repotting

by Annette
(S.C.)

When I repot, do I put the plant back in the same size clear pot and then back in the same plastic pot? Do I ever change size of clear slotted draining pot?

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May 15, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Cable's Reply
by: Cable Thompson

What type of orchid is it? Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids) are the most common.
May 16, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		On repotting
by: Ani Bruzual

I'll say it depends. There might be some cases:

1.- IF {Repotting because the soil (mixture, compound) is stale (more than three years have passed since last repotting)AND the orchids hasn't outgrown the pot (it has still room to grow)}
THEN You could use the same pot with new mixture (soil, compound)

2.- IF {Repotting because the soil got bad (too much water and is rotten, or too much earth in the mixture for an epiphyte orchid or an earth orchid with hardened earth) AND there's still room to grow}
THEN You could use the same pot after cleaning it throughly and add new soil mixture

3.- IF {Repotting because the orchid outgrow the pot* AND [1.- OR 2.-]}
THEN You need a bigger size pot and new mixture
* You need to know what kind of orchid you have to know if it outgrown the pot.
For example Phalaenopsis are used to have some roots outside the pots so this is not a sign of repotting for this one but might work for others. My mom says that in order to flower a lot Paphiopedilums have to be very crowded and in tiny pots, if you put them in big pots they'll flower when they have populated the entire pot.
When the roots of our Cattleyas get all over the place and its new -we called them- sons (the newer parts of the plant) start to grow in the borders or even ouside the pots we repot them.
When our Cygnoches and Catasetums don't have any more room in the pot for the bulbs we repot them, and so on.
So the outgrowing thing, depends on the orchid.

I hope this can help you. If not wait until Mr. Thompson answers you, he's my favourite orchid savvy and if I were you I'll do everything he says.
Jun 03, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Repotting Phal hybrid NEW
by: Pam McCollum

I am new to growing orchids. I have a Phal hybrid that I "think" needs to be repotted. The growing medium it is in is extremely compact, some of the roots have black or mushy roots, so I think it needs ti be repotted. I have looked in all the local stores for a plastic insert to put inside a "fancy" pot I bought. Do I really need a plastic insert, or can I just pot it in the fancy pot which has holes all around the outside of the pot? Any help would be appreciated.
Jun 03, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Cable's Reply NEW
by: Cable Thompson

You don't need a plastic insert. As long as the pot has drainage it's fine.

The reason plants are often sold with the plastic inserts is that they were grown in the insert, and then set into a fancy pot in time for sale. This lets companies avoid the extra shipping weight, or any buildup of algae or salts on the outer pot.

From your description it sounds like it is indeed a good time to repot. So choose a pot you like that has drainage, get some new moss (or another potting mix if you want; a fine bark mix or coconut husk chips both would work fine) and follow my instructions for repotting orchids.

Beginners often get really nervous the first time they repot. I definitely remember that from the first time I repotted an orchid: the plant was beautiful and perfect and I was afraid to touch it. Fortunately, Phalaenopsis are fairly tough plants. Just avoid breaking any of the healthy roots, follow my instructions for repotting orchids and your plant should be fine.

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