Orchid Potting - How To Repot An Orchid In 7 Easy Steps
Orchid potting is not as scary as it may seem
Orchid potting is not as scary as it may seem. However, it is also not as frequently necessary as you might think.
You see, orchids are well-known for their expansive roots. They can be compared to limbs, extending and exploring out of the base of the pot, searching for nutrients. These crawling roots are the orchids' method of attaching itself to its environment (though in nature, these roots are commonly clinging to trees, not to the table legs!).
But believe it or not, if you have exposed roots, that's not an adequate basis to repot the orchid. You should repot the orchid when there is no room left in the pot for the next growth and when the soil within can't provide further nourishment for the plant. In addition, if the roots are rotting, due to being wet too often, this is another instance when orchid potting becomes necessary.
Orchid repotting does not take long. In fact, it is possible to complete within just seven easy steps (even if you are not someone with a green thumb!).
So if it's time to repot...follow these easy steps:
1. Gather your tools. You will need potting medium, a new container and cutting tools that you have sterilized. Yes, sterilized! Although most people do not know it, like surgical procedures, all tools have to be sterilized before you carry out your "operation" on your delicate orchid.
2. Tilt the pot on its side and gently pull the plant out of the pot, without breaking up any of the substance at this point. Run your fingers gently through the potting medium to take out as much of it as possible. Loosen up the root ball with your fingers to remove the entire natural medium.
3. Using a cutting tool, get rid of any roots that are dark brown, water-logged or that are black. These are not healthy for orchids. Orchid roots in good health are white or a light brown color.
4. Remove any back bulbs, which are bulbs that are still alive but have lost all of their leaves. You can move these into another pot, (although they should be given their own space.) Be sure to cut off any old, dead leaves and bulbs as well.
5. Put the orchid down and focus on the new pot. It, too, should be sterilized and dried before beginning. You should place Styrofoam peanuts in the base of the pot with a blend of your potting medium.
6. Fill the pot about half way with the medium. How can you know what kind to use? The finest plant material available is a good choice (all-natural whenever possible). Select a well-balanced product. If you are unsure, ask your orchid supplier's recommendation for what the best medium is for your orchid.
7. Position the orchid in the middle of the pot, if it is a terrestrial or monopodial. If you have a sympodial orchid, place it to the right of the center. And if you don't know what type of orchid is in your possession, ask your local garden center or research online resources that describe the leaves and roots of the orchid.
Orchid potting does not need a lot of costly materials or time. On the other hand, you do want to guarantee that you allow the roots to grow and spread. It is rarely possible to restrain them. Allow the roots to creep out of the base as they touch and feel their way around your house. And always remember, orchid potting like this should only be performed when necessary.
by: Mary Ann Berdak
Caring For Orchids: A Basic Guide Growing Orchids Basics How Do You Grow Orchids Properly Visiting Carter and Holmes Orchids in Newberry, SC How to Water Orchid Properly Orchid Types, Terrestrial, Epiphytes and Lithophytes Growing Orchids Under Artificial Lights Jm Orchid Sector 76 How To Grow Orchid - Orchid Care Gurus How To Repot An Orchid - Orchid Care Gurus Care Of Phalaenopsis Orchids Moth Orchids Your Simple Guide To Cymbidium Orchids And Other Orchid Varieties How to Prune an Orchid