An Orchid Repotting Checklist: Four Tips and Fourteen Steps to Perfection
Orchids need to be repotted on a regular basis
, normally every two years or so, depending on the type of orchid you have. Besides repotting on a regular basis, there are "emergencies" that make orchid repotting a necessity. Repotting orchids doesn't need to be an arduous task. Just get to know the needs of your orchid; and be sure before you begin that you have all the right tools and that they are sterile and any cutting tools are sharp.When do orchids need repotting? Four tips
1. When they're finished blooming
2. When root rot or pests are present
3. When the orchid's roots are climbing upwards; there are too many roots hanging over the edge of the pot; or the orchid plant is hanging over the edge of the pot.
4. When orchid potting medium looks soggy, and is decomposing.
When it is time to repot an orchid, don't think you must use a large pot. A number of orchids actually prefer to be a little bit crowded at their roots.
You will do especially well in a smaller pot if you're one of those people that habitually over-waters your orchids. Also consider that less potting medium takes less time to dry out.
14 Steps to follow for successful orchid repotting:
1. A day or so before you repot, pour your potting medium into a bucket that's about twice as big as the amount of potting medium you're going to use. Pour in hot water and then wait until the next day to repot.
2. Just before you start repotting orchids, pour the potting medium through a strainer and rinse it well with cold water.
3. Sterilize your metal tools, either by wiping them with rubbing alcohol or holding them under a flame.
4. You will need clean newspaper, a screwdriver, a sharp knife and/or scissors or razor blade, tweezers, a stake, some twine, a can of cinnamon (the same kind you bake with) and some latex gloves.
5. Put the newspaper on a clean work surface and put on the latex gloves. You'll want to change those to a new pair (or sterilize them with alcohol) if you repot another orchid.
6. Take the orchid out of the pot carefully, doing as little harm to the orchid and its roots as possible. Use the knife or screwdriver to pry any roots that are stuck on the pot away from the pot.
7. Get rid of as much old potting medium as possible. Use tweezers to pull pieces of old medium out of the roots.
8. Remove any pests that the old medium might be harboring.
9. Remove dead, brown or mushy roots with the knife or razor. Make sure to sprinkle a little medium on the cut. It's a natural bacteria killer.
10. Put a little medium in the pot and then place the orchid on the medium. Surround the roots with medium, making sure that the crown of the orchid is not covered.
11. Stake the orchid and mark the pot with the date of repotting.
12. When you're all done water your newly repotted orchid.
13. Keep it at a lower light for a few days to help it readjust.
14. In a couple of days you can move the orchid back to where it was before you repotted it.
Remember you need to know as much as possible about the orchid types that you own before repotting. Orchids have lots of different needs and different types of orchids prefer different types of potting medium. Some orchids will do better "potted" on a cork bark plank or piece of wood than in a pot.
It's also important to know something about orchid pests and diseases before repotting orchids to help you recognize these problems should they occur.
All-in-all, orchid repotting is easy and stress free once you know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Follow the tips above and you'll be a pro in no time!
An Orchid Repotting Checklist: Four Tips and Fourteen Steps to Perfection
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