Question
hello,
I was given a beautiful white orchid plant on my birthday last March. Wonder of wonders, it lives still. Not only is it alive, but it is growing wildly and ready to bloom again. However, the roots have overtaken the pot, and are growing up onto the plant stems. Is it rootbound? Do I need to repot it into a larger pot?  If so, please advise how to go about doing that, as I've never transplanted a plant whose roots grow above the soil. I am so happy that this plant has lived this long. I do not have any kind of green thumb, and usually do not attempt to take on more than a simple ivy. However, since I was given this beautiful plant by a friend, I do hope to see it continue to grow and bloom for a long time to come. Please advise.
Thank you
Lois Pepple

Answer
Good morning Lois.  Glad to hear we have a budding orchid enthusiast. I will assume that you have a phalaenopsis or moth orchid as many of these bloom with white flowers.  They are the most common type of orchid found at garden centers.  It is commonplace for phalaenopsis orchids to have aerial roots as, in nature, they grow on trees in the tropics. If the new flower spike has not yet started, I think you should report it into a somewhat larger pot.  There is no rush as the first step is to find a garden center that carries orchid potting mix.  At the same time, find a new plastic pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the one that the plant is in currently.  You will find the repotting is easier than expected.  You will need to remove the plant from its pot being careful to minimize damage to roots.  Sometimes roots attach themselves to the inside pot walls but can be removed with gentle prying.  After removing the plant from its pot, discard the old potting mix.  At the same time, soak a portion of the new potting mix until you are ready to use it so it will be damp when you use it for repotting. wash all of the old potting mix from the plant roots and remove any roots that are mushy or collapsed.  Healthy roots are firm and turn green with watering.  Insert the plant into the new pot so all roots are in the pot.  Try not to bend the roots too much.  Wet roots are more pliable and less likely to break.  Once you have the plant positioned in the pot, simply add the new damp mix to the pot until it fills the pot to the base of the leaves.  Have the plant in a place where the excess moisture can drain out of the pot and leave it there for a few hours before moving it to your growing location.  An annual repot after flowering will help to ensure coontinuing health for your plant.  See if you can locate an orchid society in your area as it is often helpful to be in the company of other orchid enthusiasts in you area. If you can't find one and are interested let me know where you l;ive and I can locate one for you.