when to increase a phal pot size

[ladyslipper]

This is really a basic question & I admit I am a little embarassed asking it but other than to replenish the medium, how do you know when to increase the pot size of a phal? I have had phals almose climbing out of the pot and the grower told me just to renew the medium as the pot size was fine. The plant in question was the phal amabilis but I have found this same question occuring with different plants. Do you just increase the pot size until they are about a year or two old?

totally confused

mary

[ScottMcC]

if the majority of the roots will fit into the pot when empty, use that size. otherwise, use the next size up. I think this is a good general rule for most orchids, although some will prefer to be more pot-bound than others.

[Lagoon]

Mary,

Another way to tell is ... If your watering much more often then you we're before. Many 'chids don't mind being potbound as Scott said.

[cb977]

When I'm repotting something, I usually take that opportunity to put it into a pot that is one size larger. In my opinion, it removes the chance of having to disturb the plant again in a short amount of time when, and if, it does come to the point of needing a larger pot.

There is no set rule that works for everybody growing orchids. The key is to read all you can, ask questions (and listen to the answers) and then make an educated choice as to what works well for you, in your conditions.

Let us know what you decide to do

[Oscarman]

Always use the pot size that will accomodate the quantity of roots.

[littlefrog]

All good advice... A 'big' grower will almost always move plants up to the next size (or skip a few sizes) for phalaenopsis. No point in repotting if they don't need it (that is expensive), no point in repotting into intermediate sized pots (that is expensive), and having lots of pots in different sizes really screws up your watering schedule. If plants don't make it because they are in the wrong size pots, they die, plenty more to cover the loss.

For a more realistic hobby type grower, who has lots of different kinds of plants and pot sizes (and time!), it is best to let the plant tell you what size pot it wants. I try to use a pot that will accommodate a year of growth for plants in good health, and I will go to an even smaller pot if the root system isn't good.

[ladyslipper]

okay, thanks to all that responded. lots of good info.

mary