Hello I'm new here!

[samps]

I was on orchidsforum for years but stepped away, came back and it was gone, so joined here!
I have a pretty good size phalaenopsis that I might ask some advice on, and in the past I've grown (and lost) a very pretty cattleya, but that was years ago.
The phalaenopsis is putting out what I think is a little flower shoot, this will be the third or fourth time it's done that which is a big accomplishment for me!
I posted a picture so if you guys think it needs repotting (again) lemme know lol

I am also trying my darndest to necromance my mother in law's old tiny phalaenopsis but I don't have a lot of faith... We'll see lol maybe I'll post a picture of it but with a trigger warning, it's not doing well lol

[Mountaineer370]

Welcome to the Orchid Board, samps! I know from your posts in another thread that you were previously a member of another forum that seems to have disappeared. You are welcome here!

Yes, your Phalaenopsis has what appears to be maybe a six-inch spike. It may be another month or so before you start to see flower buds.

It's hard to tell from the photo whether it needs repotting, since we can't see the medium. If you've had it for several years and not repotted it, it most likely would benefit from that.

It looks like a couple of the lower leaves have been damaged, which is probably nothing to worry about. Again, a few more photos might be helpful.

[rbarata]

Welcome, samps!

[Ray]

First, welcome aboard!

Other than some mechanical damage to lower leaves, that looks to be in pretty good shape.

[estación seca]

Welcome!

[Leafmite]

Hello and welcome!

[samps]

thanks everyone!
Here's some more photos. unfortunately the plastic pot within the ceramic one is black so I can't see through it to the medium, but I remember upgrading the pot last year.
Should I remove the dying leaf? My children colored on some of the other leaves and it makes me so sad but they've learned not to mess with my plants now lol
not sure if I should attempt repotting if that stem sticking up is indeed a flower shoot

[Roberta]

Don't cut the old leaf... let nature do its thing, it will drop of its own accord when the plant is done with it. If you just repotted last year (and from the photo the medium does look like it is in good condition) there really is no need to repot. Phals don't mind being repotted during the bloom cycle... but you have to be extra careful not to break it. I would suggest just leaving it alone. That definitely looks like a flower spike. the plant actually looks quite good (even with the "artwork" )

[Mountaineer370]

I agree with Roberta. If you just repotted a year or so ago, leave it be. From what I can see of the media and roots near the top, they look fine. Don't worry about the leaf that is dying. It's an older leaf, and it's perfectly natural for it to turn to yellow, then brown, and eventually fall off. Let that happen on its own time.

Provide this plant with the proper temps, watering schedule, light, and humidity, and it should do just fine.