Do orchids like to be root bound?

Yes, orchids like to be root bound. It’s actually one of the things that makes them happy, because it means they’re getting all the nutrients and water they need. When an orchid is root bound, it will start growing new roots along the edge of its pot. That being said, being root bound may cause your orchid’s potting mix to degrade, in which case it needs to be replaced (every few years).