Phal Repot question

[labyrinth1959]

I have Phal that is nearing the end of its bloom cycle. It is in a 4.5 inch plastic pot and it is very root bound. I have a number of questions.
1. What size pot should I re-pot it in?
2. When I re-pot, should I attempt to keep the good roots inside the potting medium and away from the sides of the new pot?
3. Should I soak the coarse bark for a day or two before using it in the re-pot or should I leave it dry and then water soak a day or two later?
4. Should the first soaking be with fertilizer or plain water?
5. Finally, I am worried about repotting because every time I have done so, it has set the plant back badly and a lot of roots have become rotten.

[bil]

Originally Posted by labyrinth1959

I have Phal that is nearing the end of its bloom cycle. It is in a 4.5 inch plastic pot and it is very root bound. I have a number of questions.
1. What size pot should I re-pot it in?
2. When I re-pot, should I attempt to keep the good roots inside the potting medium and away from the sides of the new pot?
3. Should I soak the coarse bark for a day or two before using it in the re-pot or should I leave it dry and then water soak a day or two later?
4. Should the first soaking be with fertilizer or plain water?
5. Finally, I am worried about repotting because every time I have done so, it has set the plant back badly and a lot of roots have become rotten.

1. I use 35cmm pots that are 8-10 cm deep. I find it gives room for roots to spread out.
2. I put it right against the side so that it leans towards the centre and has room to grow. I carefully work the new medium around the roots as carefully as poss so it is held firmly.
3. I put it in dry and don't water it for a day or so to allow any broken roots a chance to dry and heal.
4. I use a very weak solution, about a gram in 5 litres, of Ray's Klite fertiliser and I use that every watering..
5. I have never yet lost a phal from repotting.

[No-Pro-mwa]

1. If it were me I would probably go to about a 5.5 inch. But sometimes one doesn't know till they get it out of the old pot get off all the media and find out if you can get all the roots in. I don't do well if I over pot.
2.I don't think you need to worry about the roots along the pot. I like to put them into clear pots sometimes so I can see the roots and then you know better if they need water.
3.I've done it both ways. But I think it was Cym lady that said it should be soaked and if the chunks sink to the bottom they should not be used.
4.I sometimes soak it in seaweed but I never do with fertilizer
5.This I would need to know how you have been doing it. If I have a plant that is in bad trouble I have to put it in the smallest pot I can get it in. If not it stays to wet. However I do have to water more often with the smaller pot but they then take right off.