Repotting Orchids
Tips for Repotting Orchids
Some people, particularly beginning gardeners, may not understand the importance of repotting orchids. The truth is that failing to properly do so in a timely manner can cause your plant to die. Of course, repotting orchids incorrectly can have the same effect, so before starting it is a good idea to do a bit of research on the correct way to handle the task.
That is not to say that repotting orchids is more difficult than repotting other types of plants, but it is important to note that the methods for each may be different.
Is it Time?
Before repotting, you should determine if the orchid is at a stage where repotting is required. You do not want to keep moving the plant from pot to pot unless it is necessary.
The most obvious way to determine that it is time to move your orchid to a new pot is by noting that the plant is growing out further than the edges of the pot.
Another way that you can tell it is time to repot is by checking the soil. If the soil no longer drains well or seems to have taken on a different texture, that may be due to the fact that the roots are growing too large for the pot.
Out with the Old
Once you have decided that it is, in fact, time to repot your plant, you will first need to remove the plant from its current home.
While to some it seems that the best way to remove the plant is to simply pull it, this is not the way to best handle the task. Instead, turn the plant upside down and shake to loosen it. Then you can wiggle the plant free with the other hand.
Sometimes, especially if the plant was left in the pot too long, the roots may seem to stick to the pot. Try to pry the roots loose. If this is not possible, it is not necessarily going to harm the plant if some of the roots are damaged in the process of removing the orchid from the pot.
Remove Damage
When repotting orchids, there is no point in including damaged or diseased roots in the new pot. Before repotting, carefully examine all of the roots of the plant. Trim away any that appear damaged or diseased in any way.
The New Home
Because it is best not to repot orchids more than every couple of years, you will need to choose a pot with some room for growth. Make sure to take the time to properly wash and sterilize the pot.
When repotting orchids you will need to make sure the new pot will provide excellent drainage. You can do this by adding some pieces of broken pots before adding the soil to the pot.
Place the plant in the pot and then pack some bark/soil mixture around the roots.
It may be necessary to provide a stake, at least temporarily, in order to keep the plant from flopping over.
As you can see, repotting orchids is not difficult. Just take the time to properly prepare the pot, soil and the plant and you will be able to enjoy continued growth for years to come.