It is generally recommended to repot a Phalaenopsis orchid plant every 12 to 18 months. If the plant becomes overcrowded, or the potting media breaks down and no longer provides good drainage, it may be necessary to repot more frequently.
Phalaenopsis orchids should be repotted every one to two years. It is best to repot the plant in the spring, before it begins to bloom.
How do you repot Phalaenopsis orchids indoors?
You will need the following materials to repot an orchid:
-Orchid potting mix
-A new pot
-Scissors
-A plant stake (optional)
Remove the plant from its current container and gently use your fingers to comb through the roots, removing the old potting medium. Use the scissors to cut off any dead or dying leaves and roots. Add a few inches of orchid potting mix to the bottom of the new pot. If using a plant stake, insert it now. Gently place the orchid in the pot and fill in around the roots with more potting mix. Water the plant well.
If your orchid is growing out of its pot or reaching for the air, it’s time to re-pot! Orchids prefer small pots and will weave their roots through the compost as they grow. But eventually they’ll run out of room and need a new home.
Do Phalaenopsis orchids like to be root bound
Phalaenopsis orchid roots need to be compacted and compressed inside their pot, and unlike other household plants, Phalaenopsis actually enjoy being root bound. This is because compact roots help the plant to absorb more water and nutrients, which is essential for proper growth. If you notice that your Phalaenopsis orchid’s roots are starting to spread out, simply repot the plant into a smaller pot to encourage compact growth.
Orchids need to be repotted every one to three years, and larger pots are required for growing larger plants. Pots of the same size can be used for about two years, and then they have to be replaced with pots that are 1 inch larger in diameter.
Should orchid roots be exposed?
Some orchid pros think that a perlite/peat mix is less likely to produce aerial roots than bark. Either way, don’t cover the roots because they may rot.
Be sure to water the plant thoroughly after repotting. Tepid water is best; cold water will harm the roots. One method is to soak the plant, pot and all, in a bucket of tepid water for an hour or so. NEVER use ice cubes to water orchids or any other plant.
Should I water my orchid right after repotting?
After you have re-potted your orchid, it should be watered thoroughly. For the first couple of weeks after repotting, fertilize when watering with Better-Gro® Better-Bloom® Orchid Fertilizer, which is high in phosphorus and will stimulate root growth.
If you are going to repot your Orchid in bark, it is best to let the bark mix soak for about a half hour before adding it to the pot. This will help to properly hydrate the bark so that it will more easily accept water. The bark needs some help to get started in order to retain moisture and keep the Orchid healthy.
Should I soak my orchid after repotting
If you are using a potting mixture that consists of bark, you will need to soak the medium overnight. Since bark mixtures do not retain water well, this is an important step to ensuring your orchid receives the proper amount of water after repotting.
When replanting an orchid, it is important to hold the orchid in the center and carefully place the new potting medium around the roots. Keep the air roots out of the new soil, but it’s okay if one or two of them end up covered.
How long do Phalaenopsis orchids live?
Phalaenopsis orchids make excellent houseplants and can last for many years with proper care. They are readily available and sometimes inexpensive, making them a great option for those new to growing orchids. However, it is important to note that they will need to be replaced eventually, as they will only bloom for a short time each year.
Orchids need a lot of light to thrive, but they can’t handle direct sunlight. The ideal spot for growing orchids is either a south- or east-facing window. If you can’t find a good location to grow your orchids, placing them under artificial lights is the last resort.
Do orchids like pots with holes
An orchid should ideally live and grow in a plastic or terra-cotta grow pot. Pots for growing orchids must have drainage holes or slits in the container to ensure your plant doesn’t get soggy, wet feet.
If you’re looking for a pot that closely resembles how many orchids grow in nature, go for a woven plastic or fiber pot. These basketlike containers loosely hold orchid roots and potting media, allowing air and water to easily pass through. Just be sure to use them in humid environments to ensure plants do not dry out too quickly.
Do orchids like tall pots?
An orchid pot should have a top diameter that is about a third to a half of the height of the orchid plant. So, if you have a 10-inch tall orchid, a 4- or 5-inch pot would work well. An exception is Dendrobium; it can be 24 inches tall, but grows best in a 4-5-inch pot.
Epsom salt is a white, crystalline substance that is often used in gardening. According to the Epsom Salt Council, it can help make plants grow bushier, produce more flowers, and increase chlorophyll production. It can also deter pests, including slugs. Commercial orchid growers have been using it in their feeding regimes for over a century and have noticed a noticeable improvement in the bud count.
Why is my orchid growing so many aerial roots
Orchids are a type of plant that have aerial roots reaching out into the air, rather than down into the ground. These roots are looking for a tree branch to attach to. These roots absorb moisture from the air. Do not trim off these wandering roots, just let them do their thing.
If the roots of your orchid turn yellow and shrivel due to low humidity, you can trim them away once the plant has finished blooming. Use a sterile knife or scissors to avoid infecting the plant, and make sure to dispose of the trimming properly.
Conclusion
It’s best to repot a phalaenopsis orchid plant every 12 to 18 months.
When to repot a phalaenopsis orchid plant, the general rule of thumb is to do so every other year. If you notice that your orchid is becoming pot bound, or if the roots are starting to come out of the drainage holes, it is time to repot. Be sure to use a pot that is only slightly larger than the one your orchid is currently in, and use a well-draining potting mix.
