change compost while blooming?

[Alex R]

Hi,

Is it safe to change the compost and move an orchid into a bigger pot (2 inches larger diameter) while stems are blooming/growing buds? One stem has been blooming for more than 1 month now, still makes new buds, and another stem just grew and made buds last week, and will bloom pretty soon.

Compost and pot are 3 years old, roots are getting crowded. See photos.

Photos:

1. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/b4wenythcx4...217_023958.jpg
2. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/wtjindl8ux1...217_023503.jpg
3. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/gb1gusdbpbe...217_023459.jpg
4. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/pd0if10jxtq...217_023455.jpg

This orchid has bloomed 2+ times every year, has grown many stems and many new leaves. Leaves and stems look healthy, but roots are getting crowded and worry me a little (a past orchid died on me as the roots were completely crowded, went white, and I couldn't save it).

Many thanks in advance for tips. I'm still a newbie, but want to learn.

Alex.

[Fairorchids]

If you are carefull not to break spikes, yes, you can repot Phals at any time.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

They can be repotted at any time provided roots are not heavily damaged. Of course, also avoid damaging any spikes, and you're fine.

[Chris17]

In my experience you can repot while in bloom, but be careful about repotting in spike--the buds may blast.

[Alex R]

Thanks very much for all the answers. I'm going to be brave and attempt it soon.

I'm not sure I understood this part though "be careful about repotting in spike--the buds may blast".

[Chris17]

Sometimes a Phalaenopsis will abort buds if growing conditions are changed while the buds are developing.
As others have said, be careful not to damage the roots while repotting and you should ok.