How long can this Cattleya remain in this pot?
 

Hello everyone. This is my first Cattleya and it's much bigger than I ordered but I'm not complaining :) It's in bud and making two new growths. My question is now long can it stay in this pot? It has plenty of room to grow from what I can see. Also, this is supposed to be a compact orchid (under 14") do you consider this that? Thanks! :)

When you think that there are Cattleyas that get two or three feet in height....
Compact usually means that the new pseudobulbs grow close to the old one. Some Cattleyas spread (through the rhizome) out in a pot and take up quite a bit of room. Yours looks like a compact Cattleya to me as the growths are all very close together. :)
Concerning re-potting them, it is best to do this when there is new growth starting. That way, if the old roots are damaged and die, the new roots that grow will be able to support the Cattleya and it will happily keep growing.
I grow all my Cattleyas in either LECA or red lava rock and in Basket/net pots so that I don't have to disturb the roots.

I think yours could stay in that pot for at least another year or two - as you say, there is a lot of room and the potting medium looks rather fresh. I would wait until either the plant outgrows the pot or the medium starts to break down before I repotted it.
Just my opinion.
Nice looking plant, BTW...

I read a delightful description of a Catt on a wood table in a greenhouse, which had basically climbed out of the pot and covered the entire table.

Compact in a breed or orchids that gets humongeous. Its sort of like saying compact elephant. I have one with a few leaves a foot and a half long.

For catts, "compact" does (by AOS standards) refer to height ... not the distance between pbs. To be "compact," the plant should max out under 18in tall. Many remain under 12in tall. However, just as with the term "mini," many vendors play "footloose and fancy free" with their application of said term. As such, it is always best to inquire before buying as to just how tall the plant will become.
;)

That's good to know, Paul. Thank you!

By the way, OrchidPrince....What is the name of your Cattleya?
Steve

Thank you so much everyone for the information :) Per Orchids by Hausermann it should stay under 14inches tall.

@Stray - it is Hknsa. Koolau Sunset :)