Does this Phal need a bigger home?

[Orchidementia]

This is one of my big phals, Phal Taisuco 'Mercy' x Phal Taisuco 'Sheen.' It seems happy enough, but I suspect it needs a slightly larger pot. Opinions please!!!

[digitalgate]

have you check the roots? If it doesn't appear to be rotting. leave it.

[orchid_girl]

Agree...if not rotting do not worry about it. No need to put extra stress on it.

[Tobi]

How long have you had it? Phals. like to be repotted with fresh media about once a year.
Next time you repot, move it into a pot just slightly larger but not much.

[exasperatus2002]

Originally Posted by Tobi

How long have you had it? Phals. like to be repotted with fresh media about once a year.
Next time you repot, move it into a pot just slightly larger but not much.

I learn something new everyday....oops

[janet_a]

yes, pot should fit root ball; and you can only see that once you pull it out. next time you repot, just have a slightly larger (and a slightly smaller) pot on hand, and see what it will fit in best. i have plants that go straight back into their pots year after year.

[PhalPal]

It looks like you have a nice spike there so your orchid must be happy. I would repot one size up when the spike is spent. I like to repot every 12 -18 months depending on the plant, plus I have been experimenting with different media the past year. My Phals seem to enjoy the change and really love the new media!

[PalmCityOrchid]

What kind of media would you recommend most for Phals in Plastic pots? I have a large one to transplant! Thanks!

[Lacerr]

I changed from sphag to bark mix and my phals look so much healthier and growing tons of roots in just a few months, but it means I have to water more often

[patlee]

I'm starting to sound like an advertisement, but I like Schultz's Orchid Mix. According to the package, it has conifer bark, charcoal and fired ceramic granules to improve drainage and retain moisture There are some members here who make their own mix, but I just don't have time It's all I can do to get them watered.... My Phals. seem to love the packaged mix...

[PalmCityOrchid]

Thanks for the info! I found the thread that has a recipe using perlite, coir and charcoal. I already had some perlite and coir bricks, I'll just have to get the charcoal. I'm just not sure if the perlite I have is OK or if I need the coarser one!

[brookn]

Pat Schultz Orchid Mix rocks! I have a lot of my plants in it, they are digging it, and growing like little orchid weeds.

[LLW]

I have all of my Phals in semi-hydro and they love it. All but one have been in semi-hydro for well over a year. It really helped me because I tend to overwater and with semi-hydro it is hard to do that. I have not had my Phals look this good in a while. Lashelle

[Orchidementia]

I am taking everyone's advice ... and I'm going to stick it in a slightly bigger pot when the blooms are spent.

I use a bark mix; so far it's working for me (I understand bark is good for beginners, and I'll probably be a life-long beginner). I use clay pots and I think the combo of clay/bark mix/local climate helps keep them the right side of not-to-dry not-to-damp. Knock wood!

[sandra]

Better-Gro Special Potting Mix, so far, has been what I prefer. The bark chips are a perfect size, something I found extremely frustrating with the other mixes. Also, it seems to take in water easier when new and that's after soaking or however you prepare it. (I boil it.)

I would definitely repot the Phal. It appears to be potted too high and I think it would be better to have it planted deeper into the media. Also, a bigger pot, the next size up would work.