What does this Phalaenopsis need?

[smoyth]

Please see:

Shared album - Tom Smyth - Google Photos

Does it need to be repotted?

It's been doing well for many years so I'm afraid to do anything drastic but the frequency of flowering seems to have gone down.

What is the best instructional resource on repotting if indeed it needs it?

[aliceinwl]

It looks like a pretty healthy Phalaenopsis orchid (frequently abbreviated to Phal). If you've had it for a number of years, it is probably in need of re-potting.

I followed the basic directions in Repotting Phalaenopsis (Moth) & Other Monopodial Orchids with great success with the following exceptions: I only remove leaves that fall off on their own and am very conservative about cutting roots (it's better to leave a dead root on than to cut off a live root).

I haven't had luck with the various store bought mixes available at garden centers and hardware stores I've tried with Phals, but have had excellent luck with substrate I've mixed myself. Personally, I've substituted orchiata bark for the fir in the hopes of having a longer lasting substrate.

[camille1585]

Generally speaking, orchids potted in a bark substrate should be repotted every 2-3 years or so, but it also depends on your conditions, the quality of the bark....

A few general pointers on repotting:
*Phals appreciate being snug in their pots - use the same pot if possible, but if there are too many roots, go up one size. (Clear plastic pots work best for Phals)
* Cut visibly dead roots, and it's better to not cut whatever roots you have doubts about.
*Before repotting, it helps to soak the now bare roots in water a few minutes. This softens them up and limits breakage when repotting.
*Also soak the medium (generally bark or bark based) beforehand, this helps open up the pores in fresh bark so it holds water a bit better. You will probably still need to water more often in the beginning.
*When filling the pot with the medium, it often helps to tap the pot firmly on the table/countertop to help the pieces settle between the roots. A wooden skewer is also useful for helping nudge pieces into voids between roots.
*Don't try to cram all the aerial roots down into the new pot, you risk breaking them and they arean't adapted to life in a humid pot environment.

Less flowers/ less frequent flowering could also be due to other things: maybe you moved it to a spot where it gets less light (even moving it a couple feet further away from a window reduces light levels), or maybe you rarely give fertilizer (even though Phals don't need much food.

Have a look at threads in the potting/repotting subforum, it may answer a lot of questions you have.

I've also changed the title of the thread for you, Philodendron is a whole other type of plant!