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Avatar for KathyBack
Aug 30, 2019 9:45 AM CST
Thread OP
Lutz, FL
I bought this phal orchid from Sams a few months ago. I've since cut the flower spike and repotted in a larger pot in a sphagnum mix. The roots seem to be outgrowing the pot. Should I repot it again?
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Aug 30, 2019 11:27 AM CST
Name: Big Bill
Livonia Michigan (Zone 6a)
If you need to relax, grow plants!!
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No, repot it once a year! No more then that.

Phalaenopsis roots love to wander. You won't be able to keep them confined in a pot. You will do far more damage trying to confine them.
I have to say that your plant looks very good.
Welcome to the Orchid Forums! There are many threads dealing with Phalaenopsis care, please read them.
Read the sticky about starting out with Supermarket Orchids-Phalaenopsis. It will be of great comfort to you I think.
Orchid lecturer, teacher and judge. Retired Wildlife Biologist. Supervisor of a nature preserve up until I retired.
Last edited by BigBill Aug 30, 2019 11:28 AM Icon for preview
Avatar for KathyBack
Aug 30, 2019 12:56 PM CST
Thread OP
Lutz, FL
Thank you! I've been reading the threads. I'll continue doing what I'm doing with this orchid.
Avatar for KathyBack
Oct 23, 2019 7:07 AM CST
Thread OP
Lutz, FL
Hi. Just wondering how to repot this same orchid when it's time, after it's done blooming. It has a large spike with lots of buds now! I plan to get bark mix as I don't like the moss mixture. I know I'll have to cut the plastic pot to save the roots growing out of the sides. But how to get all this in a new pot? Is there a way to prevent this next time as I'm having trouble finding a good spot for it away from cat.
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Oct 23, 2019 7:37 AM CST
Name: Sue Taylor
Northumberland, UK
Amaryllis Region: United Kingdom Houseplants Frogs and Toads Foliage Fan I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
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This is completely normal. Phals are only put into pots to sell, in their natural state they would grow on trees, so the aerial roots are part of the plant's habit. You can try and tuck them into your new pot but in time they will start growing this way again.
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Oct 23, 2019 7:47 AM CST
Name: Big Bill
Livonia Michigan (Zone 6a)
If you need to relax, grow plants!!
Bee Lover Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Orchids Region: Michigan Hostas Growing under artificial light
Echinacea Critters Allowed Cat Lover Butterflies Birds Region: United States of America
I agree!
Don't even try to confine the roots! They indicate a happy plant. We grow orchids for their beautiful flowers, not because they are neat and tidy.

A little hot pepper sauce will keep the cat away.
Repot every 2 years.
Orchid lecturer, teacher and judge. Retired Wildlife Biologist. Supervisor of a nature preserve up until I retired.
Avatar for KathyBack
Oct 23, 2019 9:22 AM CST
Thread OP
Lutz, FL
Thank you! I really appreciate the advice I find here. My only other orchid is a mini phal that I've had a few years so I'm not used to seeing so many roots. I have a large ceramic pot with holes that I wanted to put the plastic pot into but with all those roots I can't. And I'm afraid of breaking them when I repot. Hot sauce on the roots won't harm them?
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Oct 23, 2019 9:34 AM CST
Name: Big Bill
Livonia Michigan (Zone 6a)
If you need to relax, grow plants!!
Bee Lover Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Orchids Region: Michigan Hostas Growing under artificial light
Echinacea Critters Allowed Cat Lover Butterflies Birds Region: United States of America
Why hot sauce?
If you want to use something in the event of root damage during repotting for example, plain old cinnamon is great! I tip my hat to you.
Orchid lecturer, teacher and judge. Retired Wildlife Biologist. Supervisor of a nature preserve up until I retired.
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Oct 23, 2019 9:54 AM CST
Name: Glenn Graham
Memphis (Zone 7b)
Adeniums Region: Tennessee Plumerias Orchids Houseplants Growing under artificial light
Dog Lover Butterflies Birds Amaryllis Tropicals
KathyBack said:
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Hi Kathy Welcome! I'm wondering why All of the aerial roots are pointing in one direction? Does it sit next to a water source (like a sink)?
Avatar for KathyBack
Oct 23, 2019 3:03 PM CST
Thread OP
Lutz, FL
BigBill you suggested hot sauce to keep my cat from chewing on the orchid.
BBQNBLUES yes, it's usually on a window sill over my kitchen sink, facing north. The roots can only go outward or they would hit the window.
Also many seem to strangle themselves after squeezing through the pot slits. I trim the dead ones off at the pot edge.
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Oct 23, 2019 3:18 PM CST
Name: Big Bill
Livonia Michigan (Zone 6a)
If you need to relax, grow plants!!
Bee Lover Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Orchids Region: Michigan Hostas Growing under artificial light
Echinacea Critters Allowed Cat Lover Butterflies Birds Region: United States of America
Oh my, I did, didn't I? Darn senior moment.

My cats generally don't bother my orchids but my boy Jack started to nibble on a leaf of an Oncidium and I tried hot sauce. He did not care for that one bit!
Orchid lecturer, teacher and judge. Retired Wildlife Biologist. Supervisor of a nature preserve up until I retired.
Avatar for KathyBack
Oct 23, 2019 9:43 PM CST
Thread OP
Lutz, FL
Ha! We all have them (senior moments). My kitty only chews on the orchid for attention when she wants her treats. I had objects surrounding it to keep her away but that didn't work. I keep it away from the edge of the kitchen island hoping she won't knock it over onto the floor. Since I can't get it into a heavy outer pot it tips easily.
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