How to repot orchids?

Orchids have high ornamental value and are very simple to maintain in potted plants . However, as time goes by, the roots of the orchid will slowly fill the pot and the nutrients in the planting material will gradually be consumed. At this time, the orchid will need to be repotted. So how do you repot an orchid? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. Time to change pots

The best time to repot orchids is in spring and autumn, when the temperatures are moderate and conducive to the growth and recovery of orchids. The high temperature and heavy rain in summer can easily cause root rot of orchids. Winter is cold and dry, and orchids enter a dormant period. Repotting at this time will affect the growth of orchids.

2. Choose a new pot

Choose a ceramic or plastic basin with good air permeability, and avoid using an airtight porcelain basin. The new basin needs to be soaked in water for several hours before use to eliminate the "heat", and then washed and set aside. The size of the pot should be moderate, so that the roots of the orchid can stretch out. Generally, the diameter of the pot should be about 1/3 of the height of the orchid plant.

3. Prepare the soil

Orchids prefer fertile, loose, well-drained soil. You can choose special soil for orchids made from a mixture of leaf mold, perlite , vermiculite and other materials, or you can make it yourself. The ratio of leaf mold, perlite and vermiculite is generally 3:1:1.

4. Remove from the basin

Before repotting, stop watering for two or three days to allow the soil to dry out a little to make it easier to remove the plant from the pot. Remove the orchid from its original pot and gently tap the sides of the pot to separate the orchid from the pot. Be careful not to use too much force to avoid damaging the orchid's roots.

5. Clean the roots

Place the orchid in clean water and gently rub the roots to remove the dirt and dead leaves attached to the roots. Also be careful not to use too much force to avoid damaging the roots.

6. Trim the roots

Use sterilized special scissors to trim off the yellowed, rotten parts of the orchid roots, as well as the excessively long roots. After pruning, the roots should appear white or light yellow and have a certain degree of elasticity. After pruning, soak the orchid roots in a 1000-fold aqueous solution of potassium permanganate or an 800-fold aqueous solution of thiophanate methyl for 5 to 10 minutes for disinfection. After disinfection, place the orchid in a cool and ventilated place to dry, and then plant it in a pot after the orchid roots turn milky white.

7. Put it in the basin

Place a drainage layer at the bottom of the orchid pot, such as gauze, clam shells, stones, etc., and then add an appropriate amount of soil. Place the treated orchid in a new pot and fill the roots of the orchid with new soil. Be careful not to fill it too tightly so as not to affect the orchid's breathing. Lightly compact the soil with your hands to firmly bind the orchid to the new soil.

8. Watering

After potting, water thoroughly for the first time to allow the soil to fully absorb water. After that, water the orchid in time according to its growth and keep the soil moist. However, you should control the amount of watering in the first week after repotting to avoid excessive water causing root rot of the orchid. Then gradually increase the amount of watering.

9. Fertilization

In the first month after repotting, you can apply decomposed organic fertilizers , such as cow dung, chicken manure, etc., every 10 days to promote the growth of orchids. After that, apply appropriate fertilizer according to the growth of the orchid. Be careful to avoid using chemical fertilizers as they can cause root burn.

The above is an introduction to how to repot orchids. The time it takes for orchids to acclimate may vary from a few days to several months. During this period, the orchid may experience a weeding period before absorbing nutrients from the new planting material and gradually resuming growth.