My Orchid Keeps Growing More Roots

Repotting

• Orchids require periodic repotting for controlled growth. Repot orchids every two years, or judge based on the presence of roots. Orchids roots crave air and space and grow out of their pots when they become crowded. If your orchid has roots growing through the drainage hole of the pot or up out of the potting medium, it's time for a new pot.

Pots and Foundation

• Put the orchid in a larger pot with a drainage hole to give it more room to grow. Choose a pot one full size larger than the old pot, or measure the orchid's root spread and use a pot large enough to hold the entire system. Fill the new pot three-quarters full of loose, airy orchid potting material such as fir bark, peat moss or gravel.

Divide and Transplant

• Tip the orchid's pot over and tap it firmly to loosen the existing potting foundation. Grasp the orchid's base and pull it from the pot. Use your other hand to control and direct any exposed roots, and avoid damaging the root system. Clean the root ball off to expose the entire root system and trim away dead, dried or rotten roots. If your orchid is particularly large, divide it at the roots to propagate a new plant. Cut the root system at natural divisions to leave each new plant with at least three to five bulbs or growing nodes. Larger divisions demonstrate better adaptation and survival. Give each orchid division its own pot.

Replanting

• Place the orchid root systems in their new pots with the crowns at the lip of the pot, and any growth against the side of the pot for support. Cover the root systems with potting medium to finish the planting, then secure the plants with bamboo stakes and clips. Put the orchids back in their designated growing locations and water as usual for continued growth.