subject: The Best Method for Repotting Orchids [print this page] The Best Method for Repotting Orchids The Best Method for Repotting Orchids
Although repotting orchids isn't a terribly difficult task to complete, it can be a very different process from repotting other types of plants. Don't avoid this task because it is a crucial step in orchid care. You can tell when an orchid has remained for to long in a pot because its flowers are not as vibrant, and may even eventually 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.
A mixture of fir bark chunks that are medium in size and prepared commercially is going to be the ideal potting mixture to use. Both the moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) and the slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum) are varieties that do not produce pseudo bulbs. While the best course of action is to repot them when they aren't producing flowers, you can repot orchids like these any time you want.
1.UPUTTING THE ORCHID.
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. It the roots are stuck to the pot, you may have some difficulty in getting the plant out. If this occurs you can use a kitchen knife that is clean to remove them from the pot . If some of the older roots become damaged, that's okay, the plant itself won't be harmed.
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.PREPARE FOR REPOTTING.
When repotting orchids, you'll want to trim their roots up. Use a heavy scissors or small shears, and have a sharp knife on hand. To avoid the spread of viruses that can affect your plants, you should use a cloth with rubbing alcohol to sterilize your tools.
Cut away all injured and dead roots Dead roots are easy to spot because they'll be mushy and light brown. Roots that are healthy will be firm and white, and have tips that are light-green in color. You can also cut off any pseudo bulbs that have no leaves at this point. If you see more than one lead, or new growth, you can even split the plant by cutting through its rhizome. Each division should contain a minimum of one new growth and three pseudo bulbs.
3.PUT THE PLANT IN A NEW POT
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. You'll then compact the moistened bark mixture completely encircling the roots, pressing down firmly with your thumbs during the process. The top of the rhizome should be at the same level as the top layer of bark.
4. AFTERCARE
To keep the plant upright while its new root system is getting established, stake it securely with a loop of twine or use a "rhizome clip," a simple device that attaches to the side of the pot.
Place your orchid in a location with lots of shade, and mist the plant on the surface layer of its bark until it starts to grow new roots. 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.
