repotting phal

[Cinderella]

I have a very healthy phal that bloomed from about March to May. I cut the spike and was waiting to see if it would rejuvenate and in the interim it started growing a new leaf. Is that "normal"? Anyway, the thing is healthy as a horse and has roots growing all over; the roots are starting to grow out of the drainage holes. Is this a good time to repot? Should I use the same size pot and how do you do it without breaking those drainage hole roots?

Phew.

[PAGrower]

It sounds like you should definitely repot. Whenever you see new growth on a Phal and roots going off the deep end, it's a good time, provided it isn't in the dead of winter. Drench the plant before you begin in order to soften up the roots. Whether you go up a pot size will depend on what you find when you unpot. If your roots are healthy and filled the entire old pot, definitely go up a size. On the other hand, if they are less than spectacular, you may end up using the same size pot or even going down a size. Hope that helps.

[uncasteeb]

how do you do it without breaking those drainage hole roots?

If it,s a plastic pot carefully cut the pot up.

[Cinderella]

Thank you both, that is a lot of help!