How to repot an orchid without killing it - in 6 simple steps
You should add this task to your to-do list every two to three years
Orchids are some of the most elegant plants out there. And while they can live up to 20 years when cared for correctly, you need to know how to repot an orchid to enjoy its blooms year after year. After all, orchids can quickly outgrow their pots.
Watering, room temperature and light levels are essential when caring for an orchid, but you must also monitor its growth. And while pruning orchids can increase flowering, repotting is the only way to ensure your plant continuously gets the space and nutrients it needs to grow. If not, the roots may start growing out of the container, or the plant may become completely root-bound.
However, repotting houseplants can be a daunting process, and it can be highly stressful for the plant. That’s why we’ve contacted experts to ensure you know how to repot an orchid without killing it. And, thankfully, it’s easier than you’d think.
What you’ll need
With eight pots in this set, you should have enough to repot your orchid multiple times over the next couple of decades. They also have drainage holes and a water tray.
Step-by-step
1. Choose the right time
Knowing when to repot houseplants is important, as choosing the wrong time could result in damage, disease, or even death for your plant. And if you want to know how to repot an orchid, you must follow the same rules.
Experts suggest repotting an orchid as soon as you get it home, as they are often planted in pots that are way too small for proper growth. Then, you should repot them every few years to keep them in top form throughout their lifetime - which is longer than you’d think.
Morris Hankinson, Managing Director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, explains, 'Orchids are grown in potting soil that's thicker than regular potting soil and breaks down over the course of a few years. This can impact the health of your plant but can be avoided by repotting into the new soil. It will differ between soils and plants, but you should consider repotting every 2-3 years.'
However, you should only do this after the blooming period has ended to prevent any future problems. Because of this, the best time to repot an orchid is late spring or early summer.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
Morris Hankinson is the founder and managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, the UK’s only specialist grower-retailer of hedging plants. He established the thriving business in 1992, shortly after graduating with a Commercial Horticulture Degree from Writtle College, Essex.
2. Pull the orchid out of the pot
To repot an orchid, you need to move it from one pot to another - and this involves some gentle pulling. However, be careful when pulling the orchid from the pot, as you want to avoid pulling off any leaves.
Instead, grab the plant as close to the soil as possible and pull that way. With a gentle tug, it should come out of the pot quickly. If it doesn’t, you may need to try another method.
Root-bound orchids don’t come out of the pot as easily, so you may have to grab a pair of scissors and cut them out of the plastic container. Then, you can loosen the root ball and shake off any excess potting mix before moving on to the next step.
3. Cut off any dead or diseased roots
Without the pot or potting mix in the way, you should be able to inspect the root ball of your orchid plant. And you might notice that some roots stand out from the crowd.
Brown, shrivelled roots are likely dead or diseased, so you can take this opportunity to cut them off with secateurs. Doing this will ensure that you repot an orchid in its healthiest form.
Just remember to sharpen your secateurs and clean your garden tools before doing this.
4. Plant in a new pot
You can repot your orchid when you’re happy you’ve trimmed off the dead roots. If your orchid has grown its pot, you should aim to repot your orchid in a pot that’s at least 1-2 inches bigger than the original. If your orchid was particularly root-bound, however, you may need to choose something larger than that.
However, this isn't always necessary. Morris says, 'If you haven't had to damage the pot to get the plant out and if your plant still has plenty of space to grow, you could repot using the same pot. Make sure you wash it first!'
Whichever option you choose, you should also ensure that the base of your orchid’s leaves will sit just below the rim of your new pot, so double-check this before adding in any potting mix.
5. Fill with fresh potting mix
You should always use fresh potting mix when repotting an orchid to give your plant the best chance of survival. Fill the pot as tightly as possible.
Graham Smith MCIHort, a gardening expert from LBS Horticulture, says, ‘Position the orchid in the centre of the pot, then fill in around the root ball with orchid compost, ensuring that there are no gaps.’
As the orchid potting mix is bark-based, you may find that large pieces of bark get stuck amongst each other and create these gaps. So, you can eliminate those gaps by tapping the pot on the table and pressing down firmly until all of the roots are completely covered.
6. Water your freshly repotted orchid
When that’s done, you can then water your orchid before placing it back in its home - a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
For this first water post-repotting, you may want to place a saucer underneath the pot if you don’t already have one. When the water comes out onto the saucer, you can stop pouring and tip this excess water down the drain, as you don’t want to overwater it.
Then, you’ve successfully repot an orchid! Simply care for it as usual (you can even try the potato hack if you want) and pop this task in your calendar for two or three years.
FAQs
Do you bury air roots when repotting orchids?
If you’re repotting an orchid with air roots, you shouldn’t bury them. Air roots are different to the roots at the base of your plant, and their job is to absorb moisture and oxygen from the air. Because of this, you should leave them to do what they’re designed for.
In fact, burying air roots when repotting orchids can cause damage to the plant, and you may find that it struggles as a result.
Is it better to repot orchids wet or dry?
Although some people say that repotting orchids when they’re wet keeps the roots pliable, this also leaves them susceptible to root rot. Because of this, it’s better to repot orchids dry so you can control the amount of moisture they’re exposed to.
So, if you plan to repot your orchid, do this a week or so after watering to allow the plant to dry out. When you’ve finished repotting, you can then give it a good water.
What happens if I don't repot my orchid?
If you don’t repot your orchid, the roots will outgrow the container, and it’s highly likely that your plant will become root-bound. Left for too long, your orchid will die.
This is because root-bound plants struggle to get all the water and nutrients they need to survive and will often succumb to disease and rot. As time passes, orchid potting mix also loses all its nutrients.
Graham Smith from LBS Horticulture adds, ‘Over the years, their compost mix that can consist of bark chips and moss will begin to break down and become compacted. When the compost becomes compacted, this will reduce drainage in the soil.’
This is why it’s so important to repot your orchid every few years.
Lauren Bradbury is a freelance writer and major homes enthusiast. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from the University of Chichester in 2016, before dipping her toe into the world of content writing. After years of agency work, writing everything from real-life stories to holiday round-ups, she decided to take the plunge and become a full-time freelancer in the online magazine world. Since then, she has become a regular contributor for Real Homes and Ideal Home, and become even more obsessed with everything interior and garden related. As a result, she’s in the process of transforming her old Victorian terraced house into an eclectic and modern home that hits visitors with personality as soon as they walk through the door.
-
Should you cut grass in November, or have you missed the boat? This is what the experts had to say
Time is running out
By Lauren Bradbury
-
A garage playroom was completely transformed into vibrant yet calming ensuite bathroom
See how this couple create a dreamy retreat in their home
By Dilly Orme
-
Cult-fashion brand RIXO has launched a homeware range - you'll want to save up for its show-stopping cushions
RIXO already has a cult following in the fashion world, and now it's coming for homeware
By Rebecca Knight
-
Should you cut grass in November, or have you missed the boat? This is what the experts had to say
Time is running out
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Can you protect plants from frost with bubble wrap? It works, but you'll need to use it the right way
It's a popular frost protection method, but how effective is it?
By Sophie King
-
The 5 bulbs to avoid planting in pots, according to gardening experts - or risk being disappointed by your floral displays
Discover which bulbs to never plant in pots for a beautiful garden display this spring
By Holly Reaney
-
Does ivy kill trees? Experts reveal whether this invasive plant can cause serious damage to your garden
Ivy can be problematic, but not all the time
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Where is the best place to plant snowdrops? How to choose the best location for sweeping spring displays
Wondering where to plant snowdrops? Here's what the experts say...
By Sophie King
-
How to save pumpkin seeds for planting and grow next year's Jack-o'-lanterns for free
Preparations for next Halloween start now...
By Sophie King
-
When to cut back rudbeckia - the date to remember if you have black-eyed Susans in your garden
You have two options to choose from
By Lauren Bradbury
-
The best shrubs for full sun – grow these plants in a sunny spot to unleash their full potential
These shrubs thrive in the sunshine
By Sophie King