change compost while blooming?

[Alex R]

Hi,

Is it safe to change the compost and move an orchid into a bigger pot (2 inches larger diameter) while stems are blooming/growing buds? One stem has been blooming for more than 1 month now, still makes new buds, and another stem just grew and made buds last week, and will bloom pretty soon.

Compost and pot are 3 years old, roots are getting crowded. See photos.

Photos:

1. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/b4wenythcx4...217_023958.jpg
2. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/wtjindl8ux1...217_023503.jpg
3. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/gb1gusdbpbe...217_023459.jpg
4. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/pd0if10jxtq...217_023455.jpg

This orchid has bloomed 2+ times every year, has grown many stems and many new leaves. Leaves and stems look healthy, but roots are getting crowded and worry me a little (a past orchid died on me as the roots were completely crowded, went white, and I couldn't save it).

Many thanks in advance for tips. I'm still a newbie, but want to learn.

Alex.