What are the methods for transplanting orchids
This article provides detailed explanations on the methods for transplanting orchids and the best timing for doing so, related to the experience of flower planting. Let's learn about it together.
Transplanting orchids into pots is a necessary part of growing orchids. Orchids can be transplanted throughout the year, but most often in spring and autumn. Although it is also possible to transplant orchids in summer and winter, these are not the best times. Transplanting orchids in spring and autumn is beneficial for the recovery and establishment of the plants, reducing losses and helping the orchids enter the growth stage quickly.
The process of transplanting orchids into pots can be divided into five steps: removing from the pot, pruning, dividing, disinfecting, and potting. These five steps require careful protection of the orchid's leaf buds and flower buds, cleaning and pruning of the plant, sealing and disinfecting the wounds, and paying attention to the use of appropriate pots and planting materials.
I. Removing from the Pot: Transplanting orchids involves removing the plant from its pot and replanting it. The reason for this is that the orchid may not be growing well or the pot may not be suitable, requiring a move to a more appropriate pot. This process must involve the use of a saucer. When removing the pot, the main thing is to protect the orchid's roots, leaf buds, and flower buds from damage. Protecting the integrity of these parts is essential throughout the transplanting process, especially during the pot removal and division stages. One must operate with extreme caution, and before removing the pot, it is advisable to reduce watering to make the potting mix slightly dry, which facilitates pot removal and reduces root breakage.
II. Pruning: After removing the orchid from the pot, it is necessary to trim the broken roots, clean any remaining potting mix and damaged leaves, and clear away dead foliage. Any broken roots can be cut off. Residual materials and debris on the roots should be thoroughly rinsed with water. The bases of the leaves can easily hide pathogens and should be cleaned properly, either by cutting with scissors or pulling upwards with fingers. Never pull downwards, as it can damage the orchid. Any damaged, blackened, yellowed, or dead leaves should also be cleaned.
What are the methods for transplanting orchids
III. Dividing: When cleaning the orchid plants, it is important to protect the leaf buds and flower buds. After dividing the orchids, it is necessary to seal and disinfect the wounds to prevent pathogens from entering through them, which could lead to plant death. Methyl thiophanate, which combines sealing and disinfection, can be applied to the wounds. Alternatively, fungicides such as carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl, and mancozeb can be mixed with water into a paste and applied to the wounds.
IV. Disinfection: After removing the orchid from the pot, any diseased plants must be disinfected by soaking them in a diluted fungicide solution for 15-30 minutes. For divisions that require wound treatment, disinfection should be done before sealing to avoid washing away the sealing agent. Fungicide solutions can be prepared using carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl, methyl thiophanate, or mancozeb diluted 800 times with water.
V. Potting: Potting orchids is a meticulous task that requires selecting the right pot and appropriate potting mix. The pot must have drainage holes to allow excess water to flow out after watering. The potting mix should be loose, breathable, moisture-retentive, and slightly acidic in pH. Avoid using soil directly, as it is difficult to grow orchids in soil. Many people fail to grow orchids well because they plant them directly in soil, which easily compacts, retains water, and creates uneven moisture levels in the pot, which is not conducive to healthy root growth. It is recommended to use granular potting mix ranging from 0.5 to 2 cm in size for growing orchids, which facilitates management. A common mixture is a 1:1 blend of bark and stones. If you find my explanation helpful, click the 'Follow' button at the top to stay updated on orchid knowledge. Written by Mei Fei on January 7, 2020, in Jingshan City, Hubei Province, on the Orchid Bar, dedicated to the dissemination of orchid knowledge since 2012!
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