When Should Orchids Be Divided And Repotted?

When considering repotting an orchid, it is crucial to consider the time of year and whether the orchid needs to be repotted at all. Two main factors that can cause orchid plants to need repotting are potting mix breakdown, often evidenced by dead roots, or the plant outgrowing the container. In the first case, a larger pot may not be necessary.

To divide an orchid, ensure that each division has at least three or more pseudobulbs. For example, double or triple your cymbidium orchids for free and repot every 2-4 years in spring. Graham Ross shows how to easily expand your collection.

Repotting orchids is essential for maintaining their optimum health. The best time to repot is immediately after flowering, when all flowers have faded. Recognizing when to repot is easier than it looks, with white roots growing over the lip of the plant’s container or potting material no longer draining properly. Many common orchids, such as phalaenopsis, flower in winter and produce new growth in the spring and summer. Re-pot and divide these orchids after flowering in the spring.

There are two recommended times to divide orchids: following an active flowering season when new roots and pseudo bulbs begin to form, and after the flower starts to finish and it looks daggy. October/November is an ideal time for repotting. The best time to divide a large orchid plant is when its root system is beginning active growth.

In summary, most orchids need to be repotted once every two years due to deteriorating bark or moss. If your orchids have tightly tangled roots, it’s another sign of needing repotting.

Do orchids like big or small pots?

Orchids should be repotted every 2-3 years, when they start to push out new root growth. The size of the pot depends on the orchid’s growth rate and the size of the clump and root mass. For most orchids, a pot with a top diameter about a third to a half of the plant’s height is suitable. Clay pots can be used to repot orchids, as they last for many years and can be used over and over. Clay pots dry out the medium faster, preventing rot in the inner root system.

They also remove mineral salts from the mixture, leaving fertilizer salt residue on the outer surface. Clay pots also help measure moisture levels, and it is important not to over-pot. All orchids need oxygen around their roots, and smaller pots have more external surface area for air exchange. It is better to under-pot than over-pot, as too large pots can result in rotting the inner core of roots. More information on re-potting can be found in the guide Potting and Dividing Orchids and Orchid Care Guides.

What happens if I don’t repot my orchid?

Phalaenopsis orchids have loosely tangled roots, which indicate a need for repottement. To give plants proper air circulation and nutrients, place them in larger pots every year or two with fresh potting soil. If the soil hasn’t been replaced, it can retain more water, leading to root rot and fungal diseases. If the roots are soft and brown, it’s time to repot. To repot, choose the right medium, such as Espoma Organic Orchid Mix, and pre-soak it for 24 hours.

Remove the orchid from the current container, trim dead roots, fill the container to one-third full, position single stem plants in the center, and position multi-stem plants against the pot wall. Gently cover roots with additional mix, fill the pot to 1/2 inch below the rim, and water thoroughly. If setting occurs, add more mix if necessary. This will ensure the orchid stays happy and healthy.

When should you split and repot an orchid?

Two recommended times to divide orchids are after an active flowering season when new roots and pseudo bulbs form, and after the deterioration of potting medium over time. This is crucial for expanding your collection and ensuring healthy growth for the future. Most orchid medium deteriorates within two to three years, so it’s essential to refresh the medium to absorb fresh nutrients and prevent root rot, fungus, or bacteria. Most plants are ready for splitting or a larger pot within two to three years of active growth.

When and how to cut orchids?

It is a characteristic of orchids that they will bloom again from the same stock. However, in order to ensure optimal growth and development, it is essential to trim the stock at the base of the flower, thereby maintaining a level height with the surrounding soil.

Do orchids get stressed after repotting?

Repotting an orchid is not recommended when it is in bloom, as it can cause stress and damage to the plant. Instead, it is recommended to repot it every one to two years to maintain its health and growth. Repotting helps maintain the potting media in good shape, allowing for rapid drainage and root aeration. If you haven’t repotted your orchid before, it’s essential to follow three telltale signs to repot:

1. Orchids are typically potted in loose, coarse fir bark mixed with other organic materials like sphagnum peat and moss.

2. The potting media needs to be in good shape for rapid drainage and root aeration. Repotting is a simple process that can help maintain the health and growth of your orchid.

How do you know when your orchid needs repotting?

Orchids flourish when cultivated in small pots, with their roots intertwined within the compost. However, the plant may eventually require more space as the roots expand upwards or seek air. In order to repot an orchid, it is recommended that decomposed mix be used in place of fresh bark mix, which fills in air pockets. This straightforward procedure necessitates only a few essential items and can be accomplished with a few fundamental tools.

How do you divide and propagate orchids?

To propagate sympodial orchids from back bulbs, locate them near the outside edges of the pot and cut a notch in the back bulb rhizome. Remove the spruce and pot the new plant. Orchids can be divided and grown from back bulbs, similar to other plants with rhizomes or grown from babies (keikis). Propagation from seed or tissue culture is possible, but may take up to a decade. The four most likely successful methods for home gardeners are listed below. Be patient, as newly propagated orchids take time to reach maturity and flower. Orchids have two distinct growth patterns, so it is essential to identify the pattern before starting propagation.

Can you grow more orchids from cuttings?

Phaenopsis can be propagated vegetatively by cutting the flowering stem above a stem internode, covering the dormant growth ‘eye’ with a triangular sheath. After the last flower has fallen, move the plant to a dimmer area, and new plants will start from the dormant ‘eyes.’ After the new plants initiate, the mother and ‘keikis’ (babies) can be moved back to higher light. When the keikis have 2-3 roots, remove them by slicing between the stem and the keiki or cutting the stem above and below the keiki’s attachment point. The new plant can be potted up and grown on. If more flowers are desired, cut the stem as above but do not move the plant.

In the second method, the mother plant is topped, and as a monopodial plant, Phals continue to grow vertically. As they discard their lower leaves, new roots are produced above the leafless stem. The stem can be cut below the new roots, and the top part, with leaves and roots, can be repotted after proper care. The remaining stub can be left as is for a few days/weeks, and new little plants will grow out of the old stub. These keikis can be repotted in the same manner as the first method, and they will grow on and eventually bloom.

Do you bury air roots when repotting orchids?

It is advisable to avoid replanting potting aerial roots that have fallen off a circuit, as they are likely to perish. As an alternative, the roots can be severed in order to avert further deterioration.

Is it OK to repot orchids during flowering?

Orchids can be repotted in bud or spike, but the risk of shock and falling off is high. Repotting when buds have just formed and are “tight” is more forgiving. Avoid repotting when the plant is blooming, as flowers may drop faster than usual. Urine requires microorganisms to break down and convert it to nitrogen, which Orchids lack in soilless mixes. Ammoniac and nitrate nitrogen are available to the plant. Depending on the country, sunlight, and temperatures, a urea-based fertilizer may be suitable.

However, urea-free fertilizers have been found to yield better results. Urine has been linked to pseudomonas disease in Phalaenopsis orchids. Green Jungle™, a urea-free fertilizer, has been recommended for its excellent results and blooms.

Should I soak orchid bark before repotting?

Repotting an orchid involves refreshing its living conditions and choosing a new potting medium based on watering habits. Bark mixtures are suitable for over-watering plants, while peat moss is suitable for under-watering or neglecting plants. Bark mixtures should be soaked for 24 hours before repotting to absorb water, while peat moss can be rinsed before repotting.

When choosing a new container, consider the reason for repotting. If the orchid has outgrown its current container, choose a larger one to accommodate new growth. If a pest infestation, fertilization problem, or root rot has led to repotting, use the same size container. Orchid roots prefer a snug pot, and larger containers can lead to rot. Potting for the orchid’s root mass rather than its foliage size is recommended.

A clear, plastic pot with adequate drainage holes is recommended for easy root health and potting medium status. Potting mix is dark when wet and lightens as it dries, and while it may appear dry on the surface, it may still retain moisture deeper.