How to Protect New Shoots When Repotting Orchids
Repotting orchids is a crucial step in the care process, especially when the plant sprouts new shoots. Any slight carelessness in operation can affect the growth of the entire plant. This article will systematically analyze how to promote the healthy growth of orchids through scientific repotting, focusing on three dimensions: new shoot protection, post-repotting care, and substrate mixing.
One, Full Process Operation Specification for New Shoot Protection
1. Key Preparations Before Repotting
Choose spring and autumn seasons with temperatures between 15-25°C for the operation, stop watering 3 days in advance to keep the substrate slightly moist. Prepare disinfected scissors, breathable new pots, and special substrates, it is recommended to use transparent containers for easy observation of roots.
2. Core Techniques for Potting Out
Turn the pot upside down and tap the pot wall lightly to keep the original soil ball intact. If encounter entangled roots, use a bamboo stick to comb layer by layer instead of separating them forcibly. Focus on protecting the tender shoot area within 2cm of the base, wear cotton gloves during operation to avoid direct contact.
3. Substrate Retention Strategy
Retain 1/3 of the original soil as a source of bacterial inoculation, pay attention to layered filling when mixing new substrates. Use fine particle matrix (diameter ≤ 3mm) near the new shoot area to ensure the shoot point is in the optimal humidity environment.
Two, Scientific Care System After Repotting
1. Environmental Control Points
Set up a temporary shade shed, maintain 60% scattered light. Use atomized humidification to keep the air humidity at 70%-80%, combined with a mild breeze cycle every hour to create a similar native microclimate.
2. Water and Fertilizer Management Cycle
Use warm water at 25°C for the root water, then adopt the bottom watering method to supplement water within 15 days. Start applying a 2000-fold diluted orchid special nutrient solution from the 21st day, combined with EM bacterial agents to promote root development.
Three, Substrate Ratio and Surface Optimization
1. Matrix Golden Ratio
Base layer: pine bark (40%) + volcanic stone (30%) + decomposed peanut shell (20%) form a drainage matrix. Nutrient layer: add 10% peat soil + bone meal (5g/liter) to provide slow-release nutrients.
2. Surface Material Selection
Use a mixture of Hakkou soil (3-5mm) and Akadama soil (ratio 2:1) for the top 3cm layer, which can prevent erosion from watering and adjust the pH value. In special cases, add 5% activated carbon granules to effectively prevent diseases.
Through systematic repotting operations, the survival rate of new shoots can reach over 95%. It is recommended to adjust the substrate formula according to the plant's growth status every year, regularly supplement beneficial bacteria, and establish a care log to record new shoot development data, thereby achieving sustainable and healthy growth of orchids.