Orchid re-potting

I have an orchid that I'm not sure what to do with - I don't know what type as I rescued it from the office when they tossed it in the trash to make room - for another plant - but it looks like the standard ones you buy at Home Depot etc. Anyway, I've had this plant for about 5 years now and it still flowers about twice a year (currently has buds right now) and is constantly growing.
My problem is I've never had orchids before and I'm not sure if or how it should be re-potted. It's in the original pot but the roots are all over the place, hanging down and actually resting on the soil of my clown fig (ran out of room at Christmas and so placed the orchid with the larger plant.....didn't seem to phase the orchid at all)

Should I be re-potting it, and if so how ?, because it appears to be moss and not soil (that I'm used to dealing with)

Thanks,

 

Phalaenopsis orchids (standard Home Depot/Lowe's/Kroger sp) are epiphytes. This means that soil is in fact unnecessary: moss or bark, or various other media, are used primarlily to support the roots. Epiphytes gather moisture and nutrients through leaves and roots: yes, phals do extend theirs freely, so yours sounds perfectly OK.
Key thing to keep in mind is that the roots must have air circulating around them. Wet soggy soil will kill the plant. I water mine thoroughly once a week, and mist daily.

I prefer orchid bark to moss, but do have a couple phals that are doing fine in moss. Do NOT pot it up in soil! There are terrestrial orchids, but this is not one of them. Another important thing to do is be careful of the roots. These are easily broken/damaged. Gently does it.
Sounds as if maybe it is OK as is---if it is flowering twice a year it must be happy.

How about a photo? Or several? Give us a look at the state of the growing medium, and an idea of in what environment your plant is living.
Also---good for you for saving the plant.

 

Here are some pictures of the plant....some of the roots actually hang below the rim of the larger pot

 

Now those are some vigorous roots!
Your plant looks good. Judging by its healthy appearance, I'd say that there is no massive hurry to repot. However, since moss does tend to compact and degrade over time---probably could stand a check, maybe replacement, after 4 years. Since your phal is used to moss, stay with it. Recommend that you leave any maneuvers until after flowering is finished. I say---for now, maintain and enjoy!

Nice plant and good work!
What do the flowers look like?

 

Thanks for all the info.
This picture was taken about a year or so ago - not the best picture - but this is what is looks like when in bloom....

 

Excellent!
Clearly your phal is thriving under your care. Robust roots; healthy green leaves; blooming twice a year; no evidence of pests (esp the dreaded scale), sunscorch, over-dry or -wet or -fertilized...all good.

One of the most valuable things to do with plants is to simply be observant. When you have had a plant for a long time you get to know its habit, how it grows, what is normal for it, both as a member of its species AND as an individual. Trust your knowledge and instinct!

Another important thing, I think, is to NOT do. There are folks who become uneasy if they are not doing something constantly with their plants---fertilizing, moving them from here to there, purchasing the latest gadgetry. If the plant likes where it is and how it is being treated, if it is thriving, healthy, and enthusiastic---it is the living evidence that you are doing the right things.

Thanks for the photo.

 

Thanks again for the info.
I'm assuming this moss is something I can get at any garden center? And should I replace what is there - careful removal and replacement - or just add more?

 

Should be.

The idea with repotting is to get the (possibly) compacted/degraded/swampy medium (moss) outa there and replace it with nice fresh stuff, that will do what an orchid potting medium is supposed to do: provide support and a bit of moisture, while allowing air to freely circulate around the plant's roots.
Whether to repot or not is a decision to make after you get a good look at the moss. Does it look, and smell, OK? Or does it resemble a primordial peat bog? If the latter, a trip to the local nursery-garden supply store is indicated.

'Careful' is indeed your watchword! And be sure to let your roots be free.

 

By the way pmurphy, your orchid looks great. As a newbie orchid fan myself, those roots look fabulous. *thumbs up*