Orchid Potting - Discover How To Repot An Orchid

Orchid potting is not as complex as it may seem. On the other hand, it is also not as commonly necessary as you might think.

If you do not know yet, orchids are famous for their expansive roots. They are like thinarms, extending and wandering out of the bottom of the pot, seeking for nourishment. These creeping roots are the orchids' way of adhering itself to its environment (though in nature, these roots are commonly clinging to trees, not to the table legs!).

Know this, if you have uncovered roots, that's not reason enough to repot the orchid. You should repot the orchid when there is no space left in the pot for the subsequent growth and when the soil within is unable to provide nourishment for the orchid. Furthermore, if the roots are dying, due to being wet too often, this is another example when orchid potting is needed.

Orchid repotting can be done quickly and easily. In fact, you can do it within just seven easy steps (even if you are just a newbie).

So if it's time to repot...follow these easy steps:

1. Gather your equipment. You will need potting medium, a new pot and cutting tools that you have sterilized. I repeat, sterilized! Though most people do not realize it, like surgical procedures, all tools should be sterilized before you perform your "operation" on your delicate orchid.

2. Tilt the pot on its side and gently pull the orchid out of the pot, without breaking up any of the substance at this point. Run your fingers gently through the potting medium to get rid of as much of it as possible. Loosen up the root ball with your fingers to get out all of the natural medium.

3. Using a cutting tool, eliminate any roots that are dark brown, water-logged or that are black. These are not good for orchids. Healthy orchid roots are white or a light brown color.

4. Get rid of any back bulbs, which are bulbs that are still alive but have lost all of their leaves. You can move these into another pot, (although they should be in their own space.) Be sure to trim any old, dead leaves and bulbs as well.

5. Set the plant down and focus on the new pot. It, too, should be sterilized and dried before beginning. You should place Styrofoam peanuts in the bottom of the pot with a mixture of your potting medium.

6. Fill the pot about half way with the medium. How can you tell what kind to use? The finest plant material available is a good choice (all-natural whenever possible). Choose a well-balanced product. If you are unsure, ask your orchid supplier's advice on what the best medium is for your orchid.

7. Position the orchid in the middle of the pot, if it is a terrestrial or monopodial. If you have a sympodial orchid, place it to the right of the middle. And if you are not sure what type of orchid is in your possession, ask your local garden center or check online resources that show the leaves and roots of the orchid.

Orchid potting does not need many expensive supplies or time. But, you do want to guarantee that you permit the roots to grow and spread. It is rarely possible to hold them. Permit the roots to come out of the base as they touch and feel their way around your house. And never forget, orchid potting like this should only be done when necessary.


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And to learn even more orchid potting tips, download
my totally FREE 5-Day Orchid Insider training course by visiting: Orchid Care.

Mary
Ann Berdak is the publisher of http://www.OrchidCareZone.com - a
leading provider of orchid care tips and advice.