How to Repot a Nun's Cap Orchid

Nun's orchid (Phaius tankervillae or Phaius grandifolius) is one of the easier orchids to grow. A terrestrial orchid, it thrives planted in containers with well-draining soil high in organic matter. The root system spreads quickly, and repotting is recommended every two years after the flowers fade. Nun's orchid also propagates easily from division, which is usually performed during repotting. This is a traditional pass-along plant, so be sure to save a bulb or two to share with a friend.

Bucket
General orchid potting mix
Humus-rich potting mix
Container
Sharp knife (optional)
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Mix into a bucket 1 part general orchid potting mix with 3 parts of a potting mix high in organic matter, such as African violet mix. Stir in water until the mix is damp but not wet.
- 2
  Choose a container at least 2 inches wider than the current container. Fill the container one-quarter full of the potting mixture.
- 3
  Remove your nun's orchid from its container. Use a sharp knife to cut away outside bulbs or to divide the entire root ball, if you are going to divided your plant at this time.
- 4
  Place the root ball or sections into the new container and add soil to lift the root ball to about 1 inch from the top of the pot. Continue filling the pot, packing down the mix around the root ball with your fingers.
- 5
  Add timed-release orchid fertilizer pellets at the rate of 1 teaspoon per gallon of soil. Mix it into the top inch of the soil and water the plant well. Place your nun's orchid in bright but not direct sun.

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