One of my phals is huge, outgrew 6” pot what next?
 

Decided to repot my oldest Phal. It’s my biggest. Lots of arial roots. . The reason I wanted to repot it was because some of the roots were looking a little mushy. But I wanted give it some new medium and drill some holes for ventilation in it’s clear plastic pot.

When I took it out I realize that the root system is huge. It’s basically all roots. There wasn’t too many bad roots for me to trim off once I got a good look at it. The problem is I had trouble fitting it back into the pot! Also there was really no room for me to add any medium.

Now regret taking it apart until I had a biggger pot. There doesn’t seem to be much online for a bigger pot then 6 inch. I’ve seen some 8 inch repot me but they are quite expensive esp. with the shipping.

I’ve had pretty good luck with the clear plastic pots but if anyone has any other recommendations I am all ears. Thank you I’ll try and upload a pic

You could use Rubbermaid container and drill/melt holes in it.

these are not too bad. Amazon.com: 8" Crystal Clear Orchid Pots - 6 Pack: Garden & Outdoor

You must take care with big Phals in big pots. They take a long time to get dry in the center and bottom of the medium.
I have one too in a 12 cm pot and in winter I water it every 3 weeks, although it could tolerate once/month.

I invert a small pot and put it in the larger pot to create an air space in this situation. I position the roots round the smaller pot.

That's a good idea. Thanks!:)

Oh this is very interesting! Thank you for sharing

---------- Post added at 06:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:34 PM ----------

I've thought about doing this, I don't think I have any the right size but will check

Put it in clay, hard to overwater.

O0o0, an 8 inch clay/terra cotta bulb pot would be awesome, or an azalea pot

True. Plus it's heavier and wouldn't tip over... What medium would you use? I have Schultz medium mix, Better Gro Special Orchid mix (chunky fir bark, charcoal, little bit of perlite) and I also have sphagnum moss.

I have one other terra cotta pot with holes, I just put my cattleya in it. Learning the watering needs with it...

---------- Post added at 09:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:41 PM ----------

If I put it in clay how do I know when it's time to water though? I'm a little nervous about not being able to see the roots. But I like the idea of a heavier pot esp. because it's starting to get really top heavy!