Accomplishing a Purposeful Orchid Repotting Schedule
Orchids are beautiful plants that are rugged and resilient. However, an orchid requires being repotted approximately every couple of years. This should be done when it is observed that it begins to overgrow its pot with its brittle roots coming over the pots sides and the leaves overlapping the edges of the pot. These are enough indications that the orchid needs immediate repotting failing which the growth of the orchid is retarded and the plant per se blooms poorly and may even die. Another necessity for repotting an orchid would be when its base soil has become infirm. Broken soil impedes water from draining properly and minimizes air flow around the roots. This is another indication that the orchid should be replanted instantaneously in fresh compost and fir bark. This process prevents its roots from rotting. To ensure a healthy orchid it is imperative that its growing medium and environment are congenial.
Having decided upon to repot the orchid you will be required to observe certain important guidelines and understand their basic requirements. This vastly helps in the successful survival of this epiphyte. An important point to be kept in mind would be NOT to repot the orchid if it is in bloom or if it growing based on the season. Ideally, orchid repotting should be undertaken after blooming has ceased. The repotting can be carried out in late winter or in early summer, in advance of the spring growing schedule. This should be done before fresh growth starts. The size and type of pot plays an important role in orchid repotting. Plastic and clay pots are generally used for this purpose. Plastic pots retain water and require less watering whereas clay pots have the tendency to dry-up faster.
Ensure that the orchid is healthy in advance of repotting. An orchid could also become unhealthy if it is not repotted in time. Pests such as insects that bite away into orchid leaves and stems should be done away with. Orchid leaves should also not be allowed to turn yellow. Leaves can yellow due to excess of water. Fungi should not be present. Any of the above present in an orchid could instantly kill it.
Always avoid plastic pots for repotting purposes. Most of them do not have proper water drainage facilities. Clay pots are best suited because they contain numerous pores from which water will drain out. Draining out water prevents the orchid roots from rotting. These clay pots provision for the drying out of water beneath its surface. Unlike other pots, clay pots are sturdy and will safely hold the orchid. You can be rest assured that there would not be any damage to your orchid if repotted in clay pots. A falling orchid is apt to get its brittle roots broken. Therefore, exercise utmost caution when repotting orchids.
Irrespective of the variety of pot used for repotting it would be a good idea to use fresh compost, fir bark, a few small rocks or packing peanuts at the bottom. This semi-loose mixture allows for the thorough draining of the water and circulates precious air all around and in between its roots.
When the period for returning the plant back into the pot arrives, the potting mix should be moistened a little. This helps the orchid to get water easily and yet, not too much of it. Thereafter, do not water the plant for the next three weeks. During repotting some of the orchids roots will break. Besides there will be injuries from where the roots have previously been trimmed. In case the soil contains excess water this can damage the already wounded roots thereby encouraging fungi and bacteria to infect them. Relative humidity levels should be high. Your orchid will be absolutely in ship-shape condition.
Staking the orchid after repotting is the last item on the agenda. More often than not orchid growers normally avoid staking simply because they are not in favor of it. However, staking is a must in a positive repotting program. The orchid needs to be held together firmly to allow new root growth copiously.
Repotting orchids is vital. It accords good health over long periods of time thus enabling your orchid to live and bloom well for a great many years.
