Orchid transplant - what you need to know?
Why do we need to repot our orchids?
In nature, orchids attach themselves to other plants, stones or in the soil. Epiphytic orchids use the bark of tree species for support and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and precipitation (which is why products like Orchid Myst are very suitable for them). Lithophyte orchids, on the other hand, are often found on rocks. There are also terrestrial orchids, such as Fayus, Bletilla, Paphyllopedilum (slippers) and others.
Indoors, orchids are usually grown in special orchid substrates such as pine bark or peat moss (also known as sphagnum). These substrates have established themselves as suitable for growing orchids, but they are not eternal. Over time, they break down and lose their draining and aerating properties. As a result, orchid roots can begin to rot or suffer from a lack of oxygen. It is therefore important that orchids are transplanted before these degrading processes in the substrate affect their health. And so each of us looking at these flowers comes to the process of transplanting an orchid. There are other reasons that may require repotting an orchid. These are discussed in detail below.
How to successfully transplant your orchid
More novice gardeners who have reached the point of transplanting an orchid are often worried and see the process as more complicated than it really is. But in fact, subject to certain peculiarities, anyone can cope with this task. The new substrate will improve the health of the flower and provide more space for the roots to promote growth and flowering. Proper transplanting can also prevent diseases associated with moisture retention in the substrate and root rot.
Signs that it's time to transplant an orchid
The substrate is out of date
Over time, the bark or peat moss in which the orchid grows begins to break down. With this change, the substrate around the roots of the orchid becomes denser and begins to "suffocate" the plant, because much less air and, accordingly, oxygen penetrates it. The altered structure of the orchid substrate also leads to insufficient water drainage and can cause root rot. A sign of the presence of rot is the yellowing of the leaves and their dropping. It is recommended that you replace your orchid substrate every 12 - 18 months. This is a recommendation from the English leaders in horticulture - Growth Technology . They produce some of the best substrates you can find here.
The roots of the orchid are overcrowded in the pot
The limited space in the pot in combination with the growing roots can lead to this same "suffocation" as well as the decay of the substrate. The plant has less access to oxygen and nutrients.
A good time to transplant an orchid is when too many roots are out of the pot. By itself, the fact that the orchid has roots outside the pot is not an indication of a problem. When these roots become too numerous, however, it is a sign that the orchid has not been repotted for a long time and most likely the substrate is old. On the other hand, many roots outside the pot are not the most desirable effect from an aesthetic point of view. It is good to have a few roots outside the pot, because through them the orchid can access enough oxygen. But when they get too much, you can cut some of them or repot the orchid.
If the roots that come out of the pot go through drainage holes, you have another problem. When transplanting happens in the future, you will either have to cut those roots off or put them back through the holes, which will most likely injure them. Orchids can handle the stress of a few cut roots, but when the number grows, you risk stunting your plant's development (at best) or causing stress levels it can't handle.
The mass of the orchid's leaves greatly exceeds the volume of the pot
This is also a sign that the orchid has been in its pot for a long time or was simply planted in too small a pot. Both are good reasons to transplant the plant into a container that is appropriate for its size.
In what pot should we transplant the orchid?
The main goal when transplanting an orchid is to remove the old and rotten roots and renew the substrate with a new one. Repotting into a larger pot is a good idea, but not when the new pot is much larger. In this case, the orchid will turn its focus to developing its root system, neglecting the flower heads that we love so much. It is good to choose a pot with a slightly larger size than the previous one. However, this is not always correct - sometimes, if the orchid is not in good health, you may need to cut out many of the old roots and… transplant it into a smaller pot.
Best for transplanting an orchid are transparent pots. In nature, the roots of most orchids are rarely buried deep, and most of them have access to light and air. Orchids can also photosynthesize through their roots, so a transparent pot will help generate more energy from the plant. The transparent orchid pot will help you to observe what is happening to the roots of your flower and it will be easier for you to judge when to water it. When the roots are green there is no need to water, and when they turn silvery white, it is time to water.
Last but not least - choose a pot with holes for good drainage. Orchid roots need much more air than the roots of other plants.
Choosing the right time to transplant an orchid
The best time to transplant an orchid is the period after flowering. In this phase, the plant concentrates on creating a new root system and does not devote as much energy to maintaining flowers. However, if for some reason you have to repot the plant during the flowering phase, there is a chance that the orchid will become stressed and the flowers will drop. Also note that when transplanting during flowering, you may inadvertently damage the flowers and stems.
Steps to transplant an orchid
To get started you need a new pot, orchid substrate and a pair of scissors . Next, you will also need orchid fertilizer . We've made an orchid transplant kit for you that's better priced and has everything you need to transplant your orchids and keep them happy for a long time. Here is the process of transplanting an orchid:
- Remove the orchid from the old pot - it's best to give it a good watering the day before repotting. This will make the substrate more flexible and the removal of the pot easier. Grasp the orchid at the base and pull the pot. If the roots are stuck to the pot you can squeeze it a little to release them.
- Carefully remove any substrate the roots have wrapped around.
- Cut out any rotten or damaged roots with the shears. You will recognize them because unlike the healthy ones, they are soft, brown and hollow.
- Rinse the healthy roots in a bowl of cool water to remove any residue from the substrate
- Place a thin layer of the new substrate in the new pot. You can cover about 15-20% of its volume.
- Place all the orchid roots in the pot and start adding substrate. When the pot is shaken, it will place itself between the roots. Repeat until the pot is full
- Spray the plant and the surface of the new substrate with Orchid Myst - this will reduce stress on the plant
- Water as normal after 4-5 days
After transplanting the orchid
After transplanting, your orchid will need time to adapt to its new environment. In the first weeks after transplanting, the orchid may show signs of stress, such as slight wilting of the leaves or stunted growth. This is normal and should not worry you as long as the plant is not showing any serious signs of disease. Place the orchid in a place with sufficient light, but avoid direct sunlight until the plant adapts.
It is also important not to fertilize the plant immediately after transplanting. Give it time to recover and start with light fertilization after about 3-4 weeks.
Common mistakes when transplanting orchids
Symptoms of overfertilizing an orchid
Over-fertilizing can cause serious problems, including root burn and salt build-up in the substrate, which blocks nutrient and water absorption.
Symptoms of over-fertilization include yellowing of leaves, brown spots on roots or leaves, and stunted growth. You may also notice that the orchid's leaves begin to dry around the edges or shrivel.
What to do: If you notice signs of over-fertilization, stop fertilizing immediately and water the orchid abundantly to wash excess salts from the substrate. It is important to allow the plant to recover before resuming light fertilization after a few weeks.
With Orchid Drip Feeders ampoules, you can be sure that you will not overfeed your orchid, as the nutrients in them are absorbed gradually.
Symptoms of Nutrient Imbalance in Orchids
Nutritional imbalances can also result from improper fertilization or the use of inappropriate orchid fertilizers. A lack of proper nutrients, such as calcium or magnesium, can result in poor leaf, root and flower development. Common symptoms of a nutrient imbalance include pale leaves, stunted growth of new shoots and roots, and small and weak flowers.
What to do: To prevent these problems, always use specialized orchid fertilizers that contain the necessary macro- and micronutrients. Follow label instructions for frequency and amount of fertilization. If deficiencies are suspected, you can use products enriched with trace elements to correct the condition of the plant.
Symptoms of insufficient fertilization
Insufficient fertilization usually results in pale green or yellow leaves, weak roots and lack of flower stalks.
What to do: Increase the frequency of fertilization, but be careful. Start with light doses and monitor the plant for improvements in growth and development of new flower spikes. You can gradually increase the dose of fertilizer if the orchid responds well. Orchid Myst is a product that is very convenient to use in combination with the basic orchid fertilizer and can enhance its effect.
You can buy the orchid transplant kits with 10% discount here:
