Phal outgrowing its pot

[ChauMayne]

I have a phal that has a large amount of roots (all in perfect health) and it is starting to outgrow its pot. The pot is already a large one and I really don't want to use anything larger.

This is one of my favorite plants and i don't want to hurt it, but it seems my only option is to remove some of the roots. What is the safest way to do this? And will it stunt the growth of my plant or slow its growth?

Thanks for your help.

[The Orchid Boy]

You could cut roots off and put it in the same pot but it may shock it a little. How big of a pot is it in? It may be alright. Most orchids like to be root bound.

Here's some pictures of my in-spike phal that is definitely overgrown...

[Cym Ladye]

Please do not cut of all the roots! I suggest you visit the Beginner Forum and read the Sticky "The Phal abuse ends here". That should give you other alternatives to keep your plant healthy.

CL

[The Orchid Boy]

I agree with Cym Ladye. Only cut off the roots that are rotten or dead. And really how large is the pot? Is it really that big?

[JaneEyre]

You should post pics of your overgrown orchid. We may be able to give you better advice.
I agree, there is no need to cut off the healthy roots. However, once you take the orchid out of its pot, there is a chance that some of the roots that were inside the pot are dead. After trimming dead and rotten roots, it could be that a bigger pot is not necessary.

[NYCorchidman]

Well, if it is one of your favorite plants, then you should really give it a bigger home for the growing root mass.

Sure, you could cut off some of the roots, but that means first, shock to the plant, two, that much less surface area for the plant to take in water, nutrients, and some other functions roots do.
The plant will respond to the imbalace caused by your part by losing some leaves or try and grow more roots to compensate for the loss.

You mentioned all the roots are healthy. The best thing to do for the plant is to move it to a larger pot.

That's just how it is with phals. You could chop down cattleyas and oncidiums, but phals, well, you just have to give it bigger pot.

Again, cutting the roots are only temporary option as the plant WILL grow roots again, very soon!

Then, again, it is your plant.
Cut, let the wounds dry or apply sulfur powder, then put it back to the same pot.

[ginnibug]

One of the guys in our society's phals are so big he has to plant them in 5 gallon buckets. I'm serious, they're monsters! I think you should just pot it up to the next size...ginnibug

[SlipperGirl]

I would just put it in a bigger pot

[Call_Me_Bob]

yeah, why not just put it in a larger pot? if its your favorite plant i definitely would! by cutting the roots your just going to set the plant back

[Phalchid]

I agree with Mothorchidgirl and Call_Me_Bob. For the love of your favorite orchid, let it be happy in a bigger pot!