Should I replant this cattleya?

[james mickelso]

I would repot this but not right now. Wait until it has new growth and that growth is pushing new roots. If that is when the new growth gets 4-6 inches tall and then pushes new roots....then pot it. If it grows first, and then pushes roots as it is putting on an inflorescence then pot it then. The optimum time to re-pot cattleyas is when they are pushing roots on their new growth. Disturbing the roots well in advance of the new root growth can, and usually does, set the plant back. The reason is that disturbing the roots breaks the old root tissue and the orchid then has to use energy repairing that damage. The roots on this one are wrapped around the inside of the pot and adhering to the wall material. I would let this orchid rest a bit too because it needs to re-coupe from flowering. Don't drown it but let it dry to nearly dry and then water it. It is not metabolizing much now so feed it very lightly until new growth appears. Then go back to your standard regimen of fertilizing.