How to Repot Phalaenopsis With Spikes

Remove the phalaenopsis from its pot and use your fingers to gently brush the old planting medium from the roots. If you are planting into the same size pot, don't disturb the planting medium around the roots, but plant the entire bundle.

Inspect the roots to ensure they are growing strong and not stressed. They should appear firm and white. If they are sparse, or the majority of them are discolored, the experts at Orchid Web suggest removing the spike so the orchid can put its energy toward root recovery. Use a pair of sterilized scissors or snips to remove the spike. Otherwise, disturb the roots as little as possible.

Place a mound of fir bark – sometimes sold as “orchid bark” -- on the bottom of the new pot and place the orchid's roots on top, spreading them so that they dangle evenly over the mound. If they bend at the bottom, make the mound taller. They should just brush the bottom of the pot.

Fill the pot with the bark, pressing gently on it as you add it to the pot. Stop filling when you get to the crown, as it should be even with, or just slightly below, the surface of the medium.

Water the phalaenopsis until the bark is wet.