How to transplant an orchid

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Using the example of phalaenopsis, we will tell and show you how to do everything right.

When to transplant an orchid

Do scheduled orchid transplants every 2-3 years. The best time for this is early spring. And transplant the newly bought flower after 2-3 weeks: store plants are often sold in a substrate that has already partially rotted and decomposed, and it may contain components that can cause root damage.

What substrate to use for an orchid

Do not plant orchids in soil that is intended for other plants. In it, the roots will eventually begin to rot, and the plant will die. Use pine bark as a substrate to create the right conditions for the plant. It can be bought at a specialist store.

Add some charcoal as well. It should be no more than 10% of the total mass.

Another component that can be used in small quantities (up to 10%) is sphagnum.

You can collect bark for orchids yourself. To do this, choose fallen trees in the forest. Use bark that comes off easily or falls off on its own. Be sure to shake it off of dirt, dirt and insects.

When you bring the bark home, process it. Otherwise, unwanted guests will appear in pots with plants - for example, insect larvae or eggs. To do this, put everything collected in an old or unnecessary pan: after boiling the bark, it will not be easy to wash it.

Boil water, place the bark in it and cook for at least an hour. Change the fluid several times in the process. Then strain (or discard in a colander) and dry. When the bark has cooled down, but not completely dry, break it into pieces about 2 cm in size, and then dry.

Which pot to choose for an orchid

Plant your orchids in clear plastic pots. Do not use clay or ceramic: in containers made of such materials, no light comes to the root system. Without it, the roots will not be able to participate in photosynthesis, which is important for the development of the plant.

Be sure to make sure there are enough drainage holes in the bottom. If there are few of them or they are very narrow, make additional ones. To do this, use, for example, a screwdriver heated on a fire.

Select the size of the pot so that the root system of the orchid fits freely in it.

How to transplant an orchid

Get the plant out. If roots stretching into the drainage holes are in the way, cut the pot with scissors. Proceed carefully to avoid damaging the root system.

Shake off the old substrate. If any pieces of bark do not come off, leave them to avoid damage.

Some of the roots inside the pot may not be green. If there is no external damage, do not remove it. They are healthy, and the reason for the color difference is the lack of light that does not penetrate the center of the pot.

Examine the roots. Remove rotten and dead areas with a sharp knife or other tool. Treat the cut points with crushed activated carbon. It is not necessary to remove dry roots: they will come in handy so that the plant is better consolidated in the new soil.

During the first transplant after purchase, you may find a lump of compressed peat (with and without a mesh pot).

Be sure to remove it with a knife or scissors. If left as it is, the plant will eventually die.

When you put the root system in order, leave the orchid in the air for 1-2 hours, and then proceed to planting.

Pour some bark at the bottom of the container. Place the root system inside and slowly cover the substrate. Shake the pot lightly or tap the sides to fill the entire space.

Don't bury the plant too deeply. Do not water after transplanting. Wait 4–5 days or a little more: this is exactly how long it takes for the microtrauma on the roots to heal.