How to pot an orchid

Bear one thing in mind when thinking of how to pot an orchid: Don't use glazed or painted earthenware pots!

Though decorative, they are damaging to plant growth. They keep the compost over-watered and under aired—both fatal to orchids. Otherwise, potting orchids—except for the trick of packing osmunda—is no different from potting azaleas or begonias.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• pot or planter
• orchid plant
• water
• osmunda or compost

1. Select a clean orchid planter several inches wider than the broadest basal width of a terrestrial orchid.

2. Soak it for a few minutes in tepid water, then drain. Place coarse gravel, small rocks, or crocks (bits of broken pots) in the bottom third of the pot.

3. Add several large handfuls of compost and shape to a cone, the top of which is on a level with the lower rim of the pot.

4. Spread the roots of the terrestrial orchid carefully and evenly around the cone, and fill with additional compost.

5. Firm the compost lightly to settle it— never pack it—and water thoroughly.

6. Later, water sparingly until growth is established.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a clean orchid planter at least two inches wider in diameter than the base of the orchid, soak it in tepid water for a few moments, then dry it out a bit. Soaking is not always necessary, but it helps the osmunda slide down the clay sides of the orchid planter. Set the planter on its base and add enough gravel or crocks to fill it one-third.
• As long as osmunda stays securely in place, holding its shape when knocked out of the pot, orchids will do satisfactorily. The trick in potting with osmunda is to handle it while it is slightly damp. It is pliable then and packs more easily. When it dries out it stiffens enough to firm itself in the pot.

Resources

• Pot An Orchid