What Can I Transplant My Orchid In?

Transplant Time

• Repot orchids every two years or when their roots and pseudo bulbs start to grow out of the old pot. Bound roots and small pots lead to failed blooms and lack of new growth. The best time to repot an orchid is when it begins to produce new growth.

New Pot

• Prepare a new pot for the orchid before you start. Use a pot one size larger than the old pot to provide more room. Use clay, plastic or ceramic pots, baskets or trays with drainage holes for aeration. Orchids don't tolerate standing water or tight foundations.

New Growing Medium

• Orchids need consistent drainage and air circulation around their roots and do best in non-soil foundations. Choose orchid potting mix, peat moss, fern matter, wood chips, gravel or perlite for your new orchid pot. Fill the new pot three-fourths full of the new potting medium.

Process

• Turn the orchid's pot on its side and tap it to loosen the old potting medium. Pull the orchid gently from the pot, brush old material off the roots, and trim back dead or damaged roots. Spread the roots over the fresh medium in the new pot, and pack more material over the roots and around the crown of the plant to fill the pot. Slide a bamboo stake into the potting medium next to a flower stalk, and use a clip to secure the stalk to the stake.