When to repot a Phalaenopsis

[Discus]

People also generally recommend you repot when you see active (new) root growth around the bottom of the plant - that means there are new roots there to quickly grow into the newly repotted plant. Of course, in an emergency, you do it anyway.

I have one phal that just won't quit flowering - I want it to so I can repot it, as I don't want the new buds to drop from the shock - the sphagnum it's in is looking quite dubious.

You will occasionally see the lowermost leaf turns gradually yellow and drops off - this is usually after one or two new ones have grown (or are starting to grow) out the top. If they're all going yellow, something is definitely amiss.

[Val]

Originally Posted by Discus

I have one phal that just won't quit flowering - I want it to so I can repot it, as I don't want the new buds to drop from the shock - the sphagnum it's in is looking quite dubious.

I repotted a flowering phal because I discovered a moss-ball in the center of the pot (several days after I bought it) - and had absolutely no bud blast or anything afterwards. I'm terrified by moss and I was willing to take the chance.

I think most phals don't mind being repotted when in bloom. Anyway, saving the plant is more important than keeping the flowers. A healthy plant will bloom again and again.

Just my