Should i repot my phal?

[vcuchick]

I have a nice Phal that's been blooming since early December. It's potted in Sphag Moss and I'm worried about root rot.

Should I repot into the coco husk of my other orchids? Or leave well enough alone? Should I wait until it stops blooming? It's in a terracotta pot since purchase (it was a gift) and I cannot un-pot to check with roots without uprooting the entire plant.

I water about every 10-14 days since it's hold moisture alot...

In the photos I've attached, the phal in question is on the far right in the group shots and in the back in the closer up photo of my onc. The area they are in is much sunnier than it comes across in the photos...East facing window.

[mayres]

It will not hurt the plant a bit to lift it out of that pot and check the roots and then just place it back AS IS if everything is OK.
If everything is not OK you will be soooooo glad you checked.
Many of us phal growers have learned from too many bad experiences to check our plants/repot immediately after purchase regardless of whether plants are blooming or not - it normally doesn't affect the bloom. Many of us also have our own preferred media (mix) and are anxious to get our plants into what we are comfortable with/works for us.

[janet_a]

ooh yeah--i got a paph a few weeks ago, and just realized it hasn't been repotted in YEARS apparently; it's about to open so i don't want to repot it yet, but i will the minute the flower wilts.

[vcuchick]

Originally Posted by mayres

It will not hurt the plant a bit to lift it out of that pot and check the roots and then just place it back AS IS if everything is OK.
If everything is not OK you will be soooooo glad you checked.
Many of us phal growers have learned from too many bad experiences to check our plants/repot immediately after purchase regardless of whether plants are blooming or not - it normally doesn't affect the bloom. Many of us also have our own preferred media (mix) and are anxious to get our plants into what we are comfortable with/works for us.

so when I pull it out to check the roots, what should they look like for a healthy plant? (novice grower here)

[mrspontiac]

Ooo! I get to help someone! I know the answer! Yay!

Firm, white roots, especially with green tips are healthy....brown, mushy roots are the bad ones.

You're the first person I've helped here! I'm also a novice grower!

[digitalgate]

or green ones is also good.

[kmarch]

The roots may vary slightly in colour. Healthy ones will be light green, white, cream-ish (off-white) and will be firm and crisp feeling. Dead roots will be grey, brown, black and will be soft, mushy, or hollow.

[vcuchick]

awesomeness...now I can do this while it's still blooming without hurting the buds, right?

[mayres]

Yep - will not hurt a thing!

[vcuchick]

Yippie! I'll check it out tomorrow and post some pictures for you're expert opinion! I am so happy I found this forum!!! *Erin dances snoopy happy dance*

[silverscoop]

Another brand new orchid owner - this was great info on what the roots should look like! Thanks!!