What to Pay Attention to When Repotting Black Orchid
As a traditional Chinese precious orchid variety, repotting the black orchid is a crucial step in the maintenance process. Scientific transplantation not only promotes root development but also effectively prevents diseases and pests, allowing the plant to焕发 new vitality. Master the following five core techniques to help you easily complete the entire repotting process of the black orchid.
The Best Time for Repotting Black Orchid
Seasonal Selection and Avoidance of Blooming Period
Autumn (September to November) is the best repotting period, as the daily average temperature is stable at 18-25°C, and the air humidity is around 60%-70%, avoiding the high summer temperatures and the winter dormancy period. It is especially important to choose to repot one month after the flowers fade to avoid affecting the bud differentiation for the following year.
Weather Conditions Control
Choose to operate on consecutive sunny days, and spray to increase humidity if the air humidity is insufficient. Avoid repotting on rainy days to prevent wound infections leading to root rot disease.
Key Techniques for Root Protection
Repotting Techniques
Stop watering 3 days before repotting, and when the substrate is half-dry, use a bamboo stick to circle around the pot wall to loosen it. Support the pseudobulb and tap the bottom of the pot to remove the soil clod completely, avoiding pulling and tugging that could damage the fleshy roots.
Root Pruning Standards
Retain healthy white roots of 3-5 cm, cut off black, empty, and rotting tissues. Apply charcoal powder or sulfur powder to the cut surface to sterilize, and let the roots dry for 30 minutes until the cut surface forms a film.
Scientific Potting Operation Standards
Substrate Preparation
Use a mixed substrate of植金石 (40%) + pine bark (30%) + perlite (20%) + charcoal (10%), with a particle diameter of 0.5-1cm for the best drainage and breathability.
Planting Technique
Place 3cm of ceramic stones at the bottom of the new pot as a drainage layer, and keep the pseudobulb level with the pot opening after placing the plant. Use the natural settlement method by shaking the pot while filling the soil to avoid pressing and damaging the root structure.
Finishing Management During the Seedling Stage
Environmental Control
After transplanting, place it in a scattered light area, maintain a temperature of 20-28°C, and humidity of 70%-80%. Do not water for the first 3 days, maintain humidity through foliar spraying, and water thoroughly on the 4th day.
Handling Abnormal Conditions
If the leaves wither or the base turns yellow, immediately check the roots. If new rotting roots are found, re-prune the roots and soak in a 0.1% potassium permanganate solution for 15 minutes before repotting. Combine with the application of brassinolactone (0.01mg/L) to promote recovery.
Key Points for Later-stage Maintenance
Start applying a special orchid nutrient solution (EC value 1.0-1.2mS/cm) one month after repotting, once every half month. Maintaining a day-night temperature difference of 8-10°C is beneficial for nutrient accumulation, and normal management can be resumed after 3 months.
By accurately grasping the timing of repotting, standardizing the operation process, and scientific later-stage maintenance, the black orchid can quickly recover after transplantation and promote the germination of new buds. Remember the principle of 'three parts planting and seven parts maintenance,' combined with regular observation and adjustment, to ensure that your black orchid has a more beautiful plant shape and more abundant blooming.