back into whatever size slightly larger pot which will comfortably hold them fairly securely. No rot..ever.

If you think about it, if aerial roots did not want to go back into a fresh mix, can you explain why a pot of untended roots from one pot on a bench keep crawling into the pots next to them? hmmmm? Roots adapt.

As I said, ask six different people and get seven different answers! Absolutely read the reference Sonja gave you! It should answer many of your basic questions.