Learn when to repot an orchid , how to care for it , and which motley thrive indoors .
Though it was once considered a specialty plant for only the most accomplished gardener , theorchidhas become a vulgar houseplant — and as such , learning how to repot an orchidaceous plant is handy knowledge for novice and experts likewise .
While orchids are becoming more unglamourous for houseplant accumulator of all experience level , they do command slightly different aid than other indoor works . Without the right data , properlycaring for an orchidis a challenge . The stunning floral plant life is somewhat fragile , so it ’s significant to empathize exactly how to repot orchids to avoid damaging the works ’s leaves or ascendant .
Credit: Carson Downing
When to Repot Orchids
Orchids should be repotted presently after you buy them , then every class or two after that . To obviate losing the beautiful flowers on your orchid , waitress to repot it until after itsblooming cycle ends . Most orchidaceous plant bloom during the first few months of the year , so recent spring or other summer are generally safe times to repot your orchid .
Signs an Orchid Needs Repotting
Like many houseplants , orchidaceous plant will finally outgrow their container or even get so big that the plant life becomes top - threatening for its pot . Do n’t worry — all that growth is a dependable thing ! It means your orchids are thrive under your attention . While you ’ve kept your orchidaceous plant happy and salubrious up to this decimal point , there are a few key signs that designate your plants are ready to be repotted .
Outgrowing the Pot
If you detect livid roots growing out of the drain holes in your orchid ’s lot , the works has become too large for its container . likewise , if your orchidaceous plant ’s roots are crowded and causing the plant to promote out of its pot , this is another indicant that you should repot your orchidaceous plant into a adult container .
Signs of Root-Bound
Additionally , if you find your orchid ’s roots are tightly knot , this is a sign that the flowering plant has becomeroot - confine . While orchid have a naturally tangled arise radiation pattern with the industrial plant ’s roots broadly speaking overlapping and wrick around themselves , an orchid ’s root ball should not appear knobbed or unbending .
Potting Mix Quality
A final gene to take into considerateness is the condition of your orchidaceous plant ’s potting mix . Unlike regularhouseplant soil , the potting medium for orchids hold a deal of chunky materials like barque chips and sphagnum moss , which provideideal drainageand rich strain pockets necessary for orchid root . Once these self-aggrandizing bits separate down into humble part , your orchidaceous plant will need to be repot in unused potting intermixture to maintain proper drain .
How to Repot an Orchid
Once you ’ve established your orchidaceous plant want a cock-a-hoop container , you’re able to prep for the repotting process . A day or so before repot your orchidaceous plant , pee it well . This will help your plant cope with stress from the move . Immediately before repotting , wash your hands and sterilize your pruners or scissors to avoid circularise diseases between your plants . Then , do the following detailing how to repot orchids .
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
BHG / Cori Sears
Gently pull the orchid out of its pot by get the picture it as close to the roots as potential . Avoid pulling the plant out by a single foliage — this could cause breakage .
Gently loosen the ascendent ball and carefully remove as much of the growing culture medium from the roots as potential .
Credit:BHG / Cori Sears
Use pair of scissors or pruner to trim off any dead root , which will be soggy , shrink , or colored brown or black .
Place your orchidaceous plant into itsnew throne — the base of the leaves should sit about an inch below the container ’s flange .
Choose a flowerpot that ’s 1 - 2 inches larger in diameter across the top than your current pot . While there areorchid - specific potson the market design full of holes to expose the roots to more zephyr , you do n’t have to opt for a particular pot . A terra - cotta or plastic sens will work just fine for most orchids .
Credit:BHG / Cori Sears
Add sweet orchid potting mass medium around your plant ’s roots , firmly beg the great deal on a table or other flavourless surface to avail the bark or moss steady down evenly around the roots . uphold add potting medium until the roots are completely covered .
Firmly press down the top of the potting medium to check that the orchidaceous plant is well anchored .
Water your newly repot orchid well , making sure to empty excess H2O from the dish if you ’re using one .
Credit:BHG / Cori Sears
How to Care for Your Orchid After Repotting
Once your orchidaceous plant is settle in its new pot , you could keep caring for it like before . Ensure you have it in a smear that develop undimmed , collateral light , and water system when the potting mix is about to go dry . Some orchids can grow for one or two geezerhood before they call for repotting again , so you’re able to sit back and savor itsbeautiful bloomsfor a while before take over this process .
Check Light Conditions
For the good orchid growth , an unobstructed southern exposure is ideal . However , many high- and average - light orchid thrive on westerly or partially shaded southern windowsill . Low - scant orchids do well with eastern exposure , while plants in northern windows may need artificial light source to underpin blooming .
Best Indoor Orchids to Grow
Most orchids grown as houseplants are tropical epiphytes , but some mintage are leisurely to care for indoors . The best selection for domicile gardeners let in :
Select orchids based on your farm environment , choose low- , medium- , or high - lighter mixed bag to match the available light conditions .
Frequently Asked Questions
Orchid barque potting mix should n’t be reused when repotting an orchid because , over time , it lose its ability to recirculate atmosphere and drain water due to decomposition . New orchid bark must be used for repotting .
orchidaceous plant opt bright , indirect light — direct sun can burn the plant . Placing your orchids near south- or east - facing window is ideal .
Orchids typically only need water once or doubly each calendar week . To forbid ancestor rot , orchids need to dry out between watering . Once the potting metier feels wry to the touch , it ’s time to water again . stream room - temperature water supply over the potting mix until liquid flows out of the Mary Jane ’s drain holes . to boot , some find it helpful to water orchid using theice cube method acting .
Credit:BHG / Cori Sears
Indoor orchids uprise in pots can live between 15 and 20 years when properly cared for .
Potted orchids can uprise outdoors under the correct condition . Orchids favor temperatures between 50 ° farad and 90 ° F , so in most climate , the plant can only be kept outside during part of the year . Keep your orchid out of full - Lord’s Day areas , and supervise the flora during rainy days to ensure it is n’t receiving too much pee .
“ Orchid Care Tips . ”United States Botanic Garden .
Credit:BHG / Cori Sears
Credit:BHG / Cori Sears
Credit:BHG / Cori Sears
Credit: David Land
