Should I repot my Phal. bastianii?

[GenevaDad]

Should I repot this Phal. bastianii? I just got it yesterday. As you can tell it's in a 2.5" pot (so cute). I wouldn't ask except for the air roots.

[mauraec]

I'm no expert on phals, but the general rule I've been quoted says that, unless the medium is decomposing, or the plant has completely outgrown the pot (both of which would manifest themselves in dead roots and an overall unhealthy look), don't "shock" the plant by repotting it right away. Another piece of advice I've been given is that, especially if the plant is in active growth - and the new leaf and green root tips suggest that it is - if you WANT to repot it, this is a good time to do so. It's not spiking or budding, so repotting wouldn't interfere with that.

All of this said, this phal looks really good as it is. The roots will stay healthy, especially if you mist it regularly. It seems to me to be in the right size pot - you want the smallest that will comfortably fit the roots, and avoid "overpotting". Be careful not to leave water in the well formed at the leaf crown - that leads quickly to crown rot.

So... upshot? I'd leave it as is for now, and watch carefully to see if those roots start to extend significantly, or they start to turn white or brownish.

That's my instinct - other members may well disagree (in fact, the more members you poll, the more entirely different answers you'll get).

Loks like a really good little plant, with lots of potential - nice buy. Hope you have more luck with these things than I have had.

[gardenguysorchids]

Looks great and though phals don't mind being repotted it doesn't appear to need it yet. Now, that being said when buy a new orchid, especially a phal I like to repot as soon as I can in order to check out what is going on under the medium such as rotting roots and to get rid of any little visitors that may be hiding out in the growing medium. I also like to amke sure there is no moss tucked in around the roots. I have had that happen and ended up loosing the plant due to root rot from my over watering because I didn't know that the moss was there. Purely a matter of preference but just sharing what I find works best for me. Love this phal. I really need to find one for myself.

[Kmac]

I'd leave it. Phals and air roots kinda go together...its not a problem at all. Phals, on the other hand, do not like being in too big a pot, bcs they can get/stay too wet that way. Yours looks just fine in its pot.

[espranch]

When you do re-pot, do it in Spring, when the roots are actively growing. That way, the orchid will recover rapidly. Betty

[Germinatorman]

I would leave it alone. It is obviously happy. I would wait until the media begins to break down. Those roots mean nothing, except that they are growing. Think about it - in their native habitat almost all of the roots would be out in the air.
Don

[Jef09071984]

The plants looks ok same with the medium, phals like to be in small pots and being compacted and rootbound....

[Brutal_Dreamer]

This little orchid looks happy enough. Before putting it with your other orchids in your collection, I would treat the medium with a pesticide and inspect the underside of the leaves. No need to repot this little one yet. Looks good.

Cheers,
BD

[GenevaDad]

Thanks to all of you,

I've been growing Phals. for three years and they have crazy air roots that I don't worry about at all. I've never had a small one so of course I have to obsess over it. I just need to take a deep breath and relax.

[orchids^_^]

I'd say leave it, since the plant just arrived don't re-pot because it might shock :O the plant.
I'd say the plant looks good.
Good Luck!
Alex