How to change the soil and pot of orchids

Time to change the soil and pot of orchids

Orchids are epiphytic or terrestrial herbs. There are many varieties of orchids, such as Chunlan, Huilan, Jianlan, Molan and Hanlan. This type of orchid does not have eye-catching appearance, large flowers and leaves, but has a simple, quiet, elegant and noble temperament.

It is generally suitable to repot orchids in spring or autumn every year. The specific time for spring repotting is around March, and the time for autumn repotting is around October. In addition, the temperature during repotting must be between 10-35 degrees. Repotting within this range is more appropriate.

Changing soil and potting for orchids

During the long-term planting process of orchids, the nutrients in the potting soil will be exhausted, and due to long-term watering, the potting soil will become alkaline and the soil will become compacted. In this case, the flowerpot can no longer meet the growth needs of the plant, so the soil and pot must be changed.

When changing the soil and potting of orchids, you need to choose a suitable weather, and the replaced soil needs to be fertile and rich in humus. After changing the pot, it needs to be placed in an environment with good air circulation.

How to change the soil and pot of orchids

1. Removing the orchid from the pot : Before changing the soil and pot, the orchid needs proper water control. When removing the orchid from the pot, hold the bulb with one hand, turn the pot upside down with the other hand, and tap it gently to easily remove the roots.

2. Prepare the soil : It is best for orchids to use a mixture of leaf mold, river sand and cake fertilizer, because they like fertile, moist and slightly acidic soil, especially fertile soil rich in humus. This way, you don’t need to apply fertilizer in the later stage, or apply less fertilizer.

3. Planting : Place some small pieces of charcoal at the bottom of the prepared flowerpot as a water seepage layer, add 1/4 of soil, add some decomposed chicken manure fertilizer, separate the fertilizer and the roots with soil, hold the roots of the orchid with both hands and plant it in the pot, continue to add soil, and do not fill the pot too full.

Key points for orchid care after soil change

1. Watering : You can water the orchid immediately after changing the soil. Just keep the soil in the pot slightly moist. There must not be any stagnant water, so that it will be easier for it to adapt to the pot.

2. Fertilization : Orchids do not need to be fertilized for a short period of time after changing the soil. They can be fertilized only when the orchid starts to grow new leaves. Fully decomposed organic fertilizer can be used.

3. Pruning : After changing the soil of the orchid, the dead leaves need to be pruned. The yellow leaves and dead leaves should be broken off from the roots. The withered leaves can be picked off after they age. The dead flowers also need to be pruned, usually by directly cutting off the flower stems.

4. Light : Orchids cannot be exposed to strong or long-term light immediately after the soil is changed. It is best to place them in a ventilated and cool place for a period of time, and then slowly expose them to light after the plants have adapted to the pot.