Experienced orchid growers usually recommend repotting orchids at least once every two years, and once a year if necessary. Doing so can help your plant to stay healthy. One reason is that just like any other type of plant, an orchid's roots expand and they can outgrow the pot. Another thing that happens over time is that the orchid mix in the pot will deteriorate, break into smaller pieces and compact. This impedes drainage and reduces air flow, both of which are vitally important to orchid health.
Another reason you might like to repot your orchids is so you can have more of them! As your orchids grow you can propagate them and enjoy more and more orchid flowers in the future.
Timing is Everything!
It's generally recommended that orchids aren't repotted until flowering has come to and end and the plant is beginning to develop new root growth. If you do it while the orchid is blooming, you're placing an additional burden on it that may result in its condition deteriorating. Planting just as new growth is emerging is believed to be the ideal time because the orchid can quickly put down roots in the new pot.
There is an exception to this recommended timing - if you have a plant that is deteriorating in condition due to rotting roots or being cramped into a pot that is too small, it's probably a repotting emergency. Do it now and save your orchid.
Repotting Your Orchid
Follow these simple steps to repot:
1. Sterilize any gardening implements you'll be using - disease can be transferred from one orchid to another during the repotting process.
2. Choose a time when your plants are almost dry - they'll be easier to remove from the pot. Squeeze the pot to loosen the contents and slide the plant out.
3. Loosen material near the root system and check for signs of ill health or diseased or rotting roots. Remove these - and don't forget to re-sterilize cutting tools before touching the next plant with them.
4. If you're propagating, divide your plants. Just how you do this depends on the type of orchids you have.
5. In the bottom of each pot, position bulky material that will assist drainage by allowing excess water to flow through and out of the pot. Stones are ideal.
6. Now you're ready to repot. Position your orchid and tip your orchid mix around it. Use a mix that's designed for orchids. Don't be tempted to compact it with your hands like you might do for other plants. If it looks too loose, all you need to do is gently knock the side of the pot to help the mixture move into place.
7. Water your freshly potted orchids. Give them a good soaking - it will help them cope with the move.
If your plants have been struggling in smaller pots there's every chance you'll soon witness a transformation in their health and can look forward to a flourish of flowers next season.
Another reason you might like to repot your orchids is so you can have more of them! As your orchids grow you can propagate them and enjoy more and more orchid flowers in the future.
Timing is Everything!
It's generally recommended that orchids aren't repotted until flowering has come to and end and the plant is beginning to develop new root growth. If you do it while the orchid is blooming, you're placing an additional burden on it that may result in its condition deteriorating. Planting just as new growth is emerging is believed to be the ideal time because the orchid can quickly put down roots in the new pot.
There is an exception to this recommended timing - if you have a plant that is deteriorating in condition due to rotting roots or being cramped into a pot that is too small, it's probably a repotting emergency. Do it now and save your orchid.
Repotting Your Orchid
Follow these simple steps to repot:
1. Sterilize any gardening implements you'll be using - disease can be transferred from one orchid to another during the repotting process.
2. Choose a time when your plants are almost dry - they'll be easier to remove from the pot. Squeeze the pot to loosen the contents and slide the plant out.
3. Loosen material near the root system and check for signs of ill health or diseased or rotting roots. Remove these - and don't forget to re-sterilize cutting tools before touching the next plant with them.
4. If you're propagating, divide your plants. Just how you do this depends on the type of orchids you have.
5. In the bottom of each pot, position bulky material that will assist drainage by allowing excess water to flow through and out of the pot. Stones are ideal.
6. Now you're ready to repot. Position your orchid and tip your orchid mix around it. Use a mix that's designed for orchids. Don't be tempted to compact it with your hands like you might do for other plants. If it looks too loose, all you need to do is gently knock the side of the pot to help the mixture move into place.
7. Water your freshly potted orchids. Give them a good soaking - it will help them cope with the move.
If your plants have been struggling in smaller pots there's every chance you'll soon witness a transformation in their health and can look forward to a flourish of flowers next season.
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