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Repotting 101

1. Say good day to your orchid and remove the plant from the pot. Prior to starting lay out some paper to let the old medium fall onto for easy disposal. Do not save the old potting medium, use only new. When turning over the pot, some orchids will come out with relative ease, while others will be less cooperative. If in a clay terracotta, the orchids roots may have attached themselves to the interior of the pot and you will need to loosen them for removal. When the plant is free give it a proper shake to rid itself of loose medium.

2. Once the orchid is out, look it over. Pruning or trimming needs to be accomplished while the orchid is out. Pruning tools are a good sharp knife, sharp scissors and shears. It is imperative that all tools be clean and sanitized. This cannot be stressed enough. You should also re-sterilize the tools if you are going to do more than one plant. Don't pass on orchid or other plant diseases by using unclean tools. Remove any dead roots. Unhealthy roots will appear to be brown and mushy to the touch. Healthy roots are firm and greenish white with tips that are light green.

3. Prepare to pot. Using a clay terracotta pot is great. Presoak the pot for a few minutes and then let the pot sit for a while to dry out. If you are reusing a terracotta pot, sanitation is a must. Again, don't transmit a plant disease by using an unclean pot. Orchids need extreme drainage, use broken clay pieces to help with this process. When placing the plant into its pot, place the plant to one side to allow for new growth. Fill the balance of the pot with new presoaked medium.

4. Lastly, relabeling the plant is oft times forgot. Label the pot and any divisions you might have taken from older plants for total reference. Clean up the area you have been working in so there is no chance for spreading a problem to another favorite plant. Dispose of all cuttings and old medium in the refuse. If your orchid could, it would be smiling at you now. Keep an eye on the plant for a few days and watch for transplant shock. You will continue to have happy, healthy orchids.

Marty Lewis

Marty Lewis has been an avid horticulturist for over 30 years. Working in greenhouses allowed Marty to witness firsthand the needs of growers. Marty has been nationally recognized in horticulture competition. This most recent book, Orchid Care Plus gives insight to orchid owners regarding absolutely everything they need to know about care for their Orchids. Marty would like to share an additional Article about Orchid Repotting with you.