How To Repot An Orchid
Today we bring an article to explain how to transplant a Phalaenopsis orchid but it is also valid for the other species.
Sooner or later all of us who grow orchids have to perform this process.
Formerly orchids were plants that fans had in greenhouses, but are increasingly common in the home of any gardener.
They are relatively easy to grow, as long as they are in the right conditions.
The problem is that almost all growers get quite nervous thinking that they have to transplant an orchid.
Orchids are not grown like other plants. They are not placed in a pot with the roots stuck in the ground. You have to put them in a basket or basket with loose materials like bark, coal or moss.
The moment of the transplant can be the most delicate moment for an orchid, since they are susceptible to diseases and you will be exposing the roots. With a little care we will be replanting the orchids with very good results.
Orchids do not like to be moved and root disturbed. You have to transplant an orchid only if it is really necessary.
Contents
- 1 When should an orchid be transplanted?
- 2 Preparation for the transplant of orchids and their cutting:
- 3 How to transplant an indoor or outdoor orchid in 8 simple steps:
When should an orchid be transplanted?
A good reason for the transplant is that the substrate mixture has deteriorated and become too compacted. At that time the roots are in danger of rotting. In these cases the best is
start the transplant and do not try to substitute the substrate since there will be remains of the old substrate and also rotten root pieces.
The second reason to transplant orchids is because they have exceeded the size of the basket where they were and do not have more space to grow. In this case there are people who prefer to directly put the old basket in a new one and let the orchid keep growing.
Preparation for the transplant of orchids and their cutting:
The first thing is to buy a mixture for pots of good quality. That maintains its structure and does not dismantle. Moisten the orchid compost if it is very dry.
You have to water your orchids well three days before transplanting. You also have to have them correctly paid.
Prepare the orchid pots. They must be clean and disinfected if they have suffered from rotten roots or any other problem.
Check if there are any pests before replanting the orchids. Treat pests or diseases before transplanting.
Prepare your tools: you will need a sharp knife or garden scissors to prune, a sprinkler with water, a container to irrigate and a cloth to reduce evaporation.
How to transplant an outdoor or indoor orchid in 8 simple steps:
ORCHID TRANSPLANTATION
- Carefully remove the roots and the substrate that is attached to them from the old basket. Try not to split or damage the roots while doing it. You can carefully remove dead material from the plant and roots. When you do, gently shake the old compost.
- Remove all root pieces that have been damaged or broken. Cut with a sharp knife or gardener’s scissors. It is best to make a clean cut.
- Remove foliage, leaves, stems or flowers that are damaged, rotten or dead.
- If what you want to do is divide your orchid you have to leave at least three healthy bulbs that are together. This is done to get the orchid transplanted and divided into several children.
- Choose an appropriate basket and fill it with the substrate mixture around the plant. It has to be tight and firm, but without overdoing it. The plant can not be moving in the pot or basket. A saying I have heard several times is “tight plant, plant grasped”.
- Water the basket, but only if the compost is dry.
- Put the orchid in a shady place away from direct sunlight. Cover it with a cloth or piece of thick and soft cloth. This will increase the humidity levels around the plant and prevent your orchid from drying out. Spray the orchid with the pot of water for the next three weeks, do not water it!
- Start watering the orchid plant once it starts producing new roots.
Once you have followed these simple steps you should not have problems with your pretty orchid. Now it will begin to grow without the burden of the remains of dry foliage or rotten roots.
I am Don Burke, one of the authors at My Garden Guide. I am a horticulturist that cultivates, grows, and cares for plants, ranging from shrubs and fruits to flowers. I do it in my own garden and in my nursery. I show you how to take care of your garden and how to perform garden landscaping in an easy way, step by step.I am originally from Sydney and I wrote in local magazines. Later on, I have decided, more than two decades ago, to create my own blog. My area of specialization is related to orchid care, succulent care, and the study of the substrate and the soil. Therefore, you will see many articles dedicated to these disciplines. I also provide advice about how to improve the landscape design of your garden.
