How to Improve Roots on a Baby Orchid
Exotic plants like orchids require commitment to keep alive and healthy. When an orchid plant grows, it puts off runners with small bulbs attached to them. These bulbs become baby orchids once they are re-potted. Orchids have a large, complex root system that needs care and attention regularly to stay healthy. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Buy potting mix made specifically for orchids. This type of mix is mostly made of sphagnum peat moss or chunks of bark. Orchids require this special type of earth to grow successfully. The roots are large and need a spongy, mossy material to spread and grow. If your baby orchid is sick, new potting mix may be the fix it needs.
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Purchase a pot that will allow you to see the root growth as the baby orchid settles into the pot. Clear plastic pots are a good choice for this as you can see the roots and check them daily for rot without disturbing the potting mix around the orchid. If you prefer a decorative pot, buy one you can set the clear plastic pot into. The pot must have holes for drainage in the bottom to prevent root rot.
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Plant the orchid, roots down, in the pot. If roots are established, put the orchid in the pot and gently fill in with potting mix around it. If you are starting with a small bulb, fill the pot and place it gently under the soil a few inches.
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Water the orchid just enough so the potting mix is moist. Check the roots daily to make sure they aren't appearing brown or slimy. You can stick a finger down into the soil and feel the roots gently if you are concerned. If your baby orchid is growing and appears healthy, then the roots have established and are thriving. This can take two to three weeks after re-potting.
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Tips & Warnings
Once your orchid is bigger and stronger, it can be re-potted into a terracotta or basket-style pot.
If the roots feel slimy or are turning brown, it is most likely because the plant has too much water and not enough drainage.
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