Up-potting go by root size v.s. leaf size?

I think it is time to repot this noid phal. seedling, it's roots were growing out of it's 1 1/2 inch pot. But I am not sure how big of a pot I should put it in. This is a pic of the plant with the pot I am considering, it is 3 1/2 inches, and the roots would fit in it nicely.

The leaves however are only about 5 inches across.

I plan on putting it in sphag. moss. Not sure if that will make a difference.

Any suggestions are welcomed!

If you're putting it in spag definitely by root size. The 3.5" pot will work fine. Wet the roots (or better yet soak them) and delicately bend them into the media.

What I usually do is try to bend them in my right hand while putting the moss around the roots with my left hand. When I have made a satisfactory "ball"..I put it in the pot.

Meg, for some encouragement, see

Orchids - Repotting
and
http://www.rv-orchidworks.com/cultiv...ting_catt.html

Also, note that air roots are physically not the same as the roots growing in the potting medium. The article briefly mentions this. One more point, spag moss is a treacherous potting medium for phals grown on windowsills like we do.

Yeah I think the 3.5" pot would be fine, I don't like the idea of sphag tho, it scares me bc it holds too much water...

He's right. These 'air roots' eventually die in the media as new roots are produced. However, I've only grown my Phals in Spag in the windowsill without any problems. Granted the pot is probably 99% dry before I water again.

Originally Posted by JoeW

Meg, for some encouragement, see

Orchids - Repotting
and
Orchids - Repotting a Cattleya

Also, note that air roots are physically not the same as the roots growing in the potting medium. The article briefly mentions this. One more point, spag moss is a treacherous potting medium for phals grown on windowsills like we do.

I am now growing under lights and have had very good results with sphag. I have moved all of mine into it last spring and no problems with root rot. (I do let it get quite dry before watering it)

The only problem with using spag is not changing it often enough. Most plants you buy have already had a second layer wrapped around the roots, without having the initial layer removed and replaced with fresh. That is why inside roots rot. If you remove it all and put fresh spag each year, your phals will love it. Just leave a layer of something at the bottom of the pot that will not break down (broken pots, shipping peanuts) for the air pocket. Also; when soaking your spag to use fresh, you might consider soaking it with physan water so there is an extra bit of protection from fungus and bacteria.

I think that pot will be fine. Ever consider using sphag chopped up and mixed into small bark for your phals? It allows them to hold water (sphag) and also get a bit more air to the roots (bark).

Cheers,
BD

Lots of good ideas, thanks guys!

Here's another common newbe forum joiner's what I am talkin' 'bout:

http://www.rv-orchidworks.com/orchid...tml#post143232

Sphagum moss needs a fine hand and Meg has it but newer window sill growers do not. I do agree with Bruce above and I find that some chopped sphag enhances the bark mix.