Replanting an orchid differs from similar actions with other indoor flowers. This is because most representatives of the orchid family belong to epiphytes - “aerial” plants that in nature grow not in the ground, but on the trunk and branches of trees. They don't need land at all.
An adult orchid needs to be replanted at least once every 2-3 years.
Therefore, if you decide to transplant an orchid in the same way as the usual violet or geranium, then be prepared for unpleasant consequences. With an exotic flower you need to act differently. But as? Let's look at all the significant nuances of the process (with step-by-step photos!) using the example of the phalaenopsis orchid.
How do you know when it’s time to replant an orchid?
Typically, orchids at home need to be replanted every 2-3 years. However, there are some signals that indicate the need to transplant earlier:
- the culture is cramped in the container, so the roots began to emerge from the soil and climb out of the drainage holes;
- the appearance of children;
- rotting of the root system (change in color of the roots, becoming softer);
- the orchid has “outgrown”, so it has begun to rise above the flowerpot, the green mass looks more voluminous than the container in which it grows;
- sometimes you can observe a deterioration in the condition of the plant due to the fact that the substrate has begun to deteriorate;
- Not every disease or established pest can be dealt with at home; sometimes you have to take extreme measures and completely replace the soil mixture.
Time factor
When is the best time to replant an orchid? This depends on the specific variety, but most species are recommended to be moved to a new location in the spring, since warmth and plenty of light will help the flower survive the difficult period of adaptation. Children are not sent away in winter and autumn.
There are also several signs by which you can understand that the plant is ready to move. For example, if a baby appears, then the flowers need to be planted before it takes root. The bright green color at the tips of the roots also signals that the plant needs to be moved to fresh substrate.
There is no need to disturb during flowering; replanting is permissible only for an emergency reason.
How to choose the time to transplant orchids?
Without taking into account replanting an orchid after purchase, the time for replanting at home is selected taking into account the condition of the plant and the phase of its development.
For example, a flowering plant can only be replanted if it is sick or was flooded during irrigation.
In other cases, replanting is best done after flowering.
Substrate
It is important to know not only when you can replant an orchid, but also what substrate is required for this. The stores are full of ready-made mixtures for orchids. But you can cook it yourself.
The main component of the substrate for orchids is bark. Mostly pine bark is used, less often larch bark. It is best to get the material from sawmills or timber warehouses. You can also collect it in the forest - you need to carefully, without damaging the tree, cut off pieces of bark, avoiding rotten and affected areas.
Next, the material must be crushed to pieces of 10-15 mm. Then the bark is boiled in a water bath to eliminate the possibility of infection, and dried well.
Experienced gardeners, in addition to the main material, fill the substrate with additives - moss, charcoal, nut shell, etc. It is not recommended to add peat.
For beginning lovers of exotic plants, it is better to use a monosubstrate - only from the bark.
Occasionally, an unconventional substrate is used, for example, expanded clay, pieces of polystyrene foam or mineral wool. But usually flower growers with extensive experience carry out such experiments.
What is needed to transplant orchids?
If you decide to replant your green pet, then you need to know how to choose the right new pot and soil where the flower will develop in the future.
How to choose a suitable pot
When choosing a container, you need to pay attention to its size, material and the needs of the orchid itself during the development process.
IMPORTANT! Since orchids are quite tall, for additional stability at home they are placed in a heavy pot so that there is free space (1-2 cm) between the walls of the pot and the pot.
- Roots are actively involved in photosynthesis processes, so special orchid pots are always transparent and have a large number of drainage holes not only at the bottom, but also on the sides.
- This flower culture at home does not require very spacious containers; they prefer tight spaces. If you decide to replant because the flower has become crowded, then the new pot should be larger than the previous one by only 1 cm in diameter. Remember that the diameter must be equal to the height.
- Plastic planters are easiest to make as many drainage holes as needed, but this will compromise the weight of the planter and may cause it to fall over without a heavy planter.
- In ceramic containers, roots often grow to the surface. As a result, the next time you plant, you can easily injure the root system. Also, during the evaporation of moisture, chemical compounds will form on the walls that are harmful to the health of the orchid.
- A clay pot with a coating on the inner walls will not allow the roots to grow, but it itself should be light in color so that the roots do not overheat in the summer season.
What kind of soil do orchids need?
The new substrate for planting must meet several requirements:
- Acidity in the range pH=5.5-6.5;
- Quite loose, light and breathable.
Of course, stores offer a large selection of ready-made substrates for this flower crop. When purchasing, pay attention to which group of orchids this or that ready-made substrate mixture is suitable for: for epiphytic ones it is “Mixture for Phalaenopsis”, and for terrestrial ones it is “Mixture for Cymbidium”.
INTERESTING! Some gardeners, when purchasing ready-made substrate mixtures, additionally sift the soil to get rid of excess peat and earth dust. After this, you can add a little disinfected tree bark.
Some gardeners prefer not to buy ready-made substrates, but to prepare them themselves at home. There are a lot of “recipes” for soil, let’s look at some of them:
- Mix charcoal and bark in a ratio of 1:5. The resulting mixture will provide good air circulation and low moisture content.
- Mix in a ratio of 2:1:5 sphagnum moss (pre-chopped), charcoal and pine sawdust, wood chips.
- Mix peat, coal, humus and tree bark in a ratio of 1:1:3:1.
Components for making your own substrates at home can also be purchased at the store if you don’t have them. Additionally, you can add components such as expanded clay, pumice, fern roots, and shells.
Timing of orchid transplantation, how often to carry out the procedure
Orchids at home do not need frequent replanting. It is enough to carry out the procedure once every 2-3 years. It is during this time period that the properties of the substrate change:
- the concentration of nutrients decreases;
- acidity increases;
- the salt balance of the substrate is disrupted;
- the soil swells greatly, becomes less breathable and begins to decompose.
It is best to replant as planned in the spring: the crop is emerging from a dormant state, but has not yet entered the active growth phase.
How to prepare an orchid for transplantation
At home, it is better to replant orchids not in a dry, but in a moist state. Water thoroughly before use. When watering, use anti-stress agents (for example, Zhiva fertilizer) to help the crop survive the event with minimal damage.
What soil should I replant in?
Every novice gardener asks the question - in what soil should I plant Phalaenopsis?
Substrate for Phalaenopsis can be purchased at the store. The main component of purchased substrates is pine bark.
Other components can be added to it: sphagnum moss, charcoal, fern roots.
The main thing you should focus on when choosing soil is its looseness and good ventilation. The components must be of a large fraction and not caking. Fine-grained soil is unsuitable for Phalaenopsis orchids. It is better to purchase pure pine bark.
Another option is to prepare the soil yourself. For this:
- Collect pine bark from fallen trees (do not touch living pine trees!)
- Rinse the bark well in water.
- Using pruning shears, chop into pieces measuring 1.5 - 3 cm.
- Boil the bark for a few minutes to remove residual resin, pests and pathogenic fungi.
- After boiling, rinse the bark again with boiling water or re-boil.
- Place on trays to dry.
On a note! The orchid can be transplanted into a substrate that is not completely dried.
How to replant an orchid step by step photos
There are several ways to replant an orchid at home. Let's look at the most popular of them and the features of each planting.
Landing in an open system
This is the classic method of growing this flower crop. In this case, a regular pot is used with drainage holes designed to evaporate excess moisture and circulate air. A detailed description of how to transplant orchids into a new pot will be given below.
Planting in crown pots
Crown pots differ from ordinary ones in their design, which allows them to hold the substrate, but almost not cover the roots. The transplantation technology does not differ from the classic method into another pot.
Planting an orchid on a block
The technology is like this:
carefully remove the orchid from the previous container without damaging the roots, get rid of the remaining substrate around the root system, get rid of rotten and old roots;
prepare the future block: it can be tree bark, dried and scalded with boiling water. The length and width of the block should be slightly larger than the root system (it is necessary to leave room for root growth);
use sphagnum moss as a cushion for the roots: wrap them around the moss, secure the orchid on a block: with fishing line, wire, rope, tie the “pad” of moss to the block, do not forget to attach the neck of the flower;
the block can be placed in any flowerpot or on a vertical surface.
Planting an orchid in a water system
It is necessary to transplant according to the following method:
carefully remove the plant from the previous container without damaging the roots, get rid of any remaining substrate around the root system, clean the root system of rotten and old roots, wash the roots in running water;
pour clean water (so that most of the root system is immersed in it) at room temperature into the future growing container; you can add special anti-stress components for habituation after transplantation;
if necessary, fix the peduncle; in the future, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the flower and, as necessary, increase/lower the water level in the system.
Next, we will consider a step-by-step algorithm for planting an orchid in a new pot at home.
Reader Questions
Understanding how much attention this flower culture requires, readers ask many questions.
Is it possible to replant an orchid in the fall?
Some species of this flower go to rest in October, while others bloom.
In September, it is necessary to reduce the amount of fertilizing and lower the night temperature to 14-24 degrees so that the seedlings are prepared for winter.
When November comes, feeding is excluded for many types of orchids, except those that bloom.
Is it possible to replant an orchid in the fall? If a transplant is required, then the time of year does not matter. The autumn flower will also grow well, the main thing is that the transplant is not carried out during flowering.
Is it possible to replant an orchid without cutting off the peduncle?
It is possible, but it is better to shorten it after the fourth or fifth bud. Orchids with peduncles that have buds are replanted, taking part of the old substrate.
How to minimize stress
Transferring it to a new pot with the addition of new soil will not bring much stress to the flower.
What to do if the orchid withers after transplantation
The first reason for wilting is overheating of the roots. Do not place the flowerpot in direct sunlight. In winter, you cannot place it on a windowsill if there is strong heat coming from the radiator.
Watering. Dry substrate is the most important signal. If you water more often or less often, the roots will either dry out or rot. After watering, the soil should completely dry out.
Do not apply too concentrated potassium and phosphorus fertilizers. From them, the root system can either rot or dry out.
What should be done:
- Having established the cause, move the orchid to a cooler place;
- Place the flowerpot in a container of water at room temperature for 1 hour;
- Remove all fertilizers;
- Spray with water from a spray bottle;
- Move the flower to the brightest room, where the hot rays of the sun do not reach.
Transplanting orchids into another pot at home step by step
Slowly and carefully free the old pot from its occupant, without destroying the earthen ball or damaging the rhizome. If it has grown to the walls, you can carefully cut/break the container and separate the roots with a non-sharp object.
Gently shake and use a small stream of warm water to wash away the old soil from the root system.
Sick, dry, blackened roots need to be removed. To do this, use sharp, alcohol-treated scissors. The sections must be treated (for example, with brilliant green or crushed coal). During the pruning process, living roots should not be touched. This can lead to illness.
If you find traces of pests on the roots, soak for several hours in warm water and treat with fungicides.
Do not touch the transplanted specimen for 7-10 hours. Leave it on a dry, clean cloth to allow the orchid to dry.
In addition, it is allowed to trim off faded buds and yellow leaves, and disinfect the cuts. This way you will help the flower develop more actively.
The new pot into which you plan to transplant the orchid must be disinfected with any antiseptic.
Apply drainage as the first layer, then place the orchid inside.
Fill the soil evenly, distributing it throughout the volume of the pot. There is no need to try to immerse the entire plant in the substrate.
Choosing a pot
Is it possible to transplant an orchid into a regular pot? No, regular ceramic, glass or plastic containers will not work. You need to buy a special pot for orchids that will meet a number of requirements.
- The container should allow air to freely penetrate to the roots, that is, the walls and bottom of such a container have holes or cracks.
- Stagnation of water is detrimental to orchids. After watering, it should flow freely into the pan.
- Since rhizomes need light, the container should be made of transparent or translucent material. For example, made of transparent plastic.
- The wall material must have a smooth texture, otherwise the roots will grow into them and they can be damaged during transplantation.
- The size and shape of the container is important. The tropical beauty does not like cramped conditions, but it does not feel well in a spacious pot. Therefore, when choosing a pot, you need to take into account the volume of the root system. In a young specimen, the roots should fit into the container freely, without bending or twisting, but at the same time fill the entire space. For subsequent planned transplants, take containers with a diameter larger than 2 cm. Ideally, the entire root of the plant should freely fit into the new pot with small gaps of 1-2 cm on the sides.
- As a rule, for medium-sized orchids, choose a container with a diameter of 12 cm.
- The ideal shape for a regular pot is also known - it should have the shape of a truncated cone, and its height should be equal to the larger diameter.
One of the common mistakes when choosing containers for an exotic flower is buying a container only with vertical slits along the walls.
How to replant an orchid after purchasing it in a store
After acquisition, the orchid must remain in quarantine for a certain adaptation period (18-20 days). During this time, existing pests and diseases will have time to manifest themselves.
In this case, it will be necessary to transplant the plant into a new pot and substrate. When planting a flower after purchasing, be sure to use products that can minimize stress on the orchid and help it take root without damage.
If you do not find pests and the flower is healthy, then replanting after purchase is not at all necessary, so as not to unnecessarily disturb your green pet in the updated conditions of detention. Instead of planting, simply wipe the flower stalks, leaves and holders with salicylic alcohol (1% solution diluted in water in a ratio of 1:3).
Is it possible to replant a flowering plant?
An emergency transplant during flowering can be done for a number of reasons: an army of pests has appeared on neighboring plants, you notice signs of rotting or other diseases. An orchid is also replanted after purchase, even during flowering, if it is obvious that the flower does not feel well in this soil. We will tell you how to do this below.
Sometimes you have to make a choice: a long life of a plant with delayed flowering or short days in bloom and the death of the orchid. If you want to see your plant healthy and pleasing to the eye for many years, then do not ask whether it is possible to replant the plant during flowering. It’s better to cut off the peduncle and replant the beauty.
Replanting orchids during flowering
Representatives of this decorative flower culture attract with their beauty and long flowering period. Fortunately, it is permissible to replant at home during the period of active flowering. There is no need to wait for flowering to complete. Tapping on the walls will help the soil move away; stuck roots can be carefully separated with wooden tools.
To separate the old substrate from the roots, rinse them with running water or leave them to soak for a while (the water should be at room temperature). Next, replant as described earlier.
Does the plant need to be transplanted into a new container?
The substrate of a store-bought orchid most often consists of tree bark with the addition of moss, peat, and charcoal . The nutrients contained in such a mixture last for 2–3 years. Only after this period has passed should you think about replanting the plant. And also if:
The root system has grown enormously, and the plant literally “jumps” out of the pot.- An unpleasant smell of mold and rot appeared, and the roots, which were bright green (in a wet substrate) and silver-gray (in a dry substrate), turned brown or began to turn black.
- The general wilted appearance of the plant, the leaves began to turn yellow and dry out.
- The substrate sank significantly, and a lot of free space appeared in the pot.
Read more about when is the best time to replant an orchid here.
How to replant orchids of different ages
Phalaenopsis of different ages undergo the transplantation process in different ways.
Orchid baby transplants
It is worth separating and replanting the children at home only if the roots reach 5 cm in length and at least 3-4 leaves have grown on the stem.
Using a sharp knife, cut off the baby along with the stem, leaving 1 cm on each side. Be sure to treat the cut areas (for example, with activated carbon).
There are no special differences from a regular transplant. The soil needed is the same as for a new purchased plant. Do not choose a very large container: when the baby grows up (in about a year), transplant it into a larger pot.
How to replant old plants
The only difference between orchids of different ages is the thickened and, as a result, fragile roots of older specimens.
Therefore, it is important to be extremely careful at every stage of transplantation. Also pay special attention to pre-watering: you can even put the pot in a large container of water for 10 minutes to make the roots more elastic.
To compact the new substrate, use moderate pressure of warm water. The roots that remain a little peeking out should not be forced inside so as not to damage them.
Preparation
The more responsibly you approach the transplant, the more successful the process itself will be. Before you get started, prepare everything you need: disinfected scissors or a sharp knife for cutting faded peduncles, a new transparent pot, fresh loose substrate, an activated carbon tablet.
If the orchid has just finished delighting you with its flowering, then the peduncle needs to be cut off. After this, you can begin the process of replanting the plant.
What to do if a lot of roots have dried out?
If the air shoots begin to dry out, then you just need to cut them down to living tissue (treat the sections with cinnamon or charcoal).
If, after transplanting at home, the roots in the substrate begin to dry, then the plant will have to leave the pot: cut off the peduncle, get rid of all dried roots and treat the damaged areas with phytosporin and then with charcoal.
Afterwards, you need to start the process of growing the root system. If it was possible to rehabilitate the orchid, new roots (5-6 cm long) began to form, then it can be replanted in fresh soil mixture.
What kind of pot is needed - capacity requirements
A pot for orchids must be transparent. This condition is necessary in order to observe the development of roots and monitor the condition of the soil. If desired, transparent containers are placed in a pot that is pleasing to the eye. We recommend choosing a larger pot. It will be enough if the new container is several centimeters wider than the previous one.
Before replanting, the new container is disinfected, and then only a layer of drainage is laid out.
Caring for orchids after transplantation
When you transplant a crop to a new place, it needs to be properly cared for at home so that it grows well and blooms luxuriantly.
Light mode
For at least 10 days after the procedure, the orchid must be kept in a place where direct sunlight does not penetrate. It is best if the lighting is diffused but sufficient. That is, darkness will not work either.
Watering
In the next 2 weeks after planting in a new container, the watering regime changes. No irrigation needed. Firstly, the roots have not yet taken root and cannot absorb water properly.
Secondly, at home, if there is a lack of moisture, the rhizome will not be susceptible to fungal diseases. Watering must be replaced with daily spraying.
In this case, the water must be warmed up to at least room temperature. There is also no need to fertilize in the first 3 weeks after transplantation.
Temperature
Next, the temperature regime is important for the flower: the optimal temperature will be +18-21°C.
Further care
- After transplanting, place the flowerpot in a shaded place where the temperature is 23-28°C.
- Create air humidity - 60-70%.
- The first watering is after 7-10 days, when the substrate is completely dry.
- The first feeding is after 2-3 months, so as not to burn the roots.
For the growth of young roots, stimulants should be used. They need to be sprayed and watered:
- Zircon – 4 drops per 1 liter of water.
- Succinic acid – 1 tablet per 1 liter of water.
- HB-101 – 1 drop per 1 liter of water.
- Immunocytophyte for spraying – 0.5 tablets per 1 liter of water.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it permissible to transplant an orchid into a pot with a narrowed neck?
You can't do that. The reason is that then when replanting you can easily break the roots of the flower.
Is it possible to replant an orchid at home in the summer?
Yes, you can. But the summer heat can take a lot of the flower’s resources, so the adaptation period after transplantation may be delayed.
What anti-stress medications should be used during transplantation?
“Zircon” and “Epin” are suitable, which will increase the plant’s immunity and help during the adaptation period.
Reasons for emergency transplant
However, situations arise when it is necessary to replant an orchid urgently. The need for forced relocation arises for the following reasons:
- The rhizomes have noticeably dried out or changed color to black. Even if blackness appears in places, the flower must be moved to a new container with fresh substrate.
- The leaves have changed color to pale or yellowed.
- The substrate retains moisture for a long time, 5-7 days after watering. This is an indication that the bark has decomposed and begun to rot.
- The rhizomes are sticking out of the pot; the capacity is obviously too small for them.
- The container is less than half the volume of the green part.
- The children have sprouted and need to be planted.
- Parasites appeared on the foliage or roots, which did not disappear even after spraying with an insecticide.
Any of these signs means that the orchid needs an emergency transplant. And there is no point in delaying this.
For which species is it better not to do this?
Phalaenopsis tolerates the procedure most easily during this period - it quickly adapts and practically does not lose buds.
However, there are also capricious varieties. These include:
- cymbidium;
- dendrobium;
- angrecum.
