- Why do you have to repot orchids?
- The right time: When do you repot orchids?
- The right soil for transplanting orchids
- Repotting orchids: How to do it
- Care for orchids after repotting
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The exotic flowers are not easy to care for and are happy to be transplanted from time to time. We show when and how to repot orchids and which soil is best for it.
Orchid Repotting Video Tutorial [Music: www.bensound.com]
Compared to other indoor plants, the popular orchids (Orchidaceae) require special care. The striking aerial roots of the orchid in particular pose a challenge, as they can rot if handled incorrectly. To prevent this, the tropical plants should be repotted at regular intervals. We will show you exactly why orchids need to be repotted, when is the right time for repotting, which soil is best, how best to proceed and how orchids should be cared for after repotting.
Why do you have to repot orchids?
Orchids need to be repotted regularly if the soil is too decomposed. Or if the pot volume has become too small or the soil is infested with pests or fungi, the orchid soil needs to be changed.
The Orchidaceae family includes countless species, which can sometimes have very different requirements. This article is only about epiphytic, exotic orchids of different genera. In contrast to terrestrial orchids, epiphytic orchids grow as “mounters” on trees and do not root in the ground. The tropical beauties are considered to be particularly site-loyal. This means that they don't cope well with interventions and changes. So why put stress on the beautiful flower with the special roots by regularly repotting it? There are three good reasons for this.
The first one is simple: the orchid naturally grows and gets bigger over time. At some point it just gets too small for her in her pot and she wants to move to a bigger home. But many orchids like it a little tighter and it doesn't have to be a bad thing when roots grow out of the top of the pot. But if the orchid is already growing more outside than inside the pot, then it's time to repot.
The second reason has something to do with the special location requirements of orchids. The epiphytic genera and species are not used to rooting in soil, as they grow on trees. So the roots hang mostly in the humid air of the jungle. That is why they are also called aerial roots. It is therefore particularly important to choose the right substrate for orchids - but more on that later. If the soil in the plant pot is a bit older and therefore badly decomposed, sagging and without air-filled spaces, the houseplant should be repotted soon.
The third and final reason why the popular plants should be repotted is that the orchid is affected by disease or pests. If a layer of mold or algae forms on the substrate, or if the roots rot due to waterlogging, you have no choice but to save the orchid by quickly repotting it. This also applies if unwanted vermin have nested in the ground.
3 Good reasons to repot orchids:
- The aerial roots are already growing out of the planter
- The substrate has already collapsed and is no longer airy
- In the event of disease or pest infestation of the old substrate
The right time: When do you repot orchids?
In general, an orchid should be repotted about every two years. But when in the year is the perfect time to give your orchid a new home? The best time to repot is when the plant has rested and is not flowering. However, the variety of orchids is very large and not all orchids take their break at the same time. Therefore, for some orchid varieties, spring is the best time to repot. Other varieties tolerate being repotted better in the fall. As a rule of thumb, never repot your orchid between November and March, as the plant simply doesn't get enough light and warmth at that time to grow back well after the pot change. Many also ask themselves whether orchids can also be repotted during the flowering period. At the time of flowering, the plant puts all its energy into flowering and at the same time does not have enough strength to grow back well after repotting. Basically, flowering orchids should not be repotted if possible. but sometimesthere is simply no other way, for example if the flower is affected by diseases. Then it is better to cut off the flower with a sharp, disinfected knife before repotting.
Summary: When is the right time to repot orchids?
- Every 2 years
- In spring or in autumn
- Never between November and March
- If possible not during flowering time
The right soil for transplanting orchids
As already mentioned, most orchids are epiphytes that do not root in the ground but have their aerial roots outdoors. It is therefore particularly important that no normal soil, but only orchid soil is used for repotting. This has special properties that orchids need in order to grow and thrive well. The soil should be as coarse as possible so that enough air and light can reach the roots. As an alternative to commercially available orchid soil, you can also make it yourself from pine or pine bark and other materials. However, it is still worth buying professional orchid soil, especially for beginners, to be on the safe side.
"Which substrate is best for orchids?
- Orchids are epiphytes and therefore have so-called aerial roots
- The substrate should therefore be as coarse and permeable as possible
- Use special orchid soil
Tip: Orchids are a very diverse group of plants and not all have the same requirements. Different orchid species have different needs. Therefore, with some species, even professional orchid soil can reach its limits. In this case, only special earths with additives help to adapt or to mix the substrate completely yourself. The most important thing when caring for orchids is to find out exactly what they need.
Repotting orchids: How to do it
Even before repotting, it is important to prepare the orchid well. To do this, you should water your orchid well a few days beforehand and immerse it in a lukewarm water bath for a maximum of one to two hours just before repotting. This makes it easier to remove the exotic plant from the planter for repotting.
The next question to be answered is which pot the orchids should be repotted in. theAerial roots of the orchid can develop particularly well if they, like the upper part of the plant, get light. A great way to do this is by choosing a clear planter. Of course, it should have enough holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain away.
A more visually appealing solution is to repot orchids in glass pots. In principle, it is possible to use a pot that is closed from below. In this case, however, you should make sure that there is never waterlogging on the ground, otherwise rot will quickly occur. Orchids can also be repotted in a bowl, but this should also be as transparent as possible.
Tip: If the orchids are completely potted in glass, the container should under no circumstances be left in the blazing sun for long periods of the day - otherwise the beautiful plant will quickly become too warm .
In order to be well prepared for repotting, you should know which materials you need for it. So have a suitable planter and special orchid soil ready. You also need a sharp knife that you disinfect thoroughly with alcohol. Orchids are particularly sensitive plants, which is why you have to work as cleanly as possible. Scissors, a spray bottle with lukewarm water and charcoal powder are also useful for repotting orchids.
What do you need for repotting orchids?
- Clear Planter with Drainage Holes
- Casserole (preferably also transparent)
- Special orchid soil
- Sharp, disinfected knife
- Scissors
- Spray bottle with lukewarm water
- Powdered Charcoal
Now the actual repotting can finally begin. As a first step, fill the new planter one-fifth with orchid soil. Do not press them down, they should lie as loosely as possible in the pot. Then the orchid is very carefully removed from the old planter. The best way to do this is to hold them between the tuft of leaves and the root ball; there it is most robust. If the plant cannot be easily removed from the old pot, do not try to force the growth out. It's better to cut open the old pot.
Once the orchid is free, you can take a closer look at the aerial roots of the orchid. If you discover rotten, dried up or damaged roots, you should remove them immediately with a sharp and sterile knife. In the case of mini orchids with strong root growth, such as Phalaenopsis or Zygopetalum, up to a third of the he althy roots are removed from the center of the root ball. Cut wounds are coated with the charcoal powder. When only the he althy roots are left, the plant is placed in the new planter. This step is also done very cautiously and cautiously. The roots are not pushed into the pot. If the plant sits well in the pot, fill it from the sides with orchid soil. This is also not pressed. To ensure that the substrate is evenly distributed, you can tap the pot vigorously on the table several times with the bottom of the pot.
Step-by-step guide to repotting orchids the right way:
- Fill a fifth of the planter with orchid soil
- Carefully remove the orchid from the old pot
- If necessary, cut open the old container to avoid damaging the roots
- Cut off old, dried roots with a sharp knife
- Treating Cuts with Charcoal Powder
- Carefully place the orchid in a new container
- Fill the pot with orchid substrate, do not press down
- Knock the pot on the table several times to distribute the substrate evenly
Repot and share orchids
Repotting and dividing orchids can be combined well, since the plant is only exposed to stress once. The following applies here: Only orchids with two stems can be propagated by division. If your plant has more than six bulbs (bulges above the roots) and two new shoots, it can be divided. This propagation method also has the advantage that older, lazy orchids are rejuvenated. Carefully remove the plant from the pot as described above. Now cut the connection between the bulbs with a sharp, deified knife. Each part should have at least three bulbs. Then the roots that have grown together are untangled and separated from each other. You should proceed as carefully as possible so that no roots are damaged. Should this happen, cut off the fractures with a sharp, sterile knife and coat the wound with powdered charcoal. Now the two orchid parts can be planted as described abovebecome.
Overview: How can orchids be propagated by division when repotting?
- Orchids with two stems and at least 6 bulbs can be divided
- Cut the connection between the bulbs with a sharp, deified knife
- Each part should have at least 3 bulbs
- Carefully separate the intertwined roots
- Proceed carefully and damage as few roots as possible
- If you break off the roots, cut off the breaking points with a disinfected knife
- Plant divided orchids as described above
Care for orchids after repotting
If you have successfully repotted your orchid, it would prefer to be left alone for the next few days. In order to be able to grow well again, it should also be as bright and warm as possible. Watering orchids is a tricky subject anyway. The plant is not watered in the first five days after repotting. In the first few days after repotting, they are only moistened with a spray bottle on the above-ground parts of the plant. Fertilizing orchids also needs to be learned. Your orchid does not need fertilizer in the first four weeks after repotting either.
How do I properly care for my orchid after repotting?
- Do not water for the first five days
- Just moisten with a spray bottle
- Do not fertilize four weeks after repotting
- Place as bright and warm as possible
Need more tips on caring for your orchid? We have compiled expert tips for you in our special article.
Many thanks to Floragard for the support!