When is it suitable to repot orchids
Answering netizens' questions about the suitable month for repotting orchids and the correct method of repotting orchids in the aspect of green plants and flowers, let's continue reading!
Orchid leaves are evergreen, with a soft yet rigid texture and beautiful leaf shapes, graceful and versatile. Even when not in bloom, they are good foliage plants. When in bloom, they fill the room with a delicate fragrance. Their scent is very elegant and refreshing. In ancient times, the fragrance of orchids was revered as the "national fragrance" and the "best fragrance in the world."
If you are growing orchids in April and have not yet repotted them, it is advisable to do so earlier. The usual time for repotting orchids is from March to May in spring and from October to the second half of November in autumn. These periods are when orchids grow vigorously, and repotting them at this time makes it easier for them to adapt to the new pot. Moreover, it is best to repot them once every 1-2 years during their growing period, which allows the orchids to grow more robustly and bloom with a stronger fragrance.
Repotting orchids in April can lead to early adaptation and good growth if you master four techniques. Now, let me share these four techniques with you, hoping they will help those in need.
Technique 1: Choose the right soil
When repotting orchids in April, you need to use the appropriate soil because orchids prefer loose and well-draining soil. If the orchid is growing well, you can use part of the original soil and mix it with some fresh soil. If the orchid's roots have problems, the soil needs to be completely replaced to prevent the spread of pathogens to the new orchid roots.
When preparing soil for orchids, you can buy special orchid soil, which is loose, well-draining, and pre-mixed, beneficial for orchid growth. For many urban gardeners, it may not be possible to select soil from the wild, so it is recommended to use special orchid soil. You can also use decomposed leaf soil from the field and mix it with some decomposed tree bark, which is also good for growing orchids.
Technique 2: Choose the right pot
Orchid roots are fleshy and prefer loose, well-draining soil and pots with good ventilation and water drainage. Therefore, when growing orchids or repotting them, do not use ceramic or plastic pots as these do not have good water drainage or ventilation, which is not conducive to the growth of orchid roots.
When repotting orchids in April, it is best to use earthenware or purple sand pots because these have good water drainage and ventilation, promoting orchid root growth. If you find earthenware pots unattractive, you can place a beautiful ceramic pot over them after planting, which is also beneficial for orchid growth. The size of the pot should be determined by the size of the orchid and should not be too large to prevent excessive watering and root rot.
Technique 3: Unpot the orchid
After preparing the pot and soil, you can unpot the orchid. The method should be correct to prevent the orchid's roots from breaking, which would be detrimental to its growth. How to correctly unpot an orchid?
「1」Do not water the orchid 2-3 days before unpotting, so the planting material is dry, and the roots are somewhat wilted, making it less likely to break roots.
When is it suitable to repot orchids
「2」When unpotting, if using earthenware or purple sand pots, tap the pot wall with your hand to separate the planting material from the pot. Then, support the orchid with one hand and tap the bottom of the pot with the other hand, allowing the orchid to be removed from the pot.
「3」After removing the orchid from the pot, it needs to be pruned, which means cutting off the rotting and empty roots and removing the residual flowers. The pruning shears need to be disinfected before use to prevent the spread of pathogens to the orchid roots. After pruning, place it in a shaded and well-ventilated area to dry, and once the wounds are dry and the roots somewhat wilted, you can pot it.
Technique 4: Pot the orchid
After the pruned orchid roots have dried, you can pot the orchid. The potting method is also important, as improper handling can lead to root breakage. How to pot an orchid?
〔1〕Place a piece of window screen or bast fiber over the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot to prevent small insects from crawling into the pot and reduce soil and fertilizer loss.
〔2〕Use broken tiles or shells to create a steamed bun shape at the bottom of the pot and then cover it with coarse sand. This is to ensure that the planted orchid is higher than the pot's edge, which not only looks good but also prevents water accumulation when watering.
〔3〕Fill the pot with mixed soil to about 1/2, place the dried orchid in the center of the pot, hold the orchid with one hand, and fill the soil with the other hand, gently lifting the orchid after adding a layer of soil to allow the roots to spread naturally.
〔4〕Then fill the soil into the pot to about 2 centimeters below the pot's rim. Do not press the soil with your hands to prevent root breakage. Water thoroughly once, making sure not to splash mud onto the orchid leaves.
〔5〕After the soil is slightly dry, spread some small stones on top, which not only makes it look more attractive but also prevents mud splashes on the leaves when watering.
Conclusion
After the spring orchid blooms or after purchasing orchids and placing them at home for a while, or when the orchid pot is too small, it is necessary to repot the orchids. By mastering the above four techniques, you can help the orchids adapt early and grow better.
The above content about the suitable month for repotting orchids and the correct method of repotting orchids is brought to you by the Green Enthusiast website, hoping to solve your problems in green plant management.