how to replant an orchid

Orchids like full but not direct sunlight. Otherwise, you won’t have the best interest at heart to take good care of your plants. Orchids are an ever-popular indoor potted plant.While the exotic flower is widely available, many do not know how to care for an orchid to keep it blooming. Gardenista’s members-only directory of landscape architects and garden designers. Thank you so much for all this info. "I am new to orchids, and transplanted my first one in potting soil. ", transplanting, and found that I had a lot to learn. Make sure that you fertilize your orchid once per week using a weak 20-20-20 fertilizer solution. The, "I have never kept an orchid alive, but I have had my orchid for two years now. The great thing about orchids, though, is that even if they seem like they’re about to die, they can be revived pretty easily as long as you know the important steps on how to revive an orchid. ", "Now I know the reason why my other attempts at repotting failed. Orchid Pots Should Have Plenty of Drainages. First-time orchid transplanter, so I was looking for a guideline, and this was perfectly detailed. Remove the Orchid from the Pot Cover the top part of the pot and gently turn the orchid upside down. Photography by Leslie Santarina for Gardenista; styling by Ella Quittner. Gently wiggle the orchid back and forth when it’s clinging to the pot. The base of the lowest leaf of the plant must be around a half-inch lower than the brim for an ideal depth. When necessary, cut only the stems or roots if you cant loose the orchid from the pot. A sure sign that it’s time to repot your orchid is when you start seeing white roots growing out of the container. Behind a curtain or shade is ideal. ", "Article confirmed that the plants I have can be transplanted and when to do this. It hasn't re-bloomed but is, "I needed these repotting steps for an orchid as an emergency measure. The first step with any store-bought orchid is to enjoy the bloom. A beautiful Orchid plant can brighten up any room and add a splash of color to any corner. Thanks! Terra cotta pots require more frequent watering. If the baby has not formed any roots of its own at that point you can try cutting it off with a small section of the stem still attached and planting that in some moist sphagnum moss. 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. For a newly acquired orchid, many orchidists like to repot as soon as it is practical. After your orchid is settled in its new home, care for it as you did before. I've transplanted this orchid once before, and did it all wrong. It died. This is the, "The whole article was informative. Carefully place the orchid into the new pot and arrange the roots inside. All rights reserved. Remodelista, Gardenista, 10 Easy Pieces, Steal This Look, 5 Quick Fixes, Design Sleuth, High/Low Design, Sourcebook for the Considered Home, and Sourcebook for Considered Living are ® registered trademarks of Remodelista, LLC. I don't have a green thumb. Place the amount of potting mix you’ll be using in the large bucket or bowl and cover it with about twice as much boiling water. ", cinnamon tip, also how to separate bulbs. This gave me step-by-step directions. Another reason to underpot orchids is for drainage. ", top-heavy. My orchid has roots growing all over the place, including in between leaves. The Gardenista editors provide a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration. This article has been viewed 517,109 times. My issue is root rot so maybe, "Since the roots are above the soil, I assumed I should re-pot and give more growing room. Gently tie the main stem to the stake with soft string. ", "My plant has more leaves and spikes and I need to transplant it, I will let you know the results. Make sure whatever you are using to remove the keiki has been sterilized. Do I cut off the stem that held blooms when transplanting? Use pots with holes in the sides so there's lots of air flow. From selecting the perfect variety, to helping your Orchid rebloom, you’ll find all you need to know below. Can I use sawdust from my workshop as part of my transplant medium? Since moving into my new apartment last fall, my 2 orchids, one of which, "I have had my orchid for 6 years and its original pot. 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. Potting the orchid too deep can cause problems with rot. You can also use an orchid-specific fungicide. The orchid was given to me from my husband's daughter, at his funeral 2 years ago. how do you remove and plant the Keiki of an Orchid? Look here for advice on plants and hardscape materials. Last Updated: March 16, 2020 Having no idea how to transplant it without killing it, I found this article and it has been extremely helpful. We can propagate orchids with the same characteristics as the mother plant by easier means, including stem cuttings, back bulb cuttings, top cuttings and keiki cuttings o grow several Today we are going […] One way to sterilize your cutting tool is by holding it over an open flame until the metal glows red hot. Make sure that none of the roots need to bend or break to fit inside the pot. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. ", are clear and concise. You’re one of an elite few who have managed to find the right balance of water, sunlight, date nights, and long walks on the beach to have a healthy relationship with your orchid. Put the orchid in a shaded spot away from direct sunlight and cover with the fleece. While most orchids are only hardy planting in USA, the vibrant flowers make excellent indoor specimens when given adequate soil and moisture. Pick a pot that will allow for one to two years of growth, but nothing larger than that. Once the orchid is fully established, water it every two weeks or so, when the medium becomes dry to the touch. Don't attempt to re-pot a flowering plant. After the bloom is done, go ahead and cut off the dead flower spike with sterile snippers and repot the plant. When you travel, don't forget to make arrangements for someone to check in on and care for your orchid, says Rogers.But if you can't find a plant sitter, "orchids can be placed in a bathtub on risers, with water level just below the bottom of the pots to help increase humidity and extend time between watering," he says. Always support the orchid as you are planting it to prevent root damage. Not only is your orchid living, it’s thriving—and has outgrown the plastic pot in which you carried it home from the grocery store. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. If your orchid’s roots are beginning to rot, this is another sign that repotting is necessary—this means that your potting material is no longer draining properly. The best media for an orchid is the one that best matches the type of orchid and the conditions in which it is growing. After the orchid is out of its pot, use your fingers and a clean pair of scissors to clean up the roots. Hope it turns out well. I need to trim, cut, wash, spray, and do what was suggested. The orchid should be secure in the pot so it doesn’t wiggle — otherwise, the new roots won’t form properly. What you'll need to plant an orchid keiki: Obviously, an orchid with a keiki or two. The definitive guide to stylish outdoor spaces, with garden tours, hardscape help, plant primers, and daily design news. It is a survivor, blooming three times so far. Receive the Gardenista newsletter in your inbox daily. For help choosing the best growing medium for your orchid, keep reading! I noticed the roots keep dying and the plant has gotten, "Had no idea how to transplant my 2-year-old orchid, and your program provided an easy, detailed plan. I had no idea about cinnamon being a natural fungicide . For orchids growing from a single major stem, position the orchid in the center of the pot. How to repot an orchid. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Soak the bag of new medium overnight. Follow the steps below for a perfectly repotted orchid. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. When the orchid is anchored into place, arrange a layer of orchid potting mix over the top of the roots and water well. ", first time I've heard of sprinkling cinnamon on the cut roots. unlocking this expert answer. To transplant an orchid, start by finding a shallow pot with drainage holes that's one size larger than the pot your orchid is currently in. ", "It gave me the proper and technical way to deal with flowers that are so fragile in their natural life. If you have to make any cuts, preserve as much of the root or stem as possible. 8. Approved. When you're growing orchids, it’s important to repot them now and then. Where can I buy medium sized orchid plants? ", Day gift (he has no experience with orchids), and he proudly showed me how he planted it in the ground! Allow the mixture to come to room temperature, then drain the potting mix. Tie the plant at the middle and near the top. Clicking through to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission. Makes me a little confident that I won't kill it! Opt for a shallow pot versus a deep one to prevent water buildup. Orchids are easy to grow, if you know the ins and outs of how to care for them. I need to transplant my orchids, but not now because you said not to when the flowers are in, "I don't know anything about this type of plant. You can also cover the orchid with fleece to help provide extra humidity. Use a stake to secure your orchid so its fragile roots aren’t damaged by unnecessary wobbling. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Meet our editorial team, see our book, and get the inside scoop on upcoming Gardenista events. Orchid care: mist orchid foliage Most orchid houseplants come from humid, tropical regions, so do best in a humid atmosphere. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Add potting medium a little at a time, using your fingers or a chopstick to settle it around the roots. A pseudobulb is a feature on some orchid types. If the pot is too large the center of the pot will remain damp and stagnant. It's best to leave healthy roots intact when transplanting an orchid, because the make the plant stronger. "Thanks for your orchid replanting tips! The large old one should be replanted this year. Orchids are very susceptible to disease as well, so be sure to sterilize everything that will come in contact with your orchid during the repotting process. We’ve put together an easy guide to help you start growing Orchids Indoors. In order to get started, you should keep an eye out for signs that it's time to repot your orchid. Orchid midwifery can be difficult! unlocking this expert answer. Thanks. Tap out the plant from its container and remove all the old bark from the roots. It was a good step-by-step for an individual who knows nothing about orchids, and I really, "Very helpful, simple instructions to get it done fast while dealing with a toddler. The one-stop sourcebook for the considered home, guiding readers artfully through the remodeling and design process. ", was simple enough that an "Orchids for Dummies" person like me understood it completely! Carefully loosen each root individually, using scissors or a knife to help you if necessary. By using our site, you agree to our. Better plant them separately; not all orchids have the same growing speed. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Orchid roots grow wildly on the plant, above the soil, between leaves, and even over the sides of the pot. You can use plastic or terra cotta pots for orchids. ", "I'm just learning about orchids now because I got one for Mothers Day. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. of household bleach and 1 gallon (4 L.) of water. Press the fresh potting material into the pot and around the orchid roots with your thumbs and forefingers. For more orchid tips, see Orchids: A Field Guide to Planting, Care & Design and our posts: Sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @remodelista This article has been viewed 517,109 times. It's important to keep it as long as possible. Position the plant in the centre of the pot, then fill around the root ball with orchid compost, making sure to also fill any gaps. Very satisfied, however! However, repotting is stressful for plants, so it’s also important that you only do this when it is absolutely necessary and that you're very careful throughout the process. If the orchid is clinging to the pot, massage it out by gently wiggling it back and forth. Thanks for the, "I just loved it. Now that you know when and with what materials, it’ time to get to work! Tag us using #gardenista. ", Every question I thought of along the way was answered as I kept reading. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. Soak the planter in this, as well … How to Plant an Orchid Keiki SOURCEBOOK FOR CONSIDERED LIVING % of people told us that this article helped them. Remember to fertilize your orchid once per week with a weak 20-20-20 fertilizer solution. Place your orchid into the new pot and add fresh potting medium, tapping the pot firmly on a table or other flat surface to distribute the bark or moss evenly around the roots. The orchid’s leaves should remain above the potting mix, even if the plant is slightly unstable. Do orchids have to be potted singly? Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. Orchids have a bit of a different repotting process than our standard repotting guide, but don't worry – we got you covered! For those who own orchids, here are a few tips on how to revive an orchid that is dying. Generally speaking, your orchid should be repotted every 1–2 years or if the potting media begins to smell. Place a wooden or bamboo stake in the center of the pot, and tie up the new and old leads with soft string or twist ties. I gave my husband an orchid as a Valentine's. ", to know about transplanting an orchid. It’s time to undertake the harrowing task of repotting your orchid. I would have, "I'm new to the orchid community. One of the most important things to learn about how to repot an orchid is that they are very sensitive when it comes to bacteria and germs. For help choosing the best growing medium for your orchid, keep reading! Exotic orchids are fascinating to watch and make a fulfilling hobby for the avid collector; but, you don't have to be a collector to enjoy an orchid plant. Yikes, that would've killed it. Plan your trip with our destination guides to our favorite public gardens, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Heading somewhere? For an orchid that is not newly acquired, the optimal time to repot is after the plant has bloomed and is beginning a new growth cycle. If the plant is pot bound, then move it into a pot one size larger. "The step-by-step was so easy to understand. Wish me luck! Orchids are plants that produce beautiful and unique flowers. The roots are coming through the bottom, but I will wait a while. ". Next, rinse the roots under warm water and trim off any dead roots or leaves. This article was written with lots of detail yet it. An orchid may suppress another if they share the same pot. I'll be armed with info this time around. Congratulations, orchid lover! It is generally not advisable to plant multiple orchids in the same pot simply because of competition for space. Initial Steps for Potting Orchid Keikis It’s a bulbous growth near the base of the plant that will have a leaf growing from it. Orchids are known to be very beautiful, but sensitive flowers. But make sure your cutting tool is sterilized, and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. ", "I was going to re-pot my two Orchids together but now I understand that they need to grow in their own pots. Copyright © 2007-2020 Remodelista, LLC. Add potting medium a little at a time, using your … Read on to learn how to repot an orchid, step by step. Your resource for finding the best storage and home organization solutions for every room in the house. ", I've had for years and has never rebloomed, bloomed all last winter/spring! If the roots are dead or dying, however, trim them off when you transplant. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. References wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Thank you. “Miracle” is the perfect term associated with regards to how to revive an orchid. A mature plant can continue to live in the same pot indefinitely, though seedlings may require yearly repotting. My thanks. This article was very, "I love the orchids my daughter bought me, but I knew nothing about them. Orchids should be potted into specialized orchid pots in an orchid mixture. The tutorial with pictures helped immensely, as I'm a visual learner, and apprehensive with, "The individual steps were clear and concise. 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, Strain the medium through a fine-mesh strainer, Pour running water over the medium to remove dust. Be sure to check out all the information now. Place the orchid in the pot so that the new growth is level with the top of the pot. Soak for about 20 minutes. But a successful repotting will extend the life of your orchids, so you should do it regularly as the plants grow. Once you’ve identified a keiki growing on your orchid, there are only a few simple steps required to replant your new baby orchid successfully. The container doesn’t have to be too big, but should still provide enough room for the roots to grow. Will keep this site as a reference. Do this in early spring. All Gardenista stories—from garden tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups. I wanted to replant it. Thanks! Orchids grow best in free-draining, open potting mixes. Yes. I would leave the baby on the mother plant as long as possible, until the stalk is truly dead. Make a solution of 1/2 cup (120 ml.) Another way to sterilize your instrument is by boiling it in water for 20 minutes. But fret not, we have a few tips to help you successfully transfer it to its new home (without killing it). Support wikiHow by Grasp the orchid gently around the stalk and suspend it inside the container. "Super helpful! This article received 45 testimonials and 96% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Using sterile pruners, cut any rotten/dry roots, and now, your orchid is ready for the water. Continue adding potting mix until you reach the top of the pot. Orchids require special media in which to grow. With your info I hope it works, "I'm new to orchids. The best time to repot a phalaenopsis orchid is when new air roots begin emerging but after the plant has finished flowering. Only cut roots or stems if you cannot gently shake the orchid loose from the pot. This article is designed to help you take those first steps to properly caring for your new orchid and transitioning it … After a week, return the orchid to its regular place. ", way this showed with pictures is easy to do. ", liked some suggestions as to where I could purchase new pots and growing medium. Spray the orchid only for the next three weeks, don't water! It’s nearly impossible to recover when there’s a strong indication of damage or a positive sign of dying. Popular mediums for orchids include coconut husk, sphagnum moss, perlite, fir bark, and mixtures of these. ", bloom. What type of bark can be used for orchids? For orchids with pseudobulbs, position the orchid so the pseudobulb is at the edge of the pot. See our obsessively curated catalog of favorite products sourced by the Gardenista editors. In most centrally heated homes the air is dry, so mist the foliage every two to three days using tepid water, but avoid spraying the flowers, as the petals can be marked by water. Avoid using terracotta pots, as the orchid’s roots will fasten themselves to the surface, making it difficult to repot in future. If it does, pack in a bit more medium. Everyone has been telling me how to transplant the flower, but the, "I have read many articles on repotting orchids. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. To grow your orchids in water, unpot the plant, remove the medium (bark bits and moss) and gently rinse the roots. ", reproducing leaves. I plan to attempt a transplant in a day or two. I came to this site for tips on, "Great information. You should never repot a plant that is blooming, as this stresses the plant – this goes for orchids as well as any other type of plant. Insert a thin bamboo stake into the center of the pot. To settle the medium in place, pick up the pot and gently tap the bottom against a flat surface a couple times. You can also soak the knife or scissors in a disinfectant, such as iodine or alcohol. Place the orchid in the pot so that the new growth is level with the top of the pot. ", "I'm new with orchids, and found a wealth of great info and advice. (For more information on keiki’s in general, see this article on keiki care.) Starting from scratch or upgrading an outdoor space? Leaving the orchid in the shade with minimal watering was a great tip. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. Can I replant an orchid with healthy leaves without the offshoot that fell off from being too heavy? Trim the orchid spikes, or cut one inch above the top node of the healthy spike; Remove the orchid from its pot; Trim any brown or soft roots and sprinkle them with cinnamon to prevent infection; Place the orchid into a pot that's one to two inches larger than the original one; Add the new potting media; Want to make repotting even easier? Do I cut these off when transplanting? This will increase humidity levels around the plant and prevent your orchid from drying out. The ideal time to repot the orchid is right after it finishes flowering, when you see new growth starting to appear. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 517,109 times. As a retired educator I can say you directions, "The article gave me a better understanding how to treat the orchid, things I never new before. Hold the orchid in the pot. This means your orchid is too large for its pot and needs a new one. Or can I plant 2 or 3 together in a larger pot? I love these plants. Propagating orchids from keikis is a lot simpler than it might sound! "This information has given me the confidence to attempt repotting it, as it is clearly outgrowing the original pot. This article summarizes most everything I've read. You'll need garden pruners, or a really sharp blade. What is the best potting medium for orchids? Then, gently remove your orchid from its old pot and brush away as much of the old potting medium as possible. ", Thankfully, I read this info before using potting soil! It is important to note that orchids do not grow in dirt, it will smother their roots and kill the plant. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Transplant-Orchids-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Transplant-Orchids-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Transplant-Orchids-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355212-v4-728px-Transplant-Orchids-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"