Repotting store bought phal

[Rashbold]

I recently acquired a phal in a 4" pot without any drainage. The phal itself was in a translucent plastic sleeve inside the outer pot, which has tolerable drainage. The phal will need to be repotted anyway, as the compost is sub-par, and there are some roots I'd like to clean up. However, should I repot in the same plastic sleeve, or just in another pot altogether?

[Cjcorner]

You can reuse the pot if you soak it in a fungicide. Those are very good for phals as they like a little sunlight on the roots. Unlike most plants, some orchids are able to do photosynthesis in their roots.

[Rashbold]

Ah, many thanks. Also, on the potting medium: it looks to be entirely bark, or something like it. Should I mix it up with something else, or use a similar sort of medium? Further, I've read that I should keep a deal of air movement around the roots; now this pot only has holes at the very bottom. Will that impede airflow to the extent that it's problematic, or should I not worry too much about it?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Ah, many thanks. Also, on the potting medium: it looks to be entirely bark, or something like it. Should I mix it up with something else, or use a similar sort of medium? Further, I've read that I should keep a deal of air movement around the roots; now this pot only has holes at the very bottom. Will that impede airflow to the extent that it's problematic, or should I not worry too much about it?

Air movement is important. As for potting medium - use what your watering regime allows. If you water often - avoid sphagnum as it will stay too wet and rot your orchids roots. Here is a video I did on repotting a phal. I also link to a page here on the site that lists the materials used in the video.

How to Repot a Phalaenopsis Orchid



Cheers,
BD