Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I was wondering when is a good time to repot my orchid which has out grown it's orginal small pot. Also, when is NOT a good time to re-pot. My orchid is putting out a new shoot that will bloom, so I am afraid to re-pot at this time. However, it seems to be extremely crowded in the small orginal pot it is in. It has been in the same pot for over 3 1/2 years. I do not know much about orchids, but I have been lucky enough to get this one to bloom 2 other times. This will be the third time.
Thank you.
Judy

ANSWER: Judy, since you didn't mention the type of orchid you have, I'm going to assume that it is a phalaenopsis.  Phalaenopsis orchids should best be repotted after they finish flowering.  When you unpot it, it sounds like you will have a lot of healthy roots and therefore will need a pot that is at least two inches larger in diameter.  Since it is sending out a new flower spike, I would wait until that finishes flowering and let me know and I'll give you some tips for repotting it.  Thanks for your inquiry.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Wayne,
My orchid (Phalaenopsis)is finally done blooming and the last flower just fell off of it. I am ready to replant it into a bigger pot. I have purchased one that is 2 inches larger than the original pot. I also purchased some Miracle Grow Orchid potting mix. I am now ready for the tips from you before repotting it. Since it does grow in an unusual manner from other plants, I am a little nervous about repotting it as I do not want to hurt it.
Thank You.
Judy

Answer
Hopefully, the pot has lots of drainage holes in the bottom.  Unpot your plant and rinse the old potting mix from most of the roots. If you see roots that are "mushy", remove them as they are dead or dying.  Healthy roots are firm and turn green when wet.  Insert the roots into your new pot, rotating the pot as you do so to minimize root damage.  Then add the fresh orchid potting mix, tapping the pot as you do so to help distribute the new mix amongst the roots.  When this is complete, place the pot in a place where the pot can drain and add room temperature water until the potting mix is thoroughly wet and let it drain before replacing it into your growing area.