Potting orchids may seem complicated, but nothing could be further from the truth. Find out when is the best time to repot the plant, whether it can be done during flowering and how this process looks step by step. All this in the article!
Planting orchids – when should it be done?
The usual repotting of orchids to help them grow properly should be done every three years or so. However, if alarming symptoms are noticed on the plants, repotting may be necessary immediately. In what situations should this be done as soon as possible? First of all, when mildew or other infestation appears on the plant or roots, or there are pests. The plant also needs to be repotted if its roots do not fit in the pot. It can also be done if the orchid is not producing flowers. It is worth paying attention to the time of repotting – it is best to do it in spring and then, when the plant is not flowering.
Is it acceptable to repot an orchid while it’s blooming?
You can’t repot an orchid while it’s blooming.Then the plant concentrates all its efforts on producing flowers. However, if mold appears on the surface of the roots or immediate repotting is necessary for another reason – you need to cut off the flowers. After removing the flowers and buds, you can proceed to repotting the orchid, which we describe below step by step. However, it is worth remembering that if repotting is not necessary immediately, it is better to wait until the plant has flowered.
Related: We choose orchid pots!
Planting orchids step by step
The roots of orchids are very elaborate, so repotting these plants may seem complicated. However, it turns out that it’s not that difficult. Below, we discuss the process of repotting an orchid in four simple steps.
Remove the orchid from its existing medium and clean the roots
How to repot an orchid? First, remove it from its existing substrate. To make it easier, it is a good idea to water the plant beforehand. Then gently press the roots so that they peel away from the pot walls. It is also worth squeezing the pot itself. If, despite this, the plant does not gently emerge from the container, you can split the pot. After removing the orchid from the pot, thoroughly clean the roots of old soil and bark.
Remove dead and unsightly roots
After cleaning the roots from the bark, you should check their condition. All old, rotten or damaged parts should be removed. It is best to cut them off with a secrator. Only when only healthy and good-looking roots remain on the plant, you can proceed to the further stage of repotting.
Related: Is an orchid in glass a good idea?
Preparation: proper soil and pot
Orchids have specific requirements for soil and pot. This is because they are not planted in ordinary soil like most flowers, but in a specially prepared substrate. Orchid substrate is best and most convenient to buy ready-made in a garden store.It consists of a mixture of bark, peat and expanded clay which perfectly store the water needed for the proper development of the plant. The orchid pot should be transparent so that light can easily reach the roots. However, the plastic pot itself may not look the best, so it is worth placing it in a glass cover, which will additionally provide stability to the usually quite tall plant.
Place the orchid in the target substrate
The final step is to place the orchid in the target substrate. You should lay a layer of substrate on the bottom of the pot and then carefully place the plant on it. All the time, be careful not to damage the roots. The orchid should be in the central part of the container. Once it is in the pot, it remains to lightly cover the top of the roots with the same substrate that covers the bottom of the pot.
As you can see, repotting an orchid is not difficult at all. All you need is the right pot, a primer and a moment’s attention to safely move the plant from one pot to another. Repotting an orchid can save it from developing disease and ensure its proper growth. Let us know in the comments, whether you have already happened to repot an orchid. Maybe you have some additional advice?
