Newbie Question on Repotting

14 years ago

Although I have lots of houseplants, this is my first Orchid. I don't know exactly what kind it is, but it is one of those you get at the grocery store that just tells you to give it 1 ice cube or 1 1/2 tablespoons of water once a week.

I put it in a bright but not direct sunlight area. The ivy plant loves this area, so I figured the orchid would too. I have had it for over a month. This week the flowers started to die, but there is 2 left right now.

The question is -- would it be okay to repot it now(zone 5)? The plant is in a small cup which is lined with a heavy, clear plastic cup. When I checked the roots (just lifted it up out of cup) they are really packed in there. I read on another thread that it is best to wait till spring. However, I am concerned that if I wait till spring it may be too late. I am sure by then the roots will be up & out of the pot. Actually, I am surprised they aren't already. That's how big & tightly packed they are.

Thanks for any replies & any other advice you can give me on this plant.

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Comments (5)

flowell
14 years ago
I repot any time of the year. I am also in zone 5. That being said, I only repot when I see the beginning of a new root advancing to about an inch in length. That way if I destory or damage a root when repotting a new one is already started. Most orchids like to be pot bound and when repotting be sure you do not use too large of a pot. Genrally when I repot I only go up one pot size. It is a little difficult sometimes to get the existing roots in the pot but if the pot is too large you risk the medium staying soggy in the middle. And that is the quickest cause cause of root loss. I hope this helped.
PlantsAndYarn
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank You! It has several large roots, with one that is getting ready to poke out of the top of the planter. I shouldn't have a problem getting it out of the plastic sleeve that it is in.

Now I just need to find the right size pot & get some orchid medium.

Once again, thank you.
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arthurm
14 years ago
It might have been me who said wait till spring. That said i'm only talking about my experience in a non centrally heated house.
Only erring on the side of caution, i could be talking to someone who is a skinflint and keeps the minimum temp below the recommended 55F for Phals and that temp should rise every day.
jane__ny
14 years ago
I would not repot now and would wait for spring. You do not have an emergency as most orchids like to be root bound and Phals typically send their roots out of the pot. That is normal behavior and not something to be concerned about. Their roots travel!

Spring is the optimum time to repot as the plant will be in 'growth mode' and can handle potting changes better. In your zone 5, the air will be heated and dry, nights chilly. Your plant will be slowing down, not growing.

To play it safe, repot in early spring when the plant can handles things better. Don't worry about the roots now.

JMO
Jane
perle_de_or
14 years ago
I am new to Orchid growing too and also have many other houseplants. I am looking forward to the posts on this forum. PlantsandYarn is a great name, I also knit, spin, and crochet. I currently have three Orchids, one Phalaenopsis and two Cattlyeas, I will probably have the same questions you do. I already repotted mine in bark and they seem happy for now.