Whether you bought one yourself or received it as a gift, almost every gardener has tried orchid care at one time or another.
For many, this process does not end well. Often the plant dies after the flowering period or simply does not want to flower anymore.
(If this is the case for you, be sure to read our guide to getting your orchid to bloom again and again.)
But for a lucky few with the right conditions and knowledge, the plant grows so large that it eventually outgrows the pot. Or they managed to last so long in the same pot that the soil started to break down, requiring a transplant anyway.
If you want your orchid to continue blooming year after year and producing the beautiful flowers it is known for, regular repotting every few years is necessary.
Fortunately, unlike other orchid care items, this is not a difficult task.
Follow these simple steps to have your orchid happy in a new home in no time.
When to transplant orchids
Knowing the right time to transplant your plants is key to keeping your plant alive. Too often, overzealous plant parents transplant too early, fearing the consequences if the plant gets a little tangled. Others forget to transplant altogether, thinking the evergreen leaves are a sign that all is well underground.
Like any other plant, it is important to transplant your orchids at the right time and only when necessary. This is usually every 1-3 years, depending on when you purchased the orchid and how long it has been in the same pot.
There are a few signs that your plant needs to be transplanted.
Watch out for white roots sticking out of the container from the bottom or sides. This means the roots have nowhere to go and need a new pot with more room to grow.
Degraded soil is another sign to look out for. Orchids grow in extremely loose, well-drained soil with plenty of bark. Over time, the components of this soil begin to break down into smaller particles. By compacting, they limit the amount of air reaching the roots and affect drainage, which can lead to potential root rot issues.
Most orchids can be transplanted throughout the year, but after flowering it is best not to damage the flowers. It also allows the plant to focus on growing new roots instead of maintaining existing flowers.
For orchids with pseudobulbs like Cattleyas, wait until the plant has finished flowering as new roots will emerge.
How to transplant orchids
Choose a new bottle
The first step in the process is to find a new jar. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as picking up an old plastic pot and transplanting it.
Orchids grow best in specific pots that provide adequate air circulation and drainage for healthy roots. Specialty orchid pots usually have holes in the side of the pot and in the bottom to provide more oxygen around the plant. But other plants that drain well and wick moisture away from the roots (such as terra cotta) are also suitable.
If your orchid is out of the pot, choose a new one or, at most, two sizes larger. Anything taller will retain too much moisture and not provide the smothering conditions these plants prefer.
If you are just transplanting for a soil change, you can use the same pot, especially if you have a phalaenopsis orchid. However, since transplanting is only done every few years, it is much easier to choose a slightly larger pot now than to have to repot earlier than usual when the roots run out of room.
sterilize your tools
With your new pot close at hand, all you need is a sharp pair of scissors and you’ll have all the tools you need to get started. But before that, there is a crucial step not to be missed: sterilize your tools.
Orchids are susceptible to bacteria and other sneaky germs that lurk in your tools ready to wreak havoc. Using dirty tools around orchids can cause root problems that cannot be solved. It can be tedious and certainly less exciting than other gardening activities, but it’s important for the health of your plants.
Sterilize scissors and new bottle in a dilute solution of 5% bleach and water to kill harmful bacteria. Remember to wash your hands before touching the roots to avoid the same problem.
water the plant
When transplanting houseplants, it’s usually best not to water the plant for several days to allow the soil to dry out. This greatly facilitates the removal and transplanting of plants and soil. However, this is not the case with orchids.
Because orchid roots stay dry for long periods of time, they can become brittle and difficult to maneuver. When you plan to handle these roots and place them in a new pot, you will want to avoid brittle roots.
Before transplanting, soak the roots in water for about 10 minutes to ensure they are well hydrated. Hydrated roots are easier to move without damaging them. It will also help you identify damaged brown roots, as healthy roots turn white or green when properly watered.
Cut flower spikes
Removing the flower stalk is an optional step (depending on when you transplant), but it can be helpful. To begin with, it is quite difficult to keep the delicate flowers on the stem when transplanting. Those left on the stem are likely to fall off anyway due to transplant shock and changing conditions.
But there’s a bigger reason to remove the stem from the flower: energy.
When an orchid flowers, it focuses all of its energy on maintaining those flowers. This leaves little for root growth and health. By removing the flower stalk, all the energy the plant would have spent on the flowers is used to grow new roots and keep the plant healthy.
However, repotting doesn’t have to come at the expense of your precious flowers. If you can, wait until the orchid has finished flowering to remove the spike and transplant it. Removing the tip at this point is a necessity anyway and allows you to fully enjoy the flowers while they’re still there.
If your orchid is in dire need of repotting but is in full bloom, you can keep the flowers on the plant. Be sure to transplant as gently and gently as possible, limiting root damage and preserving flowers after transplanting.
remove the plant
After all the preparations, it is finally ready to be transplanted. Begin by removing the plant from its existing pot, being careful not to damage the roots. If it is difficult to remove, gently squeeze the sides of the pot to release the medium and roots from the sides of the pot. You can also run a clean, sanitized knife around the rim of the jar to loosen it.
Hold the plant by the base when removing it from the pot. Do not tug on the leaf or flower stalk, as this may damage the center of the plant. Turn the jar on its side and pull slowly to facilitate the process.
Once out of the pot, gently shake the potting mix around the roots. Any remaining mixture can be rinsed off with water and removed by hand. The roots should be completely free of soil before transplanting.
prune the roots
With the roots clearly visible from all sides, this is the perfect opportunity to check on your orchid’s root health. Due to improper care or age, some roots are damaged or die. Removing them is vital to give the plant the best chance of surviving and growing in the new pot.
Using your sanitized shears or shears, cut off dead, damaged, or soft roots for healthy growth. Healthy roots are thick and white or green, while dead roots are thin and brown or yellow. You can also remove yellowed or damaged leaves at the same time.
transplant the plant
Pick up the plant and your new pot for transplanting. Place a layer of soil at the bottom of the pot, the thickness of which depends on the size of your plant and the height of the pot. You can measure the size of the layer by holding the plant just below the rim of the pot and measuring the space between the roots and the bottom of the pot.
Gather the roots and place them on this layer of soil. Depending on the size of the plant, you may need to hold it in place while you fill in the rest of the soil. Make sure the base of the plant is level and placed level with the soil to prevent potting soil from building up around the leaves and rotting.
When the plant is level and secure, fill the empty spaces with potting soil. When transplanting orchids, it is essential to use special orchid potting soil and not ordinary potting soil. The potting soil contains too much water for these epiphytic plants, causing root rot.
Orchid soil consists mostly of bark and other well-drained materials that ensure the roots get enough oxygen and don’t settle in water. Orchid soil is available at your local nursery or online.
With dense roots and thick potting soil, filling the pot with soil is not as easy as it looks. While holding the plant in place, push the soil into the spaces with your hand to surround the roots. This can be done with long pliers or chopsticks. Be careful not to push the pieces in too much so as not to damage the roots.
after care
Fill the pot with soil just below the rim of the pot. If the plant is unsecured due to damaged roots, you can now add a stake to the pot to keep it upright. Flowering orchids now also need to be staked to keep the flower stalks straight.
Water the plant well and return it to its original habitat. It should live happily in the new pot for a few years before you have to start the process over.