Encyclia cordigera - when to repot
 

I picked up a Encyclia cordigera in a 4" pot, and seems like a pretty hefty plant, REALLY packed in there. I have read about potting medium, but haven't seen about when to repot. Since it's a spring bloomer, seems like I'd want to do that now. By "really packed in" I mean I haven't replaced the plastic label stake because I didn't want to crush it or the plant.

The best time to repot is just when new roots are emerging from the base of the plant.

Also, orchids don't get "root bound" in the way that terrestrial plants do. Having roots really tightly wound in a pot is usually an indication of a robust, healthy plant. No need to mess with it unless the newest growths are overgrowing the pot.