Question
Hi, I have an phal. orchid with 13 flowers on it. The back three flowers started to fold so I cut them off. (I thought this was the right thing to do). Now the other flowers are starting to fold. There are 4 leafs on one side and 3 leafs on the other side. On the second leaf there is one brown dried out spot. I can see a lot of the roots because they are sticking out. Some of them looked brown and dried up, so I cut those off. But I can still see that some of the roots are still good and healthy. Do you think my plant is too big for the pot and needs to be repotted? The pot is 6" across by 5" tall. Also, a lot of the peat moss is gone. It is only about 3/4" full in the pot which is why I think a lot of the roots are showing. I was hoping to put this on the table at my wedding on Aug. 16th. Do you think there is any hope of it making it? And What should I do?

Answer
Hi Melissa,

Congratulations on the upcoming wedding!  

But, I'm afraid with the condition our phal is in right now, it might not look as pretty as the bride!  Of course, nothing is ever prettier than a bride!!!  (grin)  If you really want a nice phal to grace the table at your wedding, it might be best to buy another phal a few days before the wedding.  

As for this one, from your description of its condition along with the condition of the media in the pot, it does sound like it needs to be repotted soon.  The problem is not the pot size but that the media has broken down and has begun to affect the roots, causing them to rot.  First, purchase a small bag of medium grade orchid media.  Unpot the phal. being careful to not damage the flowers or stem, remove as much of the media from the roots.  Clean the pot then place a little media in, lower the roots until the bottom leaf is level with the pot and the phal is centered in the pot.  Add more media until the pot is full then gently press down to slightly compress it then add more as needed.  Water it then place it in your grow area.  That's about it.  

Have fun at your wedding and I wish you a long and happy marriage.  I've been married for just over 40 years!  To the same wife!!!  (grin)  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.