Question
Hey there,

I have a phalaenopsis orchid that I've had for almost two years. After finally learning how to take care of it it is shooting out a nice long stem with nubs on it and has 5 healthy leaves.  

My concern - I put it in a basket with orchid moss last year to let it air out since when I got it the roots were rotting.  Now, there are roots everywhere!  Weaving into the basket, sticking 4 to 5 inches out the sides of the basket, etc.  I've been told it should be repotted every year, but also been told I should not cut the roots.  Last year I simply removed as much as the moss as I gently could, then refilled it.  The basket itself is starting to fall apart though, so it will need to have something done to it.  Will cutting back the roots hurt it?  I would say a fair percentage of the roots are outside the basket weave now...

Thanks!
Stacey

Answer
Hi Stacey,

That's great to hear a success story like yours!  Congratulations!!!

It may be possible to move it into a slightly larger basket and filling it with moss as you've done before.  Put the entire old basket along with the roots into the new one.  Before trying it, soak the entire basket and roots in a bucket of lukewarm water for about 30 to 60 minutes, this may make the roots a little more pliable and less subject to breakage.  Don't worry if you break a few roots.  The key is slow and easy.  But, if all else fails, cut enough of the roots to make it easier to move them around.  Be sure to allow the cut root ends to air heal for at least 4 hours.  

Hope this helps.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.