Repotting Orchids – Four Steps

Why should I repot orchids?  Great question, and there are good reasons for the process to happen.  Orchids need change to continue in a healthy manner.  When we buy new orchids at the big box store or nursery, the plant may have been in this pot for quite some time and the medium may have already started to break down.  This is not good since the potting medium needs to be a certain consistency.  When the medium starts to come apart, this will start to choke the roots.   Orchid roots need to be open to the air.  So when the new plant blooms are finished, this is a good time to for repotting orchids. 

The best time for orchid repotting is during a new growth activity.   After bloom is the time to do this process.  The new growth indicators are new shoots.  Also new leaves and roots will appear.  If possible inspect the orchid and check if the new roots are a couple inches long.  This tells you the plant is healthy and ready to make the change.  Dendrobiums need to be repotted when the new growth cycle is in full swing.  However, Phalaenopsis repotting can happen when the plant is not in bloom. 

Repotting 101

1.  Say good day to your orchid and remove the plant from the pot.  Prior to starting lay out some paper to let the old medium fall onto for easy disposal.  Do not save the old potting medium, use only new.  When turning over the pot, some orchids will come out with relative ease, while others will be less cooperative.  If in a clay terracotta, the orchids roots may have attached themselves to the interior of the pot and you will need to loosen them for removal.  When the plant is free give it a proper shake to rid itself of loose medium. 

2.  Once the orchid is out, look it over.  Pruning or trimming needs to be accomplished while the orchid is out.   Pruning tools are a good sharp knife, sharp scissors and shears.  It is imperative that all tools be clean and sanitized.  This cannot be stressed enough.  You should also re-sterilize the tools if you are going to do more than one plant.  Don't pass on orchid or other plant diseases by using unclean tools.  Remove any dead roots.  Unhealthy roots will appear to be brown and mushy to the touch. Healthy roots are firm and greenish white with tips that are light green. 

3.  Prepare to pot.  Using a clay terracotta pot is great.  Presoak the pot for a few minutes and then let the pot sit for a while to dry out.  If you are reusing a terracotta pot, sanitation is a must.  Again, don't transmit a plant disease by using an unclean pot.  Orchids need extreme drainage, use broken clay pieces to help with this process.  When placing the plant into its pot, place the plant to one side to allow for new growth.  Fill the balance of the pot with new presoaked medium.   

4.  Lastly, relabeling the plant is oft times forgot.  Label the pot and any divisions you might have taken from older plants for total reference.  Clean up the area you have been working in so there is no chance for spreading a problem to another favorite plant.  Dispose of all cuttings and old medium in the refuse.  If your orchid could, it would be smiling at you now.  Keep an eye on the plant for a few days and watch for transplant shock.  You will continue to have happy, healthy orchids.

Marty Lewis