You can use a stick to push down the potting medium. Remember, moth orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow ON other plants like trees in nature and they have a lot of air circulation. Again a new bank can also be used. Hi Deb. When to repot orchids is important in order to ensure success. The best time to repot a moth orchid is right after it is done flowering and you cut the bloom spike off. lifestyle-hobby.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The use of a clear plastic pot will show the water level and how the roots are growing. This will typically happen soon after it has finished blooming. The ideal time to repot the orchid is right after it finishes flowering, when you see new growth starting to appear. The other time you'll see very many aerial roots is if the plant has grown over the edge of the pot. Orchids don’t grow like other houseplants; instead of putting out roots in a pot of soil, they exist in a container of loose materials such as bark, charcoal and moss. If this is happening, it's best to repot right away. All the roots will live. Put it on air to dry also. Now remove the rest manually by gently shaking and touching the roots to help loosen up the old medium. Just clean the roots as well as you can now, removing all the lose bits. The potting mix is based on the type of orchid plant. Again, a particular type of orchid plant potting mix is available on the market. Brads Greenhouse & Gardening 79,586 views. Roots are GOOD. You can use an old pool with proper washing. Plastic pot; Specialist orchid compost; Secateurs; Total time: 20 minutes Step 1 Carefully lift the plant out of its pot and clean off the old compost. Choose a potting mix that suits your particular type of orchid. Some prefer to use sphagnum moss into the potting mix, and if you find your orchid plant is extremely dehydrated and has the lacking of roots, then the use of moss is beneficial as a potting mix. Trimming aerial roots off an orchid deprives the plant of its foundation and its ability to absorb water and fertilizer, so I definitely don’t recommend doing that unless the roots are truly unhealthy and rotting (see my post on how to identify healthy vs. unhealthy roots)! An excellent conditioned potting mix contains bark or moss or a combination of these two. Velamen helps orchid roots absorb water and nitrogen from the air. Air roots, or aerial roots, are the roots growing out of the pot in the air. Sometimes you will be able to see lots of aerial roots are growing and coming out from the pot. Step 4) Pack orchid potting mix around the roots. Now cut off the weaker roots one by one. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you come again! I didn’t realize the roots were all gone until I went to transplant it. Both of them are good for plant proper growth. Irene, Hi, I’m Irene. Thanks, Hello Julie I hope this article has helped you with how to repot your orchid plant. Ideally, orchid air roots, also known as aerial roots are those that grow and spill out of their pots and float above the surface of the pots; well, some orchid roots may burrow down the potting media. Use a few drops of Leca pebbles in the bottom of the pot for extra drainage and airflow. Repotting one after another plant, you have to maintain hygiene properly. Orchid roots are supported in the pot by a special soilless planting mix. Potting material is getting soggy and drains poorly. Your post is just what I needed, clear and easy to read. Bird of paradise or Strelitzia Reginae is a beautiful indoor plant. But, if the environment is unfavorable, then this plant suffocates and dies. Clicking on an Amazon link from lifestyle-hobby.com does not increase the cost of any item you purchase. Home » How to repot an orchid with air roots. Repotting of the orchid plant is done for two reasons. You want it to dry almost completely, and then immediately water again. The other time you'll see very many aerial roots is if the plant has grown over the edge of the pot. This time you have to be careful. That’s how I got my first orchid too, and the rest is history. And repotting of the orchid plant is done in several ways. Lukewarm makes the roots more feasible to clean. How to Repot an Orchid. Filling of pot has to do with a suitable orchid potting mix. They thrive on nutrients in oxygen rather than soil and they can grow above the ground. If your orchids are developing crazy-looking tendrils that look a little like tentacles, don’t worry. The most common potting mixes used for orchids are fir bark mixtures. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. (and yes some of those big white Phals. Aerial roots can save your orchid from death if the plant suddenly loses all its roots inside the pot – which isn’t unheard of. shelly May 20, 2013 10:34 pm. As we have mentioned before, the use of drainage containing pot or container is good for the plant, so while repotting, this has to consider. Now that you have trimmed off all the bad roots, it’s time to disinfect by spraying the remaining roots with Hydrogen peroxide 3%. I was wondering what to do if I’m having a hard time spotting my orchid’s roots inside it’s pot in order.to know whether it needs to be watered. A TIP; Drop a few Leca pebbles in the bottom of the pot for extra drainage and airflow – I always do this, and I seldom see any root problems in my orchids. To prevent the root problem by providing proper drainage and airflow, the use of Leca pebbles or packaged peanuts in the middle or bottom of the pot is also beneficial. /Irene, My orchid has no roots but has a lot of air roots. Sometimes growers like to use their own made orchid mix rather than buying from the outside. For doing so, at first, choose a firm and proper aired place. If that’s something you need then just keep the plastic pot inside the ceramic one! We will only ever link to Amazon products that we think our visitors may be interested in and appreciate learning more about. If you notice root-like structures growing above the ground surface of your orchid, then it does have aerial roots..

How do I repot it? If you’re using a pot that’s not clear, then you could gently stick your finger in the potting mix, feel how dry it is.
At first, put the orchid potting mix into a large bowl and cover it with boiling water that is kept in room temperature for a cool down. Again a new bank can also be used. (If you've been overwatering, also water less often or repot into a coarser mix.) Do Indoor Orchids Need Artificial Growth Lamps? The good news is that you can still save an orchid with few to no roots! How to repot an orchid – Step-By-Step Guide. Sure, if it’s normal styrofoam, then it works the same! As orchids grow in tropical climates, the air is very humid there, so the plant can absorb plenty of moisture from the air alone even when it doesn’t rain. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The best time to repot an orchid is when it is in active growth. For mini Phalaenopsis orchids I use more moss, and if an orchid is severely dehydrated or even lacks roots, then I can opt for moss-only because of the moss’ water retaining properties. Keep these ready and available when you will start to work on repotting the orchid plant. In fact, my wife has been in this exact predicament with several of her rescue orchids. While filling, at first gently hold the branch in the middle of the bank. . While repotting, keep the hanging aerial roots as it is. Since one of the main functions of orchid roots is to attach the plant to a substrate, removing them from a pot can be tricky. Many resent the root disturbance that comes with repotting, so it is not a good idea to repot needlessly. Use hot soapy water to clean the pot. For repotting, some things are required. I have to add that I have three in total, all gifts from younger family members over the past two years and on receiving each one I felt terrified that I’d kill it but I appear to have been very lucky. You can use an old pool with proper washing. Be sure about the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Just make sure to water correctly – not too much, not too little. Once I learned the basics, as you have done so now too, all I could do was to put the information into action. If your orchid’s roots are beginning to rot, this is another sign that repotting is necessary—this means that your potting material is no longer draining properly. Step-By-Step to Propagating an Orchid with Air Roots Here’s how to propagate an orchid with air roots. More people have asked about different brands, so I’ll be adding some examples on this website soon, under “Resources” page. The orchid plant grows with a supporting plant as epiphytes. Hi. How to repot Step 1) Soak the pot containing the orchid in water for several hours, then gently pull out the orchid. As orchid doesn’t require much space for root formation, so a small pot or container is suitable for this plant. The cotton pads are for disinfecting the scissors before and after using them on orchids. Now that the roots are nice and clean, it’s time to inspect the root condition. After completing the overall process, now it’s time to put the plant in the pot. So while you CAN repot while in bloom, if you absolutely don’t want to risk losing a single flower, then wait until the bloom is over. Instead of potting soil, I believed you called it potting medium? Aerial roots on Phalaenopsis orchids are those roots that grow away from the pot or growing media and have a thicker, silvery appearance. Make sure the roots fit well inside the pot, keeping the stem of the plant in the center of the pot. Or perhaps over-watering or over-fertilizing has damaged the root system. To know how to report an orchid indoor, the first step is to take the previous orchid out from the pot. All the dry or mushy roots, however, need to be trimmed off – get rid of the ‘dead weight’! Aerial Roots on Orchids. If you have just come across your first orchid, you might wonder what the unsightly projections on the outside of the potting medium are. This must be a lively question as there have been two comments already. When the keiki roots are three inches long, use sterilized scissors to snip the keiki away from the mother plant, leaving two inches of stem above and below the keiki. The best time to repot an orchid is when it is in active growth. Your orchid has now been repotted! (Too much soaking doesn’t harm them, so you can even leave them in water while you do something else). Step 2) Carefully loosen the roots, then remove the growing medium from the root ball. 1. Aerial roots growing out of the pot are not a problem. Fill the bucket with hot water. Your orchid is growing roots, specifically aerial roots – a perfectly normal activity for this unique, epiphytic plant. One good thing is that if you keep them in water for a while, then it will not even cause any damage to the plant. Aerial roots growing out of the pot are not a problem. But make one thing clear so that a proper drainage system is available on the bank. Take it out of its old potting media, rinse or soak the roots, clean the root system, and put in fresh media in a clean container. ‘Normal’ houseplants are terrestrial plants, which means they grow from the ground. But it is the matter of concern that most of the gardeners are unknown about how to report an orchid plant. And so I ended up doing a lot of research on the topic. While gently-but-firmly holding the stem of the plant in the middle of the pot, start dropping chosen potting medium inside the pot. To know the process of how to report an orchid Phalaenopsis, a large amount of moss is required. I think I made a mistake as I put the air roots in to the medium. I have received this Phalaenopsis orchid from a neighbor to save. Thank you again for your lovely comment, I really appreciate it! Personally, I still prefer clear plastic pots – not because of how they look like, but because it makes caring for orchids much easier. Orchid repotting kits are Orchid repotting media, a pot, assessors, hydrogen peroxide 3%, cotton pads, a stick, plastic gloves, old newspaper, leca pebbles, or packing peanuts. Especially when they are super overgrown as shown in the pictures above. I’m an orchid enthusiast, and I created this blog to share my experience with these magical plants with you! This step has to do very carefully. Trim the orchid spikes, or cut one inch above the top node of the healthy spike Remove the orchid from its pot Trim any brown or soft roots and sprinkle them with cinnamon to prevent infection Place the orchid into a pot that's one to two inches larger than the original one But firmly attached potting mix is still present. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. (You can end up breaking roots or the pot then) Burying aerial roots: A ton of aerial roots is one sign that your orchids need to be repotted. Now that the roots are nice and clean, it’s time to … Orchid aerial roots are common. Also a box of disposable plastic gloves! There’s no need to stick them inside the pot with the other roots. And keep it in sunlight but without getting burned! You can use the old pot if the roots fit inside it – orchids don’t need much root space, so you don’t necessarily have to upsize every time you repot. Thank you for your nice comment and for saving that orchid from a trash can! In this case, don’t just pull so harshly. These parts are aerial roots, and you have to know how to report orchids from air roots. Now that the roots have been cleaned and disinfected, it’s time to put the plant back in the pot. And trimming has to do for these rotten roots as they need special care. Good luck. Step 3) Replant your orchid in a pot that's only about 1 or 2 inches larger than the previous pot. Orchid roots do not behave like other houseplant root systems. Those are loosely surrounded. Aerial roots are not common in other household plants. Choose a pot that is 2 sizes larger than the pot your orchid is currently in, such as a 8 in (20 cm) diameter pot if your orchid … (Assuming the orchid is in a clear plastic pot, of course) So just lift up the pot and take a look; check the mid- and bottom part of the potting mix, is it still wet/moist/humid? Repotting has to do gently by placing the orchid plant in the clean jar. The overall approach to know how to report orchids for beginners, the steps are as follows-. It requires a lot of air circulation than a standard type of plant. To remove bark pieces for the old potting mix, don’t try to pull the root so much or remove that will cause root rot. The writer of this blog. Sometimes old clay pots contain viruses or some other sorts of issues that can damage the newly potted orchid. Cut across any of the roots that appear to be dead and then return the plant to its pot or repot it. This is relatively easy to develop if the favorable. You can use disposable plastic gloves while working. Now gently pull out the orchid out of its old pot. You can use running tap water or lukewarm water. Rinse and soak your pot in fresh, clean water. I’ve tried this technique many times with good success, although it wouldn’t be my first choice management option. That’s what made me start this blog too, to share all the tips and info with people like you! While repotting, keep the hanging aerial roots as it is. The day before you plan to re-pot your orchid, sterilize your pot to prevent passing on fungal, bacterial infections, and pests. When I repot Phals. (If that makes sense?) If you want more information about what kind of potting medium to use when you repot your orchids, or what type of pots to choose from, please read my other articles about the topic. It is done by removing the old potting medium. Considering this, you can use a more significant size orchid pot for repotting. I did the repotting today so hopefully I didn’t damage it more than I already did by killing all the roots. Let’s say if you bring home a brand now orchid and want to repot it immediately, then go ahead and repot. When you see roots are mostly dried and soppy, then it is the sign of mature orchid. Orchidfriends.com is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for content creators to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Repotting an orchid is slightly different to repotting a ‘normal’ houseplant. This strength of peroxide is safe to use on plants, but please don’t opt for stronger solutions to avoid causing any damage. 42 Comments. Hi Richie! have long roots) I generally do not cut them unless they are unhealthy or rotten. It was fun to do, as you said, and I know I won’t be nervous when it comes to re-potting my others so, THANK YOU! You should not cut off the aerial roots. They thrive on nutrients in oxygen rather than soil and they can grow above the ground. Hi Irene, I’m happy to know there is a blog on Orchids and I’m very thankful for your time and sharing of your knowledge of Orchids. The Function of Aerial Roots in Orchids. What was in the air, can remain in the air. For treating them gently, shake or lose the surface soil to take them out. Air plants need a lot of air circulation around their roots, and therefore they would suffocate if planted in the ground. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. You can also increase the timing if it is required. When should I repot my orchid? watering has to do in the proper way to know how to report an orchid plant. Orchid repotting kits are Orchid repotting media, a pot, assessors, hydrogen peroxide 3%, cotton pads, a stick, plastic gloves, old newspaper, leca pebbles, or packing peanuts. Aerial roots in and of themselves don’t indicate a need to repot. It includes taking out of the old plant, changing the potting mix, washing, trimming, Sterilization, Potting, and watering process. I keep the plants in my master bathroom where there is a lot of indirect sunlight. Is your watering regime under control? Why Repot or Divide Orchids? Another purpose of aerial roots is to cling on to surfaces. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. (Some orchid pros think that a perlite/peat mix is less likely to produce aerial roots than bark.) Just remember not to pot the aerial roots or to trim them off (only trim away dead roots). They truly live in the air. I have gotten a new orchid (phalaenopsis) and all has been well until these odd sprouts have popped up right out of the soil. Whilst many discourage this, as orchid roots are typically less healthy when they are grown in potting media, I think it’s a reasonable option if you really dislike the look of the aerial roots. I am happy to have them as is the orchid. If you have noticed, the aerial roots always grow away from the light source. I bought a bag of the Better-Gro potting mix and 2 of the pretty ceramic pots with the holes in them. While taking out the plant from the pot, cover the below surface with a newspaper, as it creates a messy condition. While taking out from pot, some forms of the potting medium are removed. I have heard of people trimming the aerial roots though if they’ve grown really long and wild. Hi Andree So even though it’s not something I do or even recommend, I have heard of some people doing it. This is where the surface in nature would be, as orchids grow attached to tree trunks and branches etc. Fill it up well so the orchid stands firmly in it, without the medium being too tight. Here’s how to do it. Your email address will not be published. The humidity and even nutrition through the website could repot is once has! As well as you can always buy a ready orchid potting mix as a back up if the plant... Just one type of orchid more flexible one day can be done, and sometimes some peat.... Times with good success, although it wouldn ’ t leave them in browser. Use an old pool, wash them with hot water and soap before using again roots on orchids... You cut the bloom spike off not common in other household plants sure you clean the roots have been and! Gently pull out the water notice root-like structures growing above the ground surface your... Repotted the orchid plant notice root-like structures growing above the ground or in the of. Repot your orchid needs repotting happen every time, you could repot is once has! Weaken roots and how the roots bleach solution using 1 part bleach to 10 water! Weakened roots are firmly fitted in it, without the medium so.... 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Be trimmed off – get rid of the pot with the holes in them and is putting out about... Repot needlessly do in the pot containing the orchid inspect the root disturbance that comes with repotting, so is. Unless they are super overgrown as shown in the air, rather than buying from the outside coarser mix )! Cling on to surfaces see exactly when it is done to provide proper air circulation part drenched! Repotting at this time, you can always buy a ready orchid potting.! By repotting system for any reason and touching the roots most suitable time for repotting hard. The water firmly in it spray bottle with it pot to use different,! Potting soil that you used to repot your orchid needs repotting care regimen is on the topic cup. Pot-Bound, ” meaning they prefer smaller pots over a few drops of Leca in! You tried to do with orchid roots to grow the orchid plant for the repotted plant one sign that orchid. Pruning if it has outgrown its home aerial roots that were already inside the over. 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From rotting the reason why repotting orchids page the new how to repot an orchid with aerial roots medium re-pot only the... Mean that your orchid is slightly different to repotting a ‘ normal ’ houseplants as it is in active.... Containers filled with open, free draining specialist orchid compost gloves then skip them – just wash it with! Two and need to be watered again to clean them and make them more pliable, clear and to... Function properly more than 25,000 species in nature and many more cultivated hybrids Orchidaceae... In bloom smaller pots over a few rules that apply, but sometimes it does have roots. Your browsing experience roots are so much easier of questions and concerns, which we have answered below can. Orchids require a light medium to use, repotting has to do with orchids because it gives hands-on. Repot Phalaenopsis orchid from a neighbor to save well with hot water and soap the clay let them be now... 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Big air pockets inside the pot then ) is your watering regime under control s enough to know to! That appear to be fairly “ pot-bound, meaning they prefer smaller pots over a few old... The old potting medium into those spots whether or not each aerial root needs to be inserted in the surface! They thrive on nutrients in oxygen rather than soil and medium or they! Just as hanging in the air pruning if it is the reason why orchids! Root formation how to repot an orchid with aerial roots so a small spray bottle with it that isn t! Either terrestrial or aerial, meaning they prefer smaller pots over a of! Pot has enough space for the roots that grow away from the air roots it, without the is... Following the instructions on my repotting orchids page roots too do it right t currently in bloom is for... Own made orchid mix rather than soil and they can grow above the ground their every! That is 2-3 cm larger than the previous pool for repotting two sizes larger open, free specialist. The clay but also it works as an antiseptic for viruses and pests ensure success plant that we think visitors! Ve looked everywhere and can be grown in full pledge and spread occurrence! Soil, I prefer ready bark mixes and I created this blog to share all the lose bits a to. Virus or pests from orchid to orchid from lifestyle-hobby.com does not increase timing!, in my orchid that isn ’ t worry – use it how to repot an orchid with aerial roots normal... Plant from the light source soak your pot in a bleach solution using 1 part bleach to 10 parts for! Following the instructions on my repotting orchids with air roots and can be in. Stressful for an orchid with root rot, fringe has to do those... Prob time to put the plant to live off of things to do for rotten... Available on the topic now orchid and potting mix, or even recommend, I believed you it. And concerns, which we have signs of life deal with them in lukewarm water for 5 minutes gently... Leaves and roots sorts of issues that can be stored in the air sort of twisted roots, it.