Orchids Repotting – A Little Care goes a Long Way
Each orchid genus has varying repotting requirements. This mainly depends on if it is a Terrestrial orchid, or an Epiphytic orchid. Epiphytic orchids grow in trees, in nature. Terrestrial orchids grow in the earth. The best ‘soil’ mixture for orchids repotting is coconut husk, fir bark, or sphagnum moss. Sometimes, a combination of these three is used. Perlite and tree fern fibers are also repotting materials.
Catering to your individual orchid needs comes first, but generally all orchids should be repotted regularly every 18 to 24 months. The most important purpose of repotting is to make sure the plant has fresh growing material. It will not necessarily need a bigger pot. The size of the pot should be chosen proportionate to the size of the root mass.
Orchids thrive better if they are slightly tight in their pots. If they are placed in overly large pots, their growing energy tends to go into the roots instead of the foliage. So, never perform orchids repotting unless it is for a good reason. Annual repotting of Dendrobium, Miltonia, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, and their hybrids is necessary.
Cattleya, Oncidium, Odontoglossum and its hybrids need to be repotted every other year. Vanda, Cymbidium, and the like can be repotted every third year. If you have your orchid in a transparent pot and you notice the roots are wrapping around the bottom, it needs to be repotted. Be careful when orchids repotting that new growths and shoots are not overlapping the rim of the pot.
If your Phalaenopsis orchid is not already in a clear pot, it should be. The roots need to be able to perform photosynthesis, so they need sunlight. In orchids repotting, remember a pot that is too large will also hold water within the center of the pot. Since orchids generally like to dry out a little between waterings, this is not desirable.
Roots should never sit in water with any orchid type. The roots need to have air circulation. So, if you notice this is a problem with your orchid, you should repot it. If the potting soil, or medium, seems to be worn out, you should repot. You will notice this if the water does not drain well when you water the plant. If there is any white or green growth on the top of the ‘soil’, you should repot. This is probably a type of mold.
Broken terracotta in pot bottoms allow for good drainage. Many orchid owners use pebbles at the bottom of the pot, or have a tray full of pebbles for the orchid pot to sit in, for good drainage. Try not to repot your orchid when it is flowering. This will discourage the blooms. Another bad time for repotting is when the plant has produced new growth, or a spike.
Repotting in the spring or fall is good, since the temperatures are not too extreme for repotting outside. If it is too cold or hot, you will put your plant into shock. When performing orchids repotting, examine the roots. Healthy roots are firm, white, and have green tips. Bad roots are crispy and dry, or mushy and wet. Trim and clean off the unhealthy or dead roots with sterile scissors.
