Phalaenopsis repotting

[Jeremy]

When would be the best time to repot Phalaenopsis bellina? My bellina only put out new growth during the spring and it flowers spring through fall and the rest of the year there is no sign of life. I was thinking of repotting it now since it is completeing its flowering cycle. Is this a good choice?

[Ross]

Yep! I'm not directly familiar with this particular spp. but the Phals I have had in past (I'm down to 2 now) I cut the spikes after blooming, let the leaves grow, as well as roots, then in fall when temps in window box naturally got cooler, they set new spikes. Now this year, one of the two remaining (most of my collection was descimated by hail last summer) Phals really wanted to set spikes badly as I cut off the old, it set a new one, I cut that one off, it set another, I cut that one off. Now it's growing new leaves (2 at same time.) So I hope for great things next spring or so.

As for repotting, I do this once each year to assure the medium stays open and free draining. Always after blooms quit or I cut the spikes.

[Lagoon]

Repotting now sounds like a good choice!

[quiltergal]

Don't cut the spike. I think bellina is one that will reflower from the same spike.

[Jeremy]

Bellina is the one that flowers on the same spike year after year. My bellina has three flower spikes all of them had flowered this year. I know not to cut them until they turn yellow.