How to Transplant Orchids

Orchids are one of the most elegant and exotic flowers found in the flower kingdom. There are more than 25,000 different orchid species. Some orchids are difficult to grow, so care must be taken in raising them. Transplanting orchids occasionally is essential to maintaining the quality of your flower.

Things You'll Need

• Pot
• Fir bark
• Perlite
• Knife

Instructions

1. Transplant your orchids after flowering and before the new roots are larger than 1/2 an inch.

2. Soak your orchid in the original pot until the soil is very damp.

3. Lay the orchid pot on its side and gently pull the plant out of the pot. Use a knife to loosen the roots from the soil.

4. Wash off extra bark and soil attached to the roots, and cut off roots that appear dark or rotted.

5. Add 1/2 an inch of fir bark and perlite to the new pot. Soak the bark well before transplanting your orchid.

6. Place the orchid in the new pot with the base of the plant 1/2 an inch below the rim. Keep the orchids out of the sun for 6 weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Transplant your orchids every 2 years for paphiopedilum and phalaenopsis, and every 3 years for cattleyas.

• After transplanting your orchids, do not water them for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, only water them sparingly for the first few months.

Resources

• Orchid Care: Replanting