Easy Guide For Repotting Orchids.

Although repotting orchids isn’t a difficult task, it is sufficiently different from repotting other kinds of plants that you may be inclined to put it off. But, don't put off your repotting - this is a crucial part of orchid care. An orchid that is allowed to remain in the same pot too long will flower poorly and may even die.

Unless it is an emergency, the best time for repotting orchids with pseudo bulbs is just after they have begun to produce a new growth but before the new roots have begun to elongate.

As a potting medium, your best bet is a commercially prepared mix based on medium-size chunks of fir bark. Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) or slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum) which don't have pseudo bulbs can be repoted when ever you like, just try not to do it the the orchid is flowering.

1.REMOVE THE ORCHID FROM THE POT.

You can get ready for the repotting orchids by spreading several sheets of newspaper over your work area. You don't want to make too much of a mess! Turn the plant upsidedown so that the top is directly over the newspaper and gently tap the side and bottom portions of the pot to loosen it. Getting the orchid out of the pot is sometimes a challenge because the roots often stick to the pot. If this happens to you, you can use a dull kitchen knife to try and loosen them. Don't worry, you won't damage the plant if you accidentally damage the old roots.

After the plant has been successfully taken out of the pot, gently separate the roots and remove as much of the old potting mix as you can. It is okay if a few bits of the old potting medium remain on the roots.

2.GET THE ORCHID READY TO REPOT

You are going to have to trim the roots a bit before placing the orchid into its new home, You'll want to have a knife that's pretty sharp or a heavy pair of scissors to work with. To avoid the spread of viruses that can affect your plants, you should use a cloth with rubbing alcohol to sterilize your tools.

Then go about removing any damaged looking or dead roots. You will be able to recognize dead roots by their mushy consistency and light brown color. Roots that are healthy have light-green tips, an indication that they are growing, are firm to the touch and white in color. You can also cut off any pseudo bulbs that have no leaves at this point. You may very well see new growth or a "lead," in which case you can create two plants by cutting the rhizome in half. You should make sure that each division has at least three pseudo bulbs and an apparent new lead.

3. REPOT THE PLANT

Carefully examine the size of your orchid plant, and then select a pot that will allow it to spread out and grow comfortably for two years. If you're planning on reusing an old orchid pot, make sure that you soak it in a ten percent solution of chlorine bleach for at least thirty minutes, and wash it as thoroughly as possible. For used clay pots, you must let them dry for several days. For clay pots that have never been used, let them sit in water for 2 minutes before using them.

It is critical to cover the inside bottom of the pot with an ample amount of broken crocks or peanuts made out of plastic foam because orchids must have good drainage. Wet your potting mix with boiling water, give it time to cool, then let it dry a bit before using it. Also place the pseudo bulbs that are older along one side of the division in order to allow the new growth sufficient room to spread out. Pack the dampened bark mixture around the roots, firming it with your thumbs as you go. The top of the rhizome should be at the same level as the top layer of bark.

4. AFTERCARE

Make sure that your plant is set upright while its new root system is settling in. You can stake it with a loop of twine, or even try using a rhizome clip, which will attach it to the side of the pot in order to ensure that it grows up straight.

Place the orchid in an area that has light shade, you'll then need to mist the plant and the bark's surface two times a day until evidence of new growth is apparent. You can place the plant where it will receive more light, and water and fertilize it as you normally would as soon as the roots have established themselves throughout the bark.

Once you've done the process a few times, repotting orchids will be a breeze.

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