FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

I've had this orchid for 10 years, probably 11. It's very vigorous and very healthy but the problem is that it's grown itself out of it's pot, the roots and base of the stem has withered away; the plant was literally not attached to anything. Do I need to care for it how you would care for a vanda orchid and soak it it for a few hours every couple of days? Or is there a way that I can train it to go back into a pot?

You can see from the photos it has a very healthy root system.

You’d probably need a bigger pot, but yes, I’m pretty sure you can just pot it right back up (with new soil, of course) like any old bare root plant. Just make sure you’re using soil it’ll be happy in. I’m not sure what kind of soil that is for your plant, though.

I hardily support wcrosman's suggestion of appropriate media. Looks like you have a phalaenopsis there, so look for an orchid media appropriate for phalaenopsis. Also, if it has been in the same pot/media for 10 years, then that media was probably pretty broken down and soil-like. So if you put it into something more conducive to phals, then you will likely need to watch the roots and water it a bit more than you were. The transition after repotting is a bit dicey - both the plant and the owner need to pay attention a bit (maybe you more than it). Good luck and good growing - you've got a survivor there for sure!!