How to Transplant a Dendrobium Orchid

Prepare a new clay pot one to two sizes larger than the old pot. Use pots with drainage holes for orchids to ensure quick, complete drainage. Fill the pot three-quarters full of fir bark and orchid potting mix to give the orchid drainage and air circulation. Dendrobiums don't like tight, thick, traditional soil.

Turn the current orchid pot on its side. Grasp the orchid at its base to support it, tap the pot firmly to loosen the potting media and pull the orchid from the pot.

Brush the Dendrobium's root system with your hands to remove any old potting soil. Inspect the root system for dead, diseased or rotten roots and trim them off. Healthy roots are green or white, firm and moist.

Place the Dendrobium in the new pot with roots spread and the plant resting against the side of the pot. This placement provides better security and growing room.

Pack more orchid mix and fir bark over the roots to fill the pot. Slide a bamboo stake into the potting medium next to each flower stalk and clip the stalks to the stakes to support them during growth.