Planting potted orchids, often referred to as repotting, involves carefully transferring your orchid from its current container into a new one with fresh potting media, providing it with the space and nutrients needed for continued growth and health.
Understanding Orchid Repotting
Orchids typically outgrow their pots or their potting mix breaks down over time, necessitating repotting. This process is crucial for preventing root rot, ensuring proper aeration, and providing fresh nutrients.
- Why Repot?
- To replace degraded potting media that can suffocate roots.
- To accommodate new root growth and prevent overcrowding.
- To address issues like root rot or pest infestations.
- When to Repot?
- When the potting mix has decomposed and looks mushy or compacted.
- When roots are growing extensively outside the pot.
- After the orchid has finished blooming and new growth is emerging (typically late spring to early summer).
Essential Materials for Repotting
Having all your supplies ready before you begin will make the process smooth and efficient.
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| New Pot | Slightly larger than the old one, with good drainage (e.g., clear plastic, terra cotta with holes). |
| Orchid Potting Mix | Specific to your orchid type (e.g., bark, sphagnum moss, charcoal, perlite). |
| Sterile Pruning Shears | Essential for trimming old roots and diseased sections. |
| Gloves | Optional, for cleanliness. |
| Rubbing Alcohol or Bleach Solution | For sterilizing tools between plants. |
| Watering Can | For post-repotting watering. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting Potted Orchids
Follow these steps to successfully repot your orchid, ensuring its transition is as stress-free as possible.
1. Gather Your Supplies
Ensure you have your new pot, fresh orchid potting mix, sterile shears, and any other necessary items laid out on a clean workspace. Sterilize your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution to prevent the spread of diseases.
2. Prepare the Orchid
Gently remove the orchid from its old pot. If the roots are sticking to the pot, you might need to carefully cut away the old pot, especially if it's plastic. Loosen any old potting mix clinging to the roots by gently teasing it away or rinsing it off under lukewarm water.
3. Inspect and Trim Roots
Examine the root system thoroughly. Identify and trim any dead, mushy, papery, or rotting roots using your sterile shears. Healthy roots are firm and typically white, green, or brown. If you cut any diseased parts, re-sterilize your shears before making another cut.
4. Select the New Pot and Media
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger (about 1-2 inches in diameter) than the old one, unless the orchid has grown significantly. Ensure it has ample drainage holes. Select a high-quality, fresh orchid potting mix appropriate for your specific orchid type (e.g., fine bark for phalaenopsis, sphagnum moss for paphiopedilums).
5. Planting the Orchid into the New Pot
Before placing the orchid, you can add a small layer of fresh potting mix at the bottom of the new pot.
Set the plant into the pot and fill it with the potting mixture. Position the orchid so that the base of the plant (where the roots meet the stem, often called the crown or rhizome) is just below the rim of the new pot, leaving about an inch of space. Distribute the fresh potting mix evenly around the roots, gently tamping it down to remove large air pockets. You can use your fingers or a potting stick to work the mix into all crevices.
The plant should be firmly situated, but it will not be completely anchored. It's normal for the orchid to feel a little loose initially. Avoid over-compacting the mix, as orchids need good air circulation around their roots.
Eventually, new roots will grow through the potting mix and attach to the pot itself, thus anchoring your plant. This process can take several weeks to months, during which the orchid will establish itself in its new environment.
6. Post-Planting Care
After repotting, water the orchid thoroughly to settle the new mix around the roots. Some growers prefer to wait a few days before the first watering to allow any root cuts to callus over, reducing the risk of rot. Place the newly potted orchid in a slightly shadier spot for a week or two to help it recover from the stress of repotting before returning it to its usual light conditions. Avoid fertilizing for about a month after repotting to prevent root burn.
