Illustrated guide to repotting orchids.You will find general instructions on how to repot orchids.

Illustrated Guide To Repotting Orchids

Index

Introduction

When to repot

Get prepared

Remove from container

Clean up time

Into the new home

The finished product

Introduction. Back To Index

On this page you will find general instructions for repotting orchids. Our specimen today is a Cattleya.
There are some variables but the general concept is the same.
As for vandas most of mine are in wood or plastic baskets with no medium. When the plant gets too big you can place the basket and all in a larger basket. (soak first to make the roots easier to work with.)
Potting mediums - A mixture of orchid bark, charcoal and sponge rock is a common mix. Aliflor, sphagnum moss, rock wool, tree fern, osmunda and redwood are some mediums that can be used alone or in mixes. Some work better for some orchids (and or people) than others. I you are not sure what to use, check with some of your local growers. Most growers are more than happy to help. If you have a local Orchid Society, attend a meeting or two and ask some questions. You may even decide to join.
Use what works well for you and your orchids.
Please, if you use a particular mix with good results DO NOT change just because someone tells you one medium is better than what you are using. You can get disasterous results.
I experiment with different mixes only on specimens of which I have more than one of, or if a plant is not doing well I may change the mix and or container.
If I have good results with a new mix, I might change on the next repot.
There are also options when it comes to containers. Plastic pots, clay pots and wooden baskets are the most common.

When to repot. Back To Index

Most orchids need to be repotted every few years depending on the medium used.
There are two main reasons to repot. (I may also repot as a last effort if a particular specimen is not doing well)

1. The plant grows out of the pot (above left). It is normal for some roots to grow on the outside of the pot as most orchids are Epiphytic - growing on but not feeding on another plant, usually trees. While we are at it, Terrestrial - orchids that grow rooted in the ground ( terrestrials are usually grown in a peat based mix which may or may not contain fine bark, charcoal, sponge rock or tree fern. Lithophytic - grow on the surface of rocks.

2. The potting mix breakes down (above right). Note the osmunda fiber on the top of the pot still looks fine. But look closely in between the roots in the lower right corner of picture and you can see the osmunda is completely broken down. This, (if let go) can cause root rot and possible loss of plant.

Also note (above right) I broke the pot and carefully removed the pieces from the roots. In some cases I think it is better to sacrifice the pot to keep from disturbing the root system any more than necessary. (roots come loose from plastic pots easier than clay pots or baskets)
The best time to repot is after flowering and or when new growth starts.

Get prepared. Back To Index

Pick a clean comfortable work area.
Select container and medium .You may need to use pot clips, hangers or support stakes (above right).
Start by soaking the medium. Your mix should be thoroughly saturated but not dripping wet. If you are using a clay pot or a wooden basket, soak it as well. If you use the mix and or the pot when they are dry, they will draw moisture from the plant. If you use dry materials, it can cause stress and damage to the plant. The plant is already stressed due to the repotting process.
Have a lighter, or some means of sterilizing your tools.
Most likely you will have to do some cutting. Scissors or razor blades work well (always sterilize tools after each use, you could transfer contaminants from plant to plant)
You will need something to put in the bottom of the pot for good drainage and aeration. Styrofoam packing peanuts or broken up clay pot pieces work well.
I use one or more of the following, RD-20, cinnamon, superthrive and osmocote when repotting most orchids. (above left.)

Remove from container. Back To Index

The roots are easier to work with and to separate from container when thoroughly wet. I soak the whole plant for about 15 minutes. I use a few drops of Superthrive and RD-20 (per instructions)
You want to feel out the situation. Sometimes the plant will pop right out of the pot, though more often, as with our specimen today, will take more work. As you can see in the pictures above, the roots are growing around the outside of the pot.
As I said earlier, I thought it best to break the pot.
After carefully removing the broken clay (you have to separate the roots from the clay as best you can. You will most likely break a few roots. Although you don't want to lose many roots, a few can be tolerated and expected).
Next carefully remove the old medium. Again, care should be taken not to damage the roots and or new growth.

Clean up time. Back to index

Now you will need to trim away the dead roots (above left).
Remove any old pseudo bulbs (stems) that are brown and soft (above right).
Peel off any old (gray or brown) growth from the canes (Only take off what peels off easily. Do not rip off what wants to stay)
Some say it is not necessary but I like to use a fungicide on any place a cut has been made whether the cut was on the root system or the plant. (There are many good fungicides on the market, however I use one that most people already have in their kitchen cabinet - Ground cinnamon is a great fungicide, and not as costly either).

Into the new home. Back to index

Do not use too big of a container. Normally go one size larger. (if dividing, in most cases you will use a smaller container for each division)
I only divide plants which will have 5 or more pseudo bulbs (stems) per division.
Place some packing peanuts or shards (broken clay pot pieces) in bottom of the pot.
Position plant in pot with old growth up against side of pot. (this will allow new growth more growing room). Phalaenopsis and most Terrestrial's should be placed in center of the pot.
Carefully pack medium around roots keeping roots buried and plant above medium.
You will want to keep plant firm and not falling over. (you can use plant supports and or rhizome clips to accomplish this).
I use osmocote time release fertilizer on all my adult plants (it's too strong for seedlings) and will now sprinkle some on.

The finished product. Back To Index

Keep them healthy and happy and they will reward you with lots of flowers.
I hope this has helped. Keep in mind you are the expert when it comes to your orchids.

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