Repotting blooming/spiking Phals or not?

[The Mutant]

I have four Phals that's in various need of repotting. The problem is that they're either blooming or spiking/budding. I really don't know whether I should repot them or not. The other thing is that I've had some of them for at least four - five years and they've never been repotted. Ever.

I want my Phals to be healthy and strong rather than blooming excessively, so should I repot and hope that they'll keep their spikes, buds and blooms?

I'll attach some pictures I took a couple of minutes ago so you can see what state they're in. Obs! Many of the roots are not pretty due to neglect. I've recently started caring for them as I should again.

The fist two pictures show my 'Brother Spring Dancer "Look Alike"', the following shows one of my "oldies", the fourth and fifth show another of the elder Noids, the following three photos are all of my 'Black Jack "Impostor"', and the final two are of my small peloric Phal (which is one of the oldies).

And yes, one of my cats insisted on "helping" me when I was taking photos.

[Discus]

I've generally read that most phals (and paphs) will tolerate being repotted when in flower - that said, YMMV. If your worry is losing the plant, then definitely repot and perhaps forgo some flowers. I've left some of mine too long when in flower, and they've suffered for it.

[camille1585]

The issue of when to repot Phals comes up on a regular basis here, and one things that always comes out of these discussions is that in practice, repotting while a plant in is bloom/spike very rarely has any negative effects. The only risk comes from accidently snapping a spike while manipulating the plant.
So if you think they need repotting now, go for it! Repotting will do them good. Other than the fact of putting fresh media, I notice that it usually sparks a frenzy of root growth down in the pot.

[Paul Mc]

If your medium is really broken down, then I'd say repot. Otherwise, wait and don't risk the accidental breakage of spikes. Phals are very tolerant of being replanted anytime primarily because their roots rarely stop growing. If you see roots that are bright green or showing growth, then it's safe. otherwise, wait until there is growth. Also, the switch from a really broken down, water retentive mixture to a less retentive mixture may shock them a bit. Again, phals are fairly forgiving, but it might be something to consider as they will have to divert energy from blooming to adapt.

[tucker85]

Since the plants have been in the same medium for several years, I would suggest that you repot them now. I've repotted many phals in bloom without any adverse effects at all but I've also had a few that dropped buds and blooms as a result. Overall phals grow very well right after repotting. I think it's worth taking the chance in this case. Good luck.

[The Mutant]

Then I'll repot them ASAP. I'll be as gentle as possible when doing it so they won't get too stressed. All I need to do now is buy some bark so I can do it.

Thank you for your opinions and advice. Much appreciated.

[The Mutant]

I' m feeling a bit sad at the moment...
I've re-potted three of my Phals that were in desperate need of it and the poor little things... Their roots were living proof of the neglect these Phals've been suffering for the past two years. I had to remove a lot of dead roots from all three, but on the Phal with several buds I had to remove almost all. It's no wonder these guys had so many air roots and why the one with buds doesn't have as many as last time it bloomed (then it had approximately 20-25 flowers, now it has 5 buds).

I couldn't re-pot my newer Phals (the 'Black Jack "Impostor"' and the '"To Big To Be A" Brother Spring Dancer') because when getting them out of their pots I could finally see the reason why these two are so darn happy; they had plenty of good medium in the middle of their pots - this was hidden behind the wall of roots that was in the way though, so I didn't see it until it was too late. I realized two things, 1) they both need bigger pots, 2) I don't have any bigger pots at home so I'll have to buy some tomorrow. So now they're standing in their old pots without any medium what-so-ever since I removed it. I really hope they'll survive this ordeal.

Geez, this really doesn't seem like a good start of my taking better care of my Phals.