Repotting a HUGH Phalaenopis

[JMPopp]

Hello,

This is my 1st post. I have a hugh Phalaenopis, probably 2-3 feet tall. We received it as a gift with one bloom. It is 15 years old and blooms continuously. It probably has 50 blooms on it right now. (I will send pictures -after I recharge my camera battery). I have only repotted this plant one time because it fell over from being top heavy. Usually It has 2 spikes. When one spike begins to drop blooms a third spike begins to grow. It always has at least one spike in full bloom. Right now there are more roots out of the pot than in.

Recently, I noticed there are 2 new plants growing from the base. Each has about 4-6 healthy leaves. Because it blooms non stop and seems to be doing fine, exactly the way it is, I hesitate to repot it. However, I'm afraid the new plants will drain the main plant of vital nutrients. Also, I don't know how or when to repot since it's always in bloom. I would appreciate any suggestions?

Thanks a bunch, JMP

[jerrymeola]

You can re-pot Phalaenopsis in bloom with very little risk. Normally I would have said that it is necessary to re-pot or at least to replace the medium every 2-3 years. Obviously this plant does not seem to have a problem with decomposing medium.

It could be that the plant no longer has any good roots in the medium since you said it has so many outside the pot. Phals do grow bare root attached to tree branches naturally.

I would not worry about the keiki taking nutrient from the main plant. Orchids do not need a lot of fertilizer and regular applications will give plenty for everyone.

[Bird Song Farm]

Can't wait for pictures of this monster!
AL

[mayres]

Look forward to seeing the pictures. Whatever you're doing - keep doing it!
From what you describe I would personally be inclined to repot - as Jerry noted, anytime you feel like it will work.

[violetta]

We don't believe you unless we see pictures!

[risa59]

A 15 year old, two - three foot tall Phal?!!
Please do post a pic so I can print it out and paste it near my chids as a model for them to emulate.

[trinigirl]

That is a huge phal! I would love to see it, especially the kikis at the bottom. 3 feet tall! wow!

[CharliesAngel51]

What a problem to have , an orchid that never stops blooming. LOL You must be doing things right . I don't think I can even keep one alive that long much less in bloom. Can you send me some of your magic. LOL

[norris]

Hi JMPopp, and welcome Can you tell that a pic would be much appreciated?!

[Bird Song Farm]

I told my phals about a 3 footer out there and they hung their leaves in shame!!

Now I have to come up with a pep talk.....
Al

[girishgkulkarni]

Cant wait to see this ....

A month back i bought a Kaledioscope Phal leaves are 9 inches long and a good 5 inches wide.... it has 5 leaves and a lot of roots.... the roots could not fit in into a 6 " pot hence i had to pot it in a coir cone (from home depot..... )

Hoping now that it does something interesting...

Girish

[CulpableCaptive]

Originally Posted by JMPopp

Hello,

This is my 1st post. I have a hugh Phalaenopis, probably 2-3 feet tall. We received it as a gift with one bloom. It is 15 years old and blooms continuously. It probably has 50 blooms on it right now. (I will send pictures -after I recharge my camera battery). I have only repotted this plant one time because it fell over from being top heavy. Usually It has 2 spikes. When one spike begins to drop blooms a third spike begins to grow. It always has at least one spike in full bloom. Right now there are more roots out of the pot than in.

Recently, I noticed there are 2 new plants growing from the base. Each has about 4-6 healthy leaves. Because it blooms non stop and seems to be doing fine, exactly the way it is, I hesitate to repot it. However, I'm afraid the new plants will drain the main plant of vital nutrients. Also, I don't know how or when to repot since it's always in bloom. I would appreciate any suggestions?

Thanks a bunch, JMP

When I read this post my jaw dropped.
I can't even imagine how you keep that monstrosity standing without having built a special landing pad.

Can't wait to see the photo.

It definitely sounds like the largest, healthiest, happiest Phalaenopsis I have ever heard of or seen.
And I spent two years volunteering at a highly respected Botanic Garden here in New York – often lurking, helping and questioning those in charge of the orchid greenhouses behind the scene.

[LouisW]

Sounds like the king of Phals! What kind Phal is it? Rush those pictures, we are all eager to see a plant with such legendary proportions!

[hulaorchid]

Welcome!! Is this an "urban legend" the giant Phal. hehe!! Please post pict. ASAP!!

[myorchid]

FEED ME!!!! It must be a monster!!!! pictures....pictures...

[JMPopp]

Originally Posted by JMPopp

Hello,

This is my 1st post. I have a hugh Phalaenopis, probably 2-3 feet tall. We received it as a gift with one bloom. It is 15 years old and blooms continuously. It probably has 50 blooms on it right now. (I will send pictures -after I recharge my camera battery). I have only repotted this plant one time because it fell over from being top heavy. Usually It has 2 spikes. When one spike begins to drop blooms a third spike begins to grow. It always has at least one spike in full bloom. Right now there are more roots out of the pot than in.

Recently, I noticed there are 2 new plants growing from the base. Each has about 4-6 healthy leaves. Because it blooms non stop and seems to be doing fine, exactly the way it is, I hesitate to repot it. However, I'm afraid the new plants will drain the main plant of vital nutrients. Also, I don't know how or when to repot since it's always in bloom. I would appreciate any suggestions?

Thanks a bunch, JMP

I have my digital pictures but I don't know how to post them. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks, JMP

[JMPopp]

Originally Posted by violetta

We don't believe you unless we see pictures!

Can you tell me where to look for directions on how to upload photo's. I put several in an album but now I can't find them. I need to try again. Thanks, JMP

[myorchid]

When you reply to a thread there is a box, additional options.
Go to manage attachements and then you can browse your computer and upload the pics. Then submit and they will show on your post. You may have to resize them so they fit.

Good luck! Can't wait to see that monster!

[JMPopp]

Here are some of the pictures of the Hugh Phalaenopis I was telling you about. In the first photo you can see the third shoot growing out. There are more roots out of the pot than in. I'm holding the leaves back so you can see the new plants in the last two photos. I hope you enjoy. . JMP

[florchidlvr88]

Wow! Incredible phal what a monster.

[Tarad]

Hello and what a cool phal you have there. I have a couple of monster phals myself but they are only 8-10 years old lol. I repotted them both in spike and both are in bud ready to bloom right now. So don't be afraid to repot when you need too. Tara

[PhalPal]

WOW!! now THATS a phal!!!! Incredible.

I repot my phals whenever I get them home when new or when I feel like it or when I get around to it!! They never seem to mind at all, blooming or not.

There is a thread somewhere on the forum about who's phal has the most leaves. Don't bother posting - you win! Handsdown!!

[cassier]

That's awsome!!! It is the biggest and oldest Phal I've ever seen or heard of. Great growing. Thanks for the pics.

[lmartiny]

That sure is one honker. WOW! Neat. And so healthy looking. And all those blooms... As they say..."nice growing."

[bemarine]

Wow didnt know they could get that big! I think we need to start steriod testing like the olympics!

[englandfx]

OMG!

That phal must weigh a ton ... not to mention a hassel to repot....
Must have took a long long time to get to that size!

[articuno75]

This is what I wish my Phals would look like.

Does anyone else need the bib? LoL

[tangers40]

Originally Posted by articuno75

Does anyone else need the bib? LoL

*raises hand*

[girishgkulkarni]

15 years.....

[norris]

Thank you for sharing that with us! I really am amazed by your plant and it's beautiful blooms

[tom499]

Thats stunning! So often I see old phals die off at the bottom of the stem, but yours is green all over! and those flower spikes are spectacular xD

[Bird Song Farm]

OMG, I've never seen a phal like that, didn't even know they could do that! As someone else stated, usually the bottom leaves drop and you have a stem with leaves on top!
Whatever you are doing, you're doing it right! And then there are the blossoms, I'm awed.

articuno75 Throw the bib away and grab the other end of the sheet I'm using!

Al

[digitalgate]

cut, cut , cut....get more babies..
On the other hand since it bloom so well the next bloom might be just as good doing.. Nonthing.

[patticake]

That's awesome! I might be tempted to cut the main growth off and pot it seperately, then let the basal growth grow on. It's just a suggestion. Thanks for those great shots!

[fred]

my jaw has dropped also
that is a beauty

my hand is raised as well Jenny
for I have 2 bibs on and they are soaked lol

thanks for sharing JMPopp

[FLBob]

JMP what is your approach for watering. A Phal that large must be thirsty. Do you put it into the shower?
I think your correct to start looking into options for continued care. I think if this was mine I'd be looking at repotting and adding a tree fern post as a support.

[Brooke]

SPEECHLESS !

Brooke

[JMPopp]

Originally Posted by FLBob

JMP what is your approach for watering. A Phal that large must be thirsty. Do you put it into the shower?
I think your correct to start looking into options for continued care. I think if this was mine I'd be looking at repotting and adding a tree fern post as a support.

FLBob - When we first got our plant I knew nothing about orchids. It was actually a gift from my Mom who is now deceased. I treated it just like any other plant. Water once a week and fetilize once a month. In fact when I repotted it years ago I used regular potting soil. I even had to get some dirt from my yard because I did not have enough. Of course, I doubt there's any soil left since most of the plant is outside of the pot. The two new plants are already getting quite big. I can actually see where I could separate the plant and repot. I'm just so nervous. Thanks, Joyce

[JMPopp]

Originally Posted by englandfx

OMG!

That phal must weigh a ton ... not to mention a hassel to repot....
Must have took a long long time to get to that size!

That's part of my problem. I think the reason it's so big is that it's only been repotted once in 15 years.

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by JMPopp

The two new plants are already getting quite big. I can actually see where I could separate the plant and repot. I'm just so nervous. Thanks, Joyce

I'd be nervous too and tempted to leave well enough alone.......if it ain't broke, don't fix it. LOL

The tree fern pole sounds like a good idea...........
Al

[LauraGR]

Fabulous, fantastic, wonderful! And I laugh about all of the advice people give here, which is of course valuable and very helful to me, and here you come with a phal that beats us all, sitting in potting soil and watered and fed like any other plant. Good going, Joyce! I am worried that if you treat it like a phal, it will either 1) die because it doesn't know it's a phal, or 2) REALLY start to grow!! Maybe stick with what you've been doing - it clearly loves it! And I bet those "new plants" are probaly bigger than half of the phals any of us are growing!

[brookn]

Wow, we see the mythical monster Phal. Like the Yeti or bigfoot, one thought that it's existence would never be confirmed, yet here it is. LOL Joyce when you repot it, just be careful, and maybe enlist some help. I would also suggest, since it is growing like a mount to get a large Vanda basket and well draining media (large bark should work). Good luck, and welcome to the forum.

[LouisW]

Oh my word! Look at all the branches on those spikes! very impressive JMPop!

[hulaorchid]

I stand correct. It does exist. Thanks for the great pictures. I vote for repot with help and take the keikis(other plants) off and repot in their own pot they are old enough to leave the nest! lol Then you may have 3 giant phals. Then just treat the same way you are it obviously love you!

Good Luck!

[trinigirl]

That phal is huge!!! I didn't think it was possible to get so many spikes and blooms on one plant, and yet here it is.

I say take the kikis off and then you will have 3 beautiful plants, and many more blooms around the house.

Incredible...

[girishgkulkarni]

Hi JM let us know what kind of schedule you have put his "lovely monster" (for the first time i am using the combination of these words ) on...

like the things u do for this guy which u dont do for the other phals....

[JMPopp]

Originally Posted by girishgkulkarni

Hi JM let us know what kind of schedule you have put his "lovely monster" (for the first time i am using the combination of these words ) on...

like the things u do for this guy which u dont do for the other phals....

This is the only Phal I have. We water it once a week and fertilize once every 4-6 weeks with Miracle-Gro. We use room temperature tap water although we are on a well. I think plants just like our house. All of our plants seem to do real well.

We also have 3 Lava Rock plants that are at least 20-25 years old as well as a Christmas or Thanksgiving ( I don't know which) cactus which has been in bloom since the first week of November. Our African Violets also do very well. I just repotted those and got 8 new plants out of 2.

[girishgkulkarni]

There was a thread running about phals with most leaves.... I am sure your phal will come out on top....

Well... Good luck on repotting the Phal.... if u decide to do it...

[katrina]

Jaw drop is right!!! I have never seen such a monster huge phal!

Ok...so where in NC do you live? If you can grow a phal like that...using dirt from your backyard...and only repotting once in 15 years...I'm going to start looking for a house in your town.

I'm no phal expert but...if it were mine...I would try to get it into something more stable...if for no other reason than to avoid it falling over and getting damaged. Brookn's idea of a basket would...IMO be the most stable choice. It's hard to knock over one of those square baskets.

Oh, and, maybe it's just me but I think it looks great w/the babies. They all seem to be quite happy living together so I'd leave them together unless they fall off in the process.

[Sharyn]

OMG, if I didn't see it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it!
Beautiful phal. You obviously have the right touch.

[tizzycat]

Oh what an entrance - welcome to the forum. Your Phal. is fantastic.

[butt0n]

Wow...just wow....that thing is amazing!

[JMPopp]

I was showing my husband the new plants growing from the base and found new blooms as well. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to figure out how to repot this lady.

[Blueszz]

OMG this plant is *huge*, like in HUGE
I'm afraid of showing her pictures to my plants, I think they will have bad dreams to night, they must think they've met the Goddess of all Phal's heheh.

It's beautiful!

[davidos]

Wow! Incredible phal what a monster

[PhalPal]

The growth on this baby is amazing. How are you keeping that spike from just snapping???? I've never seen anything with so many flowers!

[articuno75]

Simply awestruck at the sight of this Phal.

Al~ I could really use that sheet now.

[lmartiny]

Those are some very cool pictures just above. And the bloom draping down the pot will be even better. I'm kind of also leaning toward "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" tendency. Maybe pick a good keikei and take it and pot it up and see how they both continue to do. It is healthy and happy and very pretty specimen.

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by articuno75

Al~ I could really use that sheet now.

I'll get you a fresh one, this ones kinda ickie! LOL

Al

[evagentry]

I just saw this post,your phal. is amazing. I had to laugh when I read you are growing it in potting soil and garden dirt!My lands!!! I don't know why you would need to repot when it seems so happy. Good growing!

[John]

My first post: I have just done my very first potting of a phil, Most of the roots were dead and fell away. It has very many ariel roots(I think that what they are called. What do I do with them?????. Any help will be most welcome. I am in the UK.
JOHN

[tizzycat]

Hi John and welcome to the forum.

I hope you don't mind me saying, but if I were you I would go into the forum to the "Newbie Questions" section and start a new thread with your question. That way it won't get overlooked.

When you have done five (I think) posts you can post a picture, which may be helpful in offering you advice.

Take care
Chris

[Sassy Sal]

That is an awesome phal . Must be the minerals in the water that contributed to it's size. One can only wish there's were like yours .

[NicC]

I would reinforce what Brooke said: get help, consider a basket. It is unlikely any medium is left. You might consider trimming off the keikis that show good roots and then gently lowering into a basket. You may need to get someone to fabricate one out of redwood slats. It appear to me that a number of roots are coming off a way off the medium. That should help you preserve them during the action. All you would need is something to keep it steady in the basket even LECA balls.
Nick