There's something about orchids that enchants us, right? This exotic plant has beautiful stems and flower petals that are very attractive for natural forest habitats. Orchids can be grown in residential areas with very little maintenance. Repotting the orchid is done to prevent the roots from getting crowded, so the orchid will continue to produce beautiful flowers for years to come. See Step 1 to learn how to determine when an orchid is ready to be potted and how to transfer it to a new pot without damaging the roots.
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Part 1 of 3: Getting to Know the Orchids You Grow
Step 1. Determine the right time to replace the pot
The ideal time for an orchid to be transplanted into a new pot is after the plant has finished flowering, when it begins new growth. However, you don't need to change your orchid pot every time; just re-pot it no more than 18-24 months. If you're not sure when the orchid was last potted, but the plant looks like it's growing out of the pot, it's probably too late to re-pot it. Watch your orchid for the following signs that indicate the plant is ready to move into a new pot:
- Some parts of the roots grow through the pot. If you see a lot of roots-not just one or two-hanging out of the pot, the orchid needs more space, and it's time to move the orchid to a larger container.
- Some of the roots rot. If the orchid roots look mushy, and the material in the pot no longer has good drainage, you may need to re-pot it.
- The plant grows on the edge of the pot. If most of the plant is leaning over the edge of the pot, it's a sign that the orchid needs more space.
Step 2. Don't repot it unless you really need to
Too much re-potting can disrupt the plant's growth cycle. Orchids should only need to be re-potted if they show any of the signs listed above. If the orchid plant looks healthy and grows well in its container, re-potting can be postponed for the next year. It's better if the orchid looks a little claustrophobic than re-potting too quickly.
Step 3. Know the potting media material you need
When you know the right time for re-potting, it is very important to know the right type of planting media material to use. Many types of orchids used as houseplants are epiphytic plants (plants that ride on other plants but are not parasites) rather than terrestrial plants (plants that grow in soil). Epiphytic orchids tend to die if you plant them in pots with ordinary soil/planting media.
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The combination of fir bark (fir tub), sphagnum moss (a type of moss), wood charcoal, and coconut husk, is a suitable planting medium for various types of orchids. Most common orchids will do well in the following combinations:
- 4 parts fir bark or coconut husk
- 1 part medium-sized wood charcoal
- 1 part perlite
- If you are not sure about the type of orchid you have, then the mixed orchid growing media package is quite safe to use for most types of epiphytic orchids. These packages are usually available at various plant nurseries or home and garden supply centers.
- If you have a terrestrial orchid, you will need loose soil that holds water well. The soil should have a high perlite and wood material content. Consult the experts at the plant nursery center about the right mix of growing media for the type of orchid you have.
Step 4. Determine the size of the pot to be used
When re-potting your orchids, you'll need a pot that is about 2 inches (2.54 cm) or even much larger than the previous pot. You need to provide more space, but it doesn't need to be too big. If the pot is too large the orchid will tend to concentrate on root growth. As a result, you won't see orchids blooming for a long time. Look for pots made of plastic, clay/pottery, glass or ceramic that are suitable for the size of the orchid.
- Make sure the new pot has drainage holes. If the pot does not have good drainage, the orchid roots will rot.
- Some species of orchids have roots that can carry out photosynthesis. If you have a Phalaenopsis (an epiphytic orchid), consider using a glass or transparent plastic pot to allow sunlight to penetrate.
- If you have to choose a pot with wide sides, you may want to add terracotta pieces to the bottom of the pot. This will help the planting medium to be in a position in the center of the pot, where it tends to stay wet and have more effective drainage.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Necessary Materials
Step 1. Measure the amount of growing media you need in a large bucket or basin
Fill the new pot with a mixture of planting media, then put it in the container twice. To prepare potted planting media, you need to soak it in water overnight. This will help retain moisture for the orchid's needs.
Step 2. Flush the growing media mixture with hot water
Continue filling the bucket or basin with hot water up to the top. Do not use cold water, because the material will not absorb it well. Make sure the soil is at room temperature before re-potting.
Step 3. Strain the growing media mixture
You can use a filter used for food (wash thoroughly afterward) or a large piece of cheesecloth. Drain the water so that all that is left is the wet planting medium mixture. Run more warm water over the mixture to rinse off any dirt.
Step 4. Take the orchid plant from the old pot
Carefully lifting the orchid from the old pot, loosen the roots one at a time. If the plant roots are stuck in the pot, use sterile scissors or a knife to remove them. You need to use clean equipment, because orchids tend to be very susceptible to disease.
You will need to sterilize the trimming tool (scissors, knife, etc.) with the flame of a gas lighter or wipe it with a cloth/rag that has been spiked with alcohol
Step 5. Remove the mixture of old planting media and dead roots
Use your fingers and clean scissors to carefully clean the orchid roots. Remove and discard any charred mixture, wood chips, moss, etc. Use scissors to remove rotten roots, being careful not to damage the healthy parts of the plant.
- The soft, limp roots are most likely dead, so it's best to throw them away.
- Carefully untangle the roots by removing them with your fingers.
Step 6. Prepare the new pot to be used
If you will be using a pot that has been used previously, clean and sterilize it with boiling water to remove toxins and kill potential germs. If the pot is big and deep then to help the drainage system, you can fortify it with terracotta or packing/foam peanut -filling material for loose parts of the packaging used to prevent damage to fragile objects during shipping, made of styrofoam/polystyrene, bioplastic, etc. If you are using a shallow pot, this step is not necessary.
Part 3 of 3: Changing the Orchid Pot
Step 1. Place the orchid into the pot
The previously grown parts are placed at the bottom of the pot, while the newly grown plants are placed on the sides so that they will have enough room to spread. The top of the root mass should be at the same level as the previous pot. This means that the new shoot should be above the surface of the pot, with most of the roots under it.
Step 2. Press the planting medium mixture into the pot
Pour some in around the roots then shake the pot and tap the sides to allow the planting medium to easily fit around the root circle. If you're working by hand, press gently so you don't damage the roots. Make sure there are no large air pockets. If there are parts of the roots that are not covered then the roots cannot grow properly.
- Pour the planting media mixture little by little. Use your hands to work out the roots, then pour more of the potting mix into the pot.
- Continue pressing the mixture until it is flush with the top of the pot.
Step 3. Make sure the plant can stand in an upright position when your work is done
Provide support or pin the plant to the side of the pot so it doesn't droop or grow in the wrong direction.
Step 4. Continue caring for your orchid as before
Place the potted orchid in a cool area with partial shade. Water sufficiently according to the needs of the plant.
Tips
- Prepare your work area by covering the floor, table, or other surface with old newspapers or plastic.
- If your orchid is too difficult to remove from an old pot, destroy the pot to break it more effectively.
Warning
- Be sure to always choose a pot that has drainage holes at the bottom. If the water is allowed to stay and stagnate, it is possible that the orchid roots will rot.
- Do not change the potted orchid planting media suddenly. If you believe that a different growing medium might be more beneficial for the plant, do your research beforehand and wait for the right time to replace the pot.
