How to repot orchids
Let me share some small experiences in orchid cultivation on how to repot orchids. Let's follow the editor to take a look!
How to repot orchids
Before repotting orchids, it's necessary to control the watering appropriately, which makes it easier to remove the roots. Orchids thrive best in a mixture of decomposed leaf soil, river sand, and cake fertilizer, which can reduce the need for fertilization or require less fertilization later on. When repotting orchids, prepare the pot by placing some small pieces of charcoal at the bottom as a water-permeable layer, add 1/4 soil, mix in some decomposed chicken manure, and plant the orchid, then continue adding soil.
Best time to repot orchids
Orchids are epiphytic or terrestrial herbaceous plants with many varieties, such as spring orchids, Huilan, Jianlan, Molan, and Hanlan. This type of orchid does not have strikingly beautiful flowers or leaves but possesses a simple, quiet, and elegant demeanor.
It is generally suitable to repot orchids in spring or autumn each year. Specifically, repotting in spring is around March, and in autumn around October, ensuring the temperature during repotting is between 10-35 degrees Celsius, which is more appropriate.
Benefits of repotting orchids
During long-term cultivation, orchids deplete the nutrients in the potting soil, and due to long-term watering, the soil may become alkaline and compacted. In such cases, the pot can no longer meet the growth needs of the plant, so repotting is necessary.
When repotting orchids, it's important to choose a suitable weather and ensure the new soil is fertile and rich in humus. After repotting, the plant should be placed in a well-ventilated environment.
Methods for repotting orchids
1. Pot removal: Before repotting orchids, it's necessary to control the watering appropriately. When removing the orchid from the pot, hold the bulb with one hand and turn the pot upside down with the other, gently tapping to easily remove the roots.
2. Prepare the soil: Orchids prefer a mixture of decomposed leaf soil, river sand, and cake fertilizer, as they like fertile, moist, and slightly acidic soil, especially soil rich in humus. This can reduce the need for fertilization later on.
3. Planting: Place some small pieces of charcoal at the bottom of the prepared pot as a water-permeable layer, add 1/4 soil, mix in some decomposed chicken manure, separate the fertilizer from the roots with soil, and plant the orchid, then continue adding soil, making sure not to fill the pot too full.
Post-repotting care tips for orchids
1. Watering: After repotting orchids, you can water them immediately, keeping the potting soil slightly moist but ensuring no standing water, which will help the plant adapt more easily.
2. Fertilizing: There's no need to fertilize immediately after repotting orchids. Wait until new leaves start to grow before fertilizing, using fully decomposed organic fertilizer.
3. Pruning: After repotting orchids, it's necessary to prune dead leaves, removing them from the base, and pruning withered leaves once they age. It's also important to prune spent flowers, usually cutting the flower stem.
4. Light: After repotting orchids, they should not be exposed to strong or prolonged sunlight immediately. It's best to place them in a well-ventilated, shaded area for a period, and then gradually expose them to light once the plant has adapted.
The above introduction to the small experiences in repotting orchids aims to bring you help in your daily life!