repotting large plants

[Jeff214]

Hi,

I have a question regarding the re-potting of large plants. I have a few orchids (dens, onc, catts) growing in 6" and 8" terra cotta "orchid pots" from Lowe's but they are quickly running out of space for new growths.

I've seen a 10" shallow terra cotta pan for azaleas. Would that be fine for orchids? I've noticed that the orchids in large pots tend not to grow roots all the way down the media anyway... It seems like a shallow pan might be fine. The larger pots (8"+) seem like a waste with all the extra? media.

Also, I've noticed that the orchids that used to bloom well in small pots stopped blooming once I repotted them to 6" and 8" pots. I don't think I'm doing too much damage to the roots during repot as my smaller plants flower well after repotting. I wonder if these plants need to be potbound to flower and the larger pot sizes are making it difficult. In that case, I may just divide them up.