How to Transplant Old Orchids

Choose a new pot for the orchid. These plants prefer to be slightly rootbound, so do not increase the pot size by more than 1 to 2 inches. Clear plastic pots are ideal as they allow you to see the orchid's roots easily. You can slip the plastic pot into a more attractive outer pot for display if you like.

Remove the orchid from the current pot by laying the pot on its side and gently squeezing and tapping until the plant slips easily from the container.

Shake the orchid to remove the old planting medium. Inspect the roots and carefully cut off any that look black, damaged or feel mushy. Do not cut healthy green roots unless it is necessary to fit the orchid into the new pot. Do not cut away the roots that are aerial, or growing up into the air, as long as they will fit into the new pot.

Drop a handful of orchid bark planting medium into the bottom of the new pot. Holding the orchid carefully, position it in the middle of the pot. Gently spread the roots so they are not bent at any sharp angles, too crowded or poking out of the bark.

Fill the pot with orchid bark medium, tapping the pot to settle the bark and using your fingers to push bark around the roots. The planting medium should be tight enough to hold the plant in place with no large gaps but not so tight that roots are being crushed. Leave 1/2 inch of space between the bark and the lip of the pot to make watering easier and do not cover the swollen base of the orchid.

Mist the newly repotted orchid and the bark medium twice a day until you observe new root growth. Keep the orchid in a lightly shaded location until you see it is established with new root growth and then return the plant to its normal growing location.