
Orchids are fascinating tropical plants. They need special care. As a Phalaenopsis lover, you know that repotting is important.
You should repot your orchid every two to three years. This is necessary when the substrate rots or the pot is too small. Proper root treatment and care are important for your orchid.
In their natural habitat, orchids grow on trees. They absorb nutrients from decaying material. For the best growth, use a special orchid substrate.
It consists mainly of pieces of bark that decompose slowly. This ensures that your Phalaenopsis grows well.
Key findings
- Repot orchids every 2-3 years
- Use a special orchid substrate
- Spring is the best time to repot
- Root treatment is crucial for plant health
- Follow special care after repotting
The right time to repot orchids
Repotting is important for the health of your orchids. There are times and signs that show when it is time.
Optimal times of year for repotting
Spring is ideal for repotting. Shoots and roots grow quickly during this time. The end of January to the beginning of February, when the days get longer, is the best time.
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Signs that repotting is necessary
Observe these signs for emergency repotting:
- Greasy or moldy substrate
- Slumped soil
- Muddy roots or too much aerial root formation
- Yellow leaves (except the lowest ones)
- Large root mass with little substrate
- Vermin infestation
Salts may also have accumulated, even if everything looks fine. A change every one to two years helps roots and health.
Repotting during the flowering period
It is better to repot after flowering. But if necessary, you can also repot during flowering. Be careful to avoid stress.
Your orchid can usually survive this without losing any flowers.
Repotting orchids – step by step
Orchids should be repotted every two to three years. Spring or fall are the best times for this. With the right preparation and technique, repotting is easy.
Materials and tools required
You need the following for repotting:
- Special substrate for orchids
- New orchid pot (slightly larger than the old one)
- Clean, sharp scissors
- Disinfectant
- Spray bottle with lukewarm water
Preparation of the plant
Water the orchid well before you start. Carefully remove it from the old pot. Carefully loosen the old substrate from the roots. Thorough root loosening is important.
Root treatment and substrate change
Carry out a root pruning. Remove dry or rotten root parts with scissors. Healthy roots are firm and white or green. If the plant is infested with pests, immerse it in water for a few hours. Then choose an air-permeable special substrate.
Potting into the new container
Choose a pot size that is just a little larger. Fill the pot with substrate in layers. Make sure that the root neck is level with the edge of the pot. Spread the substrate evenly and tap it down lightly.
Step | Important points |
---|---|
Pre-watering | 2 days before repotting |
Substrate cleaning | Completely remove old material |
Root pruning | Only remove dry or diseased parts |
Substrate distribution | Fill in in layers and press down lightly |
After repotting, moisten the leaves with lukewarm water. Repeat this over the next few days. This will help the plant to acclimatize. Repotting is easy with these instructions.
Special care after repotting
After repotting, your orchid needs special attention. Appropriate care will help the plant to recover quickly. This will help it take root in its new home.
Watering and fertilizing rules
It is important to take a break from watering for a few days after repotting. Give your orchid about a week’s rest. This will allow small root injuries to recover.
Then start watering with weekly dipping baths. Make sure to remove excess water from the planter. This will prevent root rot.
You should suspend the fertilization interval for four weeks. Then fertilize every three weeks with special orchid fertilizer. Fertilizing is only permitted in flower-free phases.
Correct humidity
Orchids love a tropical climate. Support air humidification by occasionally spraying the leaves with lime-free water. Alternatively, you can set up water bowls.
These measures simulate the natural environment. They promote the growth of your orchid.
Observe the regeneration phase
Give your orchid time to acclimatize after repotting. Avoid direct sunlight and keep the temperature even. The duration of root regeneration varies depending on the species.
Watch your plant for signs of new growth. With the right care and a little patience, you can help minimize stress. Your orchid will soon be back in full bloom.
Conclusion
Proper care of orchids is very important. It ensures that the plants are healthy and bloom often. An important step is repotting, which is necessary every two to three years.
Spring is the best time for this. This is when orchids grow most vigorously.
Special orchid substrate must be used when repotting. A mixture of pine bark, coconut fibers, peat or sphagnum moss is ideal. This gives the roots the necessary support and enough air.
Care must be taken when transplanting. The roots should be firm and light green to silvery. Anything that is brown or soft must be removed.
After repotting, proper aftercare is important. The plants should be watered regularly, but not too much. Warm water in the morning is best.
A special orchid fertilizer also helps with growth. With the right care, orchids can flower long and often. It is important to know the needs of each orchid species.