TheNaturePlanet

In recent years, Phalaenopsis orchids have become a favorite for many plant lovers. Their blooms are stunning — like butterflies dancing in midair — and they leave a lasting impression.

When caring for Phalaenopsis, the general advice is to water with the “soak-and-dry” method, provide bright but indirect light, keep the temperature between 15–28 °C, and fertilize moderately during the growing season. Under these conditions, the plant usually grows well and flowers as expected.

However, some growers find that even when following all the care tips carefully, their orchid starts dropping buds frequently in the second year. Why does this happen?

In most cases, the culprit is decomposed or compacted potting medium that is no longer breathable. Phalaenopsis are usually grown in sphagnum moss or bark chips — both chosen for their excellent aeration. But if the medium isn’t replaced for more than two years, it gradually breaks down, becomes compact, retains too much moisture, and may even lose nutrients, leading to root stress and bud drop.

Whether or not to repot depends on your plant’s actual condition. If, after two years, the orchid still looks healthy and the roots haven’t filled the pot completely, you can wait until the third year to repot. But don’t ignore it entirely — it’s best to occasionally pull back the top layer of media and check for any issues below the surface.

There are two main situations where you must repot immediately:

Root-bound condition:
If the roots have completely filled the pot, you’ll notice them pressed tightly against the sides of a transparent pot or even twisting around the inner wall with no room left to grow. This means the plant has outgrown its container and needs a larger pot. If left as-is, the roots will become suffocated, and the plant may wilt from lack of space, nutrients, and water.

Medium decomposition or rot:
This is trickier to deal with. If you’re using sphagnum moss or bark and suddenly notice a sour smell, sticky or mushy media, or black mold spots, it means the medium has rotted. At this point, it no longer allows air flow and may harbor pathogens. The longer you delay repotting, the higher the risk of root rot — so repot immediately.