How to Pot an Orchid

Keeping an orchid healthy and long-living requires repotting it every few years depending on the type of orchid. Repotting accommodates orchids whose roots are larger, but it is generally done to freshen the potting medium. Requirements for potting orchids vary greatly from one type of the plant to another. If your orchid is epiphytic, or tree-dwelling, use bark as a medium. If the orchid is terrestrial, use moss or tree fern fibers as a medium.

Pot
Scissors
Gravel
Orchid potting medium

Instructions

- 1
  Hold the orchid and knock the pot until it falls from the roots.
- 2
  Throw away the stale medium, and snip the dead roots. Dead roots are dark brown and will be soft.
- 3
  Select a pot that is several inches wider than the orchid roots. Select pots with drainage holes.
- 4
  Soak the pot in lukewarm water for several minutes.
- 5
  Pour gravel into the pot so that it is 1/3 full.
- 6
  Add several handfuls of potting medium so that the level of compost is even with the bottom lip of the pot.
- 7
  Shape the potting medium into a cone.
- 8
  Place the orchid into the pot. Gently spread the roots around the cone.
- 9
  Add more potting medium around the orchid and lightly pack it. This will help keep it secure.
- 10
  Water the orchid immediately, but water it sparingly until the plant's roots have settled.

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