After the plant has bloomed and is growing new roots or leaves When it’s not currently flowering or forming new flowers If the pot breaks If the plant becomes infested with bugs If growing medium is wet and not draining properly
You can use plastic or terra cotta pots for orchids. Terra cotta pots require more frequent watering. Opt for a shallow pot versus a deep one to prevent water buildup.
Some other popular mediums for orchids include coconut husk, perlite, fir bark, and mixtures of these.
Remember to fertilize your orchid once per week with a weak 20-20-20 fertilizer solution. [4] X Research source
Fill the new orchid pot with as much growing medium as you’ll need to repot the orchid Transfer the medium to a bucket that’s about twice as large as the new pot Fill the bucket the rest of the way with water Let the medium soak for one to two hours Strain the medium through a fine-mesh strainer Pour running water over the medium to remove dust
One way to sterilize your cutting tool is by holding it over an open flame until the metal glows red hot. [6] X Research source You can also soak the knife or scissors in a disinfectant, such as iodine or alcohol. Soak for about 20 minutes. Another way to sterilize your instrument is by boiling it in water for 20 minutes.
If the orchid is clinging to the pot, massage it out by gently wiggling it back and forth. Only cut roots or stems if you cannot gently shake the orchid loose from the pot. If you have to make any cuts, preserve as much of the root or stem as possible. [7] X Research source
Removing all the old medium will ensure that your orchid gets the most nutrients possible when you transplant it, and will make sure any bugs are destroyed.
A pseudobulb is a feature on some orchid types. It’s a bulbous growth near the base of the plant that will have a leaf growing from it. [9] X Research source If you’re transplanting multiple orchids at once, sterilize your cutting tool in between plants by wiping it with a disinfectant or heating it with a flame.
You can also use an orchid-specific fungicide.
For orchids with pseudobulbs, position the orchid so the pseudobulb is at the edge of the pot. For orchids growing from a single major stem, position the orchid in the center of the pot.
When you’ve added all the medium and packed it loosely around the roots, carefully tilt the pot from side to side to make sure the orchid doesn’t flop around. If it does, pack in a bit more medium. [12] X Research source To settle the medium in place, pick up the pot and gently tap the bottom against a flat surface a couple times.
Once the orchid is fully established, water it every two weeks or so, when the medium becomes dry to the touch. [13] X Expert Source Harmony CorelitzPlant Specialist Expert Interview. 4 December 2020. Make sure that you fertilize your orchid once per week using a weak 20-20-20 fertilizer solution. [14] X Research source
Insert a thin bamboo stake into the center of the pot. Gently tie the main stem to the stake with soft string. Tie the plant at the middle and near the top. [15] X Research source
You can also cover the orchid with fleece to help provide extra humidity. After a week, return the orchid to its regular place. Orchids like bright, filtered sunlight—about 3–5 ft (0. 91–1. 52 m) from a window is ideal. [17] X Expert Source Harmony CorelitzPlant Specialist Expert Interview. 4 December 2020.
