Repotting an Orchid at Home: Tips and Tricks

The orchid is an exquisite plant with beautiful flowers, belonging to the monocot family. It grows quickly, so it requires periodic repotting. If this is not done in time, it will gradually begin to wither and die.

How to tell if a flower needs repotting

To repot an orchid correctly, you need to be able to determine when this process is necessary. Several plant modifications can provide clues:

• vegetation began to appear on the inner and outer walls of the pot: moss or algae;
• the roots of the flower began to rot;
• the root system has grown and already occupies the entire space of the pot;
• pests have appeared in the soil;
• The flower's leaves have started to turn yellow and wither, and even abundant watering doesn't help them recover.

All these signs indicate that the plant has become unfavorable. If the orchid isn't repotted soon, it will begin to wilt more and more and eventually die.

Features of transplantation

Orchids are called ever-blooming plants. This is because they always have flowers. Because they don't go dormant, choosing the right time to repot them can be challenging. The best time is from February to mid-March. If possible, it's recommended to turn off the central heating during this process, as the plant will rest from the hot air for a while before it begins to grow vigorously.

Replanting a Phalaenopsis orchid after purchase

Orchids are sold in small pots at the store. Immediately after purchase, the plant should be repotted to ensure it has enough room to grow. If it's still small and not yet established, there's no need to rush this process. Repotting an orchid after purchase is only necessary in the following cases:

• if cracks or chips are found on the pot;
• if they are made of dense material that does not allow light to pass through;
• when signs of drying out or the formation of rot and mold appear under the roots;
• if the plant was planted in unsuitable soil that accumulates excess moisture.

If the flower is actively blooming, has vibrant green petals, and a healthy root system, there's no need to repot the Phalaenopsis. Florists recommend waiting until the plant has established itself, acclimated indoors, and finished blooming.

Is it possible to repot a blooming orchid?

Flowers should not be repotted during the flowering period. This is because moving them to a new location can result in wilting or death. However, sometimes it is necessary to do so before flowering ends if the plant is in danger, for example, if the roots are in poor condition or are being eaten by pests.

In this case, the orchid can be repotted, but this must be done strictly without disturbing the root ball or removing any roots. The only acceptable step is to trim the flower stalk back to a dormant bud to ensure the plant blooms better during the next flowering period. If the repotting is carried out according to these guidelines, the plant will tolerate the transplant well and quickly acclimate to its new location.

In a glass vase

It's generally recommended to repot orchids from one pot to another, regardless of size or design. Less commonly, it may be necessary to repot the plant into a glass vase. There are several advantages to this approach:

• the flower looks beautiful and complements the overall design of the living room or bedroom;
• it can be watered less frequently due to the high light transmittance of the container;
• It becomes easier to monitor the condition of the soil and root system.

However, transplanting a flower from a pot to a vase isn't easy. Sometimes, even experienced gardeners struggle with this task. This can be very stressful for the plant, and it doesn't adapt well to its new location. It's important that the glass container be made of a sturdy material and at least as wide as the pot it was previously in.

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Old orchid

Repotting an older Phalaenopsis can be the most challenging. The plant is already weakened, and the additional stress caused by repotting can lead to its death. Repotting is the same as with a young plant, but extreme caution is required during the process. Not a single root should be damaged. Phalaenopsis plants typically have long, lush root systems, which are easily damaged.

Phalaenopsis babies

After repotting an orchid, gardeners often discover that individual shoots, known as Phalaenopsis offspring, were present in the root system. These should also be repotted in a new container, but separately from the adult plant. Several conditions must be met to ensure proper establishment:

• the pot should be small in size;
• the sprout must be carefully washed under running water;
• additional drainage should be created in the container by adding charcoal to it;
• It must be placed in the center of the pot.

Periodically after planting, pick up the pot and shake it vigorously. This is necessary to fill any empty spaces. Many beginners don't know whether to water a young orchid after repotting. Gardeners insist that this is essential for the plant to thrive.

How often to repot

After repotting an orchid after purchase, leave it alone for 2-3 years. During this time, it will grow and require a new container. Repotting sooner is only necessary if the plant's life is threatened.

Signs that it's time to repot a grown orchid indoors include moss covering the soil and the death of the central part of the root system. Choose a larger pot, carefully trim away any dried, dead parts of the plant, and replant it in new soil up to the level of the lower leaves.

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Transplantation instructions

Repotting an orchid after flowering is a complex process. It can be accomplished if you know the timing and frequency, the rules for choosing the right substrate and pot, and follow the proper methods and procedures. This will prevent stress on the plant, thereby protecting it.

Timing and frequency

A common question among new gardeners is whether they need to repot an orchid after purchase. If the plant appears healthy and is growing vigorously, it's recommended to do this no sooner than after 2-3 years. The best time to do this is late February. Subsequent repotting intervals are also every 2-3 years.

Substrate

Substrate is a substance necessary for a plant to fully establish itself in its new location and maintain optimal root moisture levels. Gardening stores offer several types of this component, but one based on pine and pine bark is suitable for flowers.

You can harvest pine bark for the substrate yourself, but make sure it contains a minimum amount of resin and surface contaminants. Before adding it to the soil, thoroughly wash it, dry it, bake it in the oven, and cut it into cubes.

Pot

When choosing a new pot for repotting a phalaenopsis at home, examine its condition. If the plant is healthy, the pot should be 1-2 sizes larger than the one it was previously in. This will allow the root system to expand, and the plant will be comfortable growing further. However, if most of the roots have rotted and they need to be trimmed first, then you can plant the flower in the same pot after treatment or select a container of the same size.

Regarding material and color, this flower grows best in a transparent container. Therefore, either a plastic container or a glass vase will work equally well. The bottom of the container should have several small holes to allow excess water to drain and air to enter, ensuring aeration of the soil.

Methods and technology

Repotting a Phalaenopsis orchid must be done with extreme care, as this plant has a fragile root system and sudden movements can damage it. Follow these step-by-step instructions when repotting:

1. Before repotting, water the plant. This will saturate the roots, making them flexible and elastic, making them harder to damage. Conversely, rotten shoots will be easier to remove from the main root system.
2. After watering the orchid when repotting, gently knead the contents of the pot with your fingers, trying to thoroughly disturb the old soil. Only then can you carefully remove the plant from the container.
3. The roots need to be freed from excess soil and old bark. Then, they should be lightly moistened under running cool water.
4. All rotten, damaged, or dried-out parts of the plant should be cut off. The cut areas on the root system should be generously sprinkled with charcoal.
5. The plant should be placed on newspaper or thick cloth. Allow the roots to dry completely. This can take 6 to 8 hours. Only then can it be repotted.
6. The flower should be placed in a pot with fresh soil. The roots should be gently spread out. If any gaps have formed, fill them with soil.

The orchid has been repotted. If some aerial roots haven't fit into the pot and remain on the surface, this is not a problem. This won't affect the plant's full growth. Next, water it after repotting. It's best to do this through a shower or watering can.

Post-transplant care

Even if you repot a Phalaenopsis orchid at home step by step, following all the guidelines recommended by experienced gardeners, it may die immediately after being moved to a new location. This is due to the orchid not being properly cared for after repotting. The following conditions should be observed:

• the air temperature in the room should be no less than 20 and no more than 25 degrees;
• There is no need to move the pot from place to place; you need to ensure complete rest for it;
• For 10 days after replanting, the phalaenopsis orchid should be kept in a completely dark place;
• There is no need to water the orchid for 3-4 days after repotting, as the bark will still retain moisture by this time. Spraying is acceptable, but be careful not to allow water to accumulate on the leaves.

It's difficult to repot a mini orchid so that it becomes firmly anchored in the soil. During the first few days, it may lean sideways. In this case, tie the stem to the edge of the pot with soft rope or a tie. This tie should be removed after at least 2-3 months.

In the absence of flowering

There's no need to repot the plant if it shows no signs of growth within a few weeks. This is a normal reaction, caused by the plant being stressed. Be patient; in a few weeks, it will recover and "come back to life." How quickly this happens depends solely on how carefully and correctly the plant was repotted and cared for.

What to do if an orchid wilts after repotting

Another potential problem is that the flower has begun to wilt after being relocated. This negative aspect can be attributed to two factors:

• the orchid's transplantation at home was carried out with a significant delay; by this time, most of the root system had already rotted;
• the plant stood in the sun for a long time, which is why more moisture began to evaporate from the leaves than was supplied through the roots;
• During replanting after purchase in the store or as needed, the root system was significantly damaged.

The most important solution in this situation is to move the plant to a shady location, away from direct sunlight. Additionally, mist the plant and cover the pot with a plastic bag to prevent moisture from evaporating.

Watering

Water your orchid no sooner than 1-1.5 weeks after repotting. If its petals begin to wilt, you can lightly mist them, but be careful not to allow moisture to penetrate the root system.

Possible errors

You can replant a flower correctly according to the step-by-step instructions, but it won't take root in the new location and will wilt more and more with each passing day. This is because the gardener made one of several mistakes during the soil work:

1. The soil was chosen incorrectly. It must contain the necessary organic and mineral substances to ensure good plant growth.
2. Root damage. Many gardeners don't know whether it's possible to trim orchid roots. Only damaged or dried-out shoots should be trimmed.
3. The pot was chosen incorrectly. It must be made of a transparent material, as the roots also participate in the process of photosynthesis.
4. The pot is incorrectly sized. When choosing a container, consider the strength of the root system.

Orchids are capricious plants that require careful care. They need to be repotted every three years, otherwise, the pot will become too small, the roots will die, and the pot itself will wilt. However, this must be done in accordance with the step-by-step instructions and all the rules to avoid damaging the plant.