Help for Mother Plant- repot or leave her be?

[Bourdeau]

I have a 10 year old plant in a 12 inch pot with many leaves hanging over the edge heading for the floor. She has four flower sprays right now. She has produced 5 kikies that live in smaller pots near her or have found homes with friends. The “roots” in the bark do not seem sturdy enough to hold the old girl in place. Yet she seems happy. Do I leave well enough alone or try to repot so the leaves grow up like so many in the pictures on this thread? Thanks!

[Paul Mc]

What kind of orchid do you have? Not sure which thread you are referring to.

[tucker85]

Since this is posted under phalaenopsis I assume it's a phal.. I would repot. My opinion is that phals should be repotted once a year. Phals do not mind being repotted. Good luck.

[Bud]

whatever plant it is repot it and use a wire anchor so it wont topple off the pot...
but a 10 year old plant in a 12 inches pot or 2 gallons is big. Do you think you will need a larger pot?
pictures would be nice...

[orchidsarefun]

the ID of the orchid would be nice if you have it. I have noticed that some dtps ( cross between phal and doritis ) have naturally floppy leaves - certainly not as sturdy/inflexible as phals'. The fact that yours is flowering and keiki-ing is a good indication that its being treated very well !
How many leaves does it have ? I have a huge phal with 12 leaves that I repot annually.

[Bourdeau]

I'm not sure how to post a picture- maybe got it? I’m just learning how to do this! I’ve had this plant since 1995- She’s been in this pot 10 years. I’m afraid to move her! The bricks on top are to keep her from falling out of the pot- all you real orchid growers should get a chuckle out of that idea- thanks for the help!

[Bourdeau]

[orchidsarefun]

having seen those photos, I wouldn't repot !
If you are regularly flushing salts build-up out of the plant roots area, I can't see any reason to repot.
Congrats on such a magnificent specimen. Its obviously very happy and why mess with success......


meant to ask - have any of the keikis grown so big or had multiple spikes ?

[quiltergal]

How long has it been since you last repotted? If it's been years I would offer different advice. Give the poor old gal a break and give her some fresh potting medium. Part of her instability may be due to some long neglected root rot. Repotting her won't hurt, and could only help. Wait til she's done blooming though. She's magnificent! Nice growing!

[bballr4567]

Thats a huge amount of flowers! Its good growing as it likes its spot for sure but I'd repot as well. I know it would kill me if I lost a plant to rot if I didnt repot it especially one big as that one!