Has your orchid been in the same pot for a long time? Then it’s time to repot! But repotting orchids is different from what you’re used to with other plants. In this article, we explain step-by-step how you can repot your orchid the right way.
Why repot orchids?
As an orchid lover, you might have had the same orchids in your home for two years or longer. All that time, the plant continues to grow slowly, including the roots in the pot. Over time, the current pot becomes too small for the roots and they can’t grow any further. Your orchid starts to feel cramped. High time to repot your orchid into a larger pot! You can do this by following these steps.
How to repot an orchid? 6 steps
Repotting your orchid might be a bit different than what you’re used to with other houseplants, but with these tips from grower Rob, you’ll be ready to go to give your orchid its new home!
Step 1: Preparation
Before you start repotting your orchid, it’s important to have the right materials and environment ready. You’ll need: a new nursery pot that is slightly larger than the old one, orchid bark, and scissors or pruning shears.
Step 2: Remove the plant from the pot
Carefully remove the orchid from the old pot. You can do this by gently pulling at the base of the plant while supporting the pot with your other hand. If the roots are stuck to the pot, you can gently tap or squeeze the sides of the pot to loosen them.
Step 3: Inspect the roots
Inspect the orchid’s roots before you repot it. Cut away any dead or rotten roots with scissors or pruning shears. But can you cut off an orchid’s roots? You certainly can! Cutting away these roots won’t harm the orchid. Healthy roots that are green or white in color and feel firm should not be cut off and can stay.
Step 4: Prepare the new pot
Now it’s time to prepare the new pot and fill it with the necessary soil, but this can’t be done with regular potting soil like you might be used to. Orchids are actually epiphytes. This means that in nature, they attach themselves to living greenery and get nutrients from water and air. Instead of potting soil, fill the bottom of the new pot about halfway with orchid bark, which consists of tree bark. Don’t fill the pot to the brim, so there’s enough room left for the orchid itself.
The bark allows the orchid to have enough air circulation around the roots, which is incredibly important for a healthy orchid. That’s why it’s important not to use a pot that’s too large or to use too little bark. Place the new pot on a stable surface, like a table or a countertop, ready for placing the orchid.
You can buy orchid bark in our webshop.
Step 5: Place the orchid in the new pot
Place the orchid in the new pot, making sure the roots are evenly distributed throughout the pot. Fill the rest of the pot with orchid bark, carefully covering the roots. Lightly press down on the bark to make sure the orchid stands firmly.
Step 6: Water for optimal care
After repotting, it’s important to water your orchid. Therefore, submerge the orchid (with its nursery pot) in water immediately after repotting.
Orchids need special care when it comes to watering. It’s important to prevent the roots from sitting in water for too long, as this can lead to root rot. The best way to water the orchid is to submerge the pot in a container of water and then let it drain well before placing it back in its usual spot. Read our grower tips for watering orchids here.
Is repotting necessary?
Yes, if your orchid has been in the same pot long enough, it’s necessary to repot it. This applies to phalaenopsis as well as cymbidium, vanda, and other orchids. We recommend repotting your orchid at least once every two years. The roots will have grown quite a bit in two years and will need a larger nursery pot.
Which month should you repot an orchid?
When you repot an orchid, it’s best to do it in the spring. Because of the warmer weather, the orchid recovers best after repotting. It’s better not to repot your orchid in the autumn or winter.
Tip! We have many more tips for caring for your orchid, such as what to do if your orchid has yellow leaves.
The right nutrition
Besides more space for the roots, a new pot has even more benefits for your orchid. For instance, the bark contains new nutrients that your orchid can really use.
Tip! Did you know you can also give your orchid separate nutrition? This is a type of fertilizer given in the form of a pipette. A must for orchids that have been in their pot for a while! With enough nutrition, your orchid has plenty of energy, so leaves are less likely to droop and the flowers stay in bloom longer. You can buy orchid food in our webshop.
A new nursery pot? A new decorative pot too!
Has your orchid been blooming for two years now? A great time to repot your orchid into a larger nursery pot. Because if you’re wondering what the best flower pots for orchids are, it’s first of all important to place the orchid in a nursery pot. After this, you can of course choose a nice decorative pot for your orchid to stand in. Check out our flower pots here.
The best care tips
Hopefully, these tips from our grower Rob have helped you and you can repot your orchid well. Once your orchid is in a new pot, you’ll see that the flowers stay in bloom longer. In addition to these tips, Rob has written more care tips, including tips for the right location, nutrition, and temperature. Want to extend the life and blooming period of your orchid even further? Read all of Rob’s tips on our page for the best orchid care. If you can’t figure it out or have questions, feel free to send us a message!