For Phalaenopsis or Doritaenopsis orchids, we prefer to measure the leaf span of the most recent, mature, opposing leaf pairs when determining the size. This is more representative than indicating pot size, since the size of the plant itself is more important in gauging its maturity than the size of its pot. An example is shown here:
We ship Phalaenopsis orchids bare-root, which allows us to inspect the roots to ensure they are healthy, prior to shipment. Healthy roots on a Phalaenopsis orchid are crucial to its long-term growth and blooming, and this guarantees that we ship you only the healthiest plants.
And we strongly recommend that you re-pot a newly-purchased orchid if it arrives potted, as many commercial growers use "quick grow" plugs for seedlings. These plugs deteriorate and cause root rot around the time the plant starts to bloom, and many a fine orchid is lost shortly after it blooms because the roots start rotting due to one of these plugs.
Remove the plant from its pot, gently shake off all of the loose potting mix, and look for soft, mushy fibers in the center of the root ball under the crown of the plant. Remove all of these fibers, and re-pot in fresh potting mix. You can usually use the same pot the plant came in, unless it is completely root-bound.
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