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Orchids: A Comprehensive Guide to Repotting Your Plants

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By Geraldine Powell

Orchids are one of the most popular flowering plants in the world, prized for their beauty and variety. However, they can be finicky plants to care for, and one of the most important aspects of orchid care is repotting.

How To Repot Orchids

by Geraldine Powell

4.5 out of 5

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Repotting orchids is necessary to provide them with fresh potting mix and to give their roots room to grow. It's also an opportunity to inspect the plant for any pests or diseases and to make sure it's getting the right amount of light and water.

If you're new to orchid care, or if you've never repotted an orchid before, don't worry! This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, with detailed instructions and stunning visuals.

When to Repot Orchids

The best time to repot orchids is in the spring or summer, when they are actively growing. However, you may need to repot an orchid sooner if it's showing signs of stress, such as:

Roots that are growing out of the pot
Roots that are brown or mushy
Leaves that are yellowing or wilting
Stunted growth

What You'll Need

Before you start repotting, you'll need to gather a few supplies:

A new pot that is slightly larger than the old one
Orchid potting mix
Sharp scissors or a knife
Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have everything you need, you can start repotting your orchid. Here are the steps:

Remove the orchid from its pot. Turn the pot upside down and gently tap on the sides to loosen the orchid. If the orchid is stuck in the pot, you can use a knife to carefully cut around the edges of the pot.
Inspect the roots. Once the orchid is out of the pot, take a close look at the roots. Remove any dead or damaged roots using sharp scissors or a knife. You can also trim any roots that are more than 6 inches long.
Choose a new pot. The new pot should be slightly larger than the old one, but not too large. The pot should also have drainage holes in the bottom.
Fill the pot with potting mix. Place a layer of orchid potting mix in the bottom of the new pot. Then, carefully place the orchid in the pot and fill in the remaining space with potting mix. Be sure to firm the potting mix around the orchid's roots.
Water the orchid. Once the orchid is potted, water it thoroughly. Allow the excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot.

Care After Repotting

After you've repotted your orchid, it's important to care for it properly. Here are a few tips:

Keep the orchid in a warm, humid place.
Water the orchid when the potting mix is dry to the touch.
Fertilize the orchid monthly with a balanced orchid fertilizer.
Repot the orchid every 2-3 years.

Repotting orchids is a relatively simple process, but it's important to do it correctly to ensure the health of your plants. By following the steps in this guide, you can repot your orchids successfully and enjoy their beauty for years to come.

For more information on orchid care, please visit the American Orchid Society website.