---
title: "I have not repotted this plant. It is still in the plastic drainage…"
description: "I have not repotted this plant. It is still in the plastic drainage insert it came in. I did move it to a larger outer container with no drainage but dump the…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/tgKOe1BqnjaUBMqAWPqGay"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Brenda Gunderson"
published: "2025-01-07T17:30:44.477263Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/7O3X54FAqoZRjs_Bn0vLa7iiN6KeJnsoQBuldnWTWyM/d19BkORdQTaF5tj_S2CP0w.webp?size=large"
---

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# I have not repotted this plant. It is still in the plastic drainage…

_Posted by Brenda Gunderson on 2025-01-07_

I have not repotted this plant. It is still in the plastic drainage insert it came in. I did move it to a larger outer container with no drainage but dump the water if ever any is inside. The leaves started turning yellow after I moved it to the larger outer container. Should I move it back to the original outer container with no outer circulation? Added original pix.

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/7O3X54FAqoZRjs_Bn0vLa7iiN6KeJnsoQBuldnWTWyM/d19BkORdQTaF5tj_S2CP0w.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/7O3X54FAqoZRjs_Bn0vLa7iiN6KeJnsoQBuldnWTWyM/LIzVSJShQm27gCmxAzDAbg.webp?size=large)

## 3 comments

### Jen commented on 2025-01-08

The outer pot probably has nothing to do with the yellowing leaf. Have you only lost one lower leaf? It’s not unusual for phalaenopsis to drop their oldest leaves. If you’ve lost several, or if there’s any discoloration on the base/axis, the stem of the plant, then I would be concerned.

It would be a very good idea to repot your orchid into a clear plastic ventilated inner pot- regardless of what decorative outer pot you use. At this point, the medium is probably pretty old and broken down. It can become slightly acidic, and also suffocating to the roots. You’d have more serious issues if your orchid developed root rot, which in some cases can travel up the stem and kill the orchid entirely. If you decide to do that, come back to this group for some really excellent potting advice. It may prevent you from making the same mistakes we made early on. ☺️

#### Brenda Gunderson replied on 2025-01-08

Thank you for your advice! I will definitely contact you when ready to repot, possibly tomorrow or Saturday.

### Brenda Gunderson commented on 2025-10-24

How can I tell if the yellowing leaves are from too much or too little water? Or do they need more fertilizer?

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