Newbie needs advice for new Phal from Walmart, is he root bound?

[jjorchid89]

This new Phal that ive had for a month seems very happy, unless you guys can see anything contrary to that in the photos. My only concern is the roots, they look a lot busier and more abundant than my much smaller Phal. Ive never had to repot her so i dont know how or wether to repot this one.

[Paphluvr]

I wouldn't call it root bound. If it were, you probably wouldn't see any potting mix (nothing but roots). However, it is a large healthy plant. One pot size larger with fresh mix probably wouldn't hurt.

[jjorchid89]

And its best to do that at the end of blooming, when im ready to cut the stem back?

[Cntry]

Yes I would do it then. Just wiggle all the spag moss out if you repot add fresh with new pot one size larger Cut off any roots you feel are mushy or hollow feeling. They look great to me.

[Paphluvr]

When your main spike is done blooming, if you cut it just above the node under where your first flower formed, Phals can frequently grow a lateral spike. Don't expect as many flowers as the main spike had, but at least you'll have a continuation of bloom.

[jjorchid89]

Thank you, appreciate your advice, would you look at my other thread and see what you think of my other orchid? its titled
Newbie needs advice for Phal with bloom blast and sideways stems

[tarev]

I repot my Phals with or without blooms as soon as I get them. We all have our preferences with media, and I just do not like sphag moss, it just holds way too much water and those roots really love lots of air circulation with those fat roots that it has. Phals bloom for such a long time, and I have experienced one time, I waited for that blooming to end, and by that time, it was too late, the roots suffered badly..my big mistake and taught me to be equally attentive with the conditions of the roots.

[jjorchid89]

Ok I will repot, what would you recommend instead of the moss? And when you repot, whats the recommended size up?

[wintergirl]

Originally Posted by jjorchid89

Ok I will repot, what would you recommend instead of the moss? And when you repot, whats the recommended size up?

Before repotting take all that moss out. Usually leave in the same size pot, unless you had a large amount of root growth. I would go to the local store and get Miracle Grow large bark orchid mix. I use it all the time. Pick out the big pieces and do not use the sediment and little pieces. Hold your plant above the pot in place and put the bark in all around it. Try to make the plant sit tightly in the pot at the same level that it was. I always wait another day or 2 before watering, as the roots will heal better from the repot.