Repotting Orchids In 5 Easy Steps
Repotting orchids is not difficult but it is very important
. However, it is quite different from repotting other house plants. Repotting delays can be of great risk to orchid plants. Orchids kept in the same potting medium for a long time will slowly decline in growth rate, decrease flowering and may eventually die.
Ideally, orchids repotting is best done prior to the advent of new roots and when new growth on the plant starts to emerge. Usually every one to two years and when in doubt, repot every spring or during dormant period in mid winter. There are two major reasons to repot your orchids, and they often, but not always, occur at the same time. This needs to be evaluated by the orchid grower: First, the roots and the actual plant structure at some point outgrow the plant pot. This means that the growth for the next cycle is extending over the edge and out of the pot, thus leaving the new young roots unprotected, causing them to lose their elasticity and to be easily damaged. Second, the growing medium over time deteriorates and becomes compacted eventually choking the roots as air is no longer able to penetrate the medium.
There are a few considerations when repotting orchids. Epiphytic orchids can be cultivated on slabs of wood or tree fern but also in hanging baskets and even suspended from wires. However, in general most orchids thrive best in pots. Plastic, clay or ceramic pots are all suitable and as they have holes in the bottom for air and water to pass through freely they provide for good drainage and air circulation. The root mass will determine the size of the new potting pot needed. Orchids like to be nestled in snug container. So it is worthwhile to put orchids in a pot that is not that much larger than the previous one. It needs to be big enough for the roots to fit in fairly snuggly and to leave a little growing room. The growing medium needs to have enough air circulation and therefore cannot be compacted in the pot. Thus, fortified the root system will facilitate flower production without restriction.
Here are 5 easy and simple to follow steps for successfully repotting orchids:
1. PREPARING THE POT.
Pick a pot just big enough to accommodate two years of growth at most. Presoak the pot in boiling water for a few minutes and then let the pot sit for a while to dry out. Orchids require very good drainage, so employ an extensive layer of broken clay pot pieces, small rocks or another course gritty non-compactable material at the bottom of the new pot. Place some new fresh potting medium on top of this layer.
2. UNPOT THE ORCHID.
Turn the plant upside down and tap the sides and bottom of the pot to break the orchid free. If roots are trapped in the pot, use a clean kitchen knife to pry them loose. Once the plant is completely out of the pot, shake out as much of the old potting mixture as possible from the roots.
3. PREPARE FOR REPOTTING.
Prior to transferring the plant to the new pot any pruning or trimming needs to be done with a pair of sharp scissors or small shears. Make sure to rub the scissors or shears blades with a cloth soaked with an antibacterial solution when going from plant to plant when repotting different orchids. Get rid of all dead or damaged roots and old leafless stems. Roots that are unhealthy appear brown and mushy to the touch while healthy roots are sturdy and greenish white with tips that are light green. Sanitation is a must. It is tremendously important that all tools be clean and sanitized to prevent the spreading of plant diseases. A simple alcohol solution or running the blades through a candle flame can be used for antibacterial cleaning.
4. REPOT THE ORCHID
Position the plant in the center of the prepared pot and back fill with new fresh potting medium suitable for your type of orchid. Now fertilize and water the orchid. Make sure to regulate the water and fertilizer based on the potting mix's ability to contain water. Finish the repotting process by placing a moist bark mixture on top. Pack everything around the roots very gently.
5. REPOTTING AFTER CARE.
While the new root system is getting anchored in the new medium, attach a wire plant tie or a bamboo stake securely to the plant to keep it steady. Then, place the orchid in a shaded humid environment and spray both the plant and the pot surface each day until new root growth becomes visible. Once the roots are completely established in the new potting medium, transfer the orchids into filtered light and resume typical watering and fertilizing.
Repotting is necessary to ensure your orchids constant vitality and growth. Orchids need a healthy growing medium all the time. And as you have seen repotting orchids does not need to be hard or complicated. In fact, all it requires is sensible care, utmost hygiene and enough time so you are not trying to rush the repotting job. By observing the 5 simple steps above you will offer your orchids the best budding environment they need to grow well. Your reward will be years of enjoyment and blooms all year round.
Repotting Orchids In 5 Easy Steps
By: Grace Caley
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