Growing and Repotting Orchids

by Patti @Hearth and Vine

I received this Phalaenopsis orchid from my sister for Mother’s day several years ago. It flowers 1-2 times a year for me and the flowers seem to last for several weeks. However, you can see that one of the plants is growing out of the pot and although they do like to be pot bound this one appears to be shriveling . Time to re-pot.

growing and repotting orchids, flowers, gardening, home decor

Orchids are so beautiful and delicate looking but did you know how easy they are to grow. Especially the Phalaenopsis hybrids which you can now buy readily at the supermarket and big box stores. You may have seen some sold as “Ice Cube Orchids,” where all you have to do is give them 3 ice cubes a week. How easy is that? Using ice allows the plant to receive the water in a slow drip and gives them a measured amount so that they are not over-watered.

Simply remove the entire plant(s) from the pot gently shake out and remove all the planting medium. Separate the two plants. Rinse the roots in cool water and cut away and dead, broken or very soft roots.

Re-pot in a tight plastic pot with drainage. I used a take-out container and poked holes in the bottom. Use fresh potting medium specifically sold for orchids. You can find this in any nursery or garden center. It is typically a bark like material that provides for fast drainage. I added a little moss at the top for decorative purposes. Place in an area with indirect light. The leaves should be a nice medium green. Dark green may indicate insufficient light while light yellowish-green may indicate too much light.

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5 of 18 comments

A1z1581958 on Jun 25, 2015
Repotting orchid is not as simple as repotting plants. I have lost quite a few plants especially when I tried to separate them. So please get more information if you intend to separate them when you repot I was quite disappointed when mine died. I am now reluctant to repot them.

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- Patti @Hearth and Vine on Jun 25, 2015
  @A1zwkc Sorry you had that experience. I think all of us have had a plant or two die for one reason or another. I have found that orchids do best when you leave them alone, however, as you can see from the top picture this one was about to jump ship so I had to re-pot. Luckily it's doing fine.
  
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- Donna Bush on Feb 13, 2020
  
  I was told several years ago, that dendroniums/phalanopsis like to be in a crowded pot....that they grow better that way And, mine have! Also, only repot once every 2 yrs.
  Lastly, if the roots of a orchid are exposed and above pot rim, you can report. Use medium with bark, charcoal and perlite mixture which you can get a Lowe's, Home depot, etc. Cut bad roots off, then lower plant down in pot. I cover with medium almost to top of roots. Water til all bark is slightly wet. Then put into indirect sun light! I have had really good results. Now, I have over 50 orchids!
  
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DB on Feb 17, 2017
I think the biggest problem folks have when repotting orchids is the planting medium. Most orchid roots need a lot of air and they don't like to stay wet, although they do like humidity : ) I would suggest the moss is not just decorative but also valuable for retaining that humid environment . Nice Job!!

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- Patti @Hearth and Vine on Feb 17, 2017
  Good point!
  
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