Orchid Re-Potting – The Basics
by: Jonathan Lawes
Orchid Repotting – The basic rules
How do you know when your orchid plant needs re-potting and why this should be undertaken. All this will become clear if you follow the simple guidelines outlined in this article.
Why Re-pot
• Your orchid plant has outgrown its current pot
• Your plant has been damaged by over-watering
• The old potting medium as broken down and is no longer
free draining
The best time to re-pot
The best time to re-pot your orchid plant is in the spring after your plant has finished flowering.
The Re-potting procedure
Choose a suitable pot that will allow 2 years worth of growth and only about an extra couple of inches (5cm) wider. Orchids like to have a fairly snug pot in which to grow.
Put a layer of drainage material in the bottom of the pot (Clay pot fragments,Polystyrene chips or small pebbles).
Remove the plant from its existing pot by laying it on its side and gently pulling the plant . If it is difficult to pull free use a thin blade around the inside edge of the pot to help release the plant.
Remove any of the old medium that is loose and decayed.
Cut away any dark, damaged roots and any brown or shrivelled pseudobulbs (Do not cut the thick aerial roots that were growing outside of the pot).
Hold the plant in position in the new pot so that the bottom of the rhizome is just below the rim of the pot.
Add your chosen medium (one appropriate for your species of orchid) and firm carefully around the roots. Never bury the Rhizome in your growing medium.
If your orchid is top heavy you might want to add a stake to which you can tie the stem with twine or garden ties.
Once re-potted you can lightly water you plant and then do not water again for a couple of weeks.Avoid feeding you plant for about 6 weeks to allow the roots to settle into the new medium.
About The Author: I have been a gardener and plant enthusiast for more than 40 years and to share my love for orchids I have created a resource of information and tips about growing and caring for these beautiful exotic plants. Visit my site at http://www.orchidgardenanswers.com/orchid-info for further information. The author invites you to visit: http://www.orchidgardenanswers.com
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