Repotting orchids is essential to the health of the plants as they may struggle when they become rootbound or the potting media breaks down and no longer provides the same benefits. Thankfully, repotting an orchid is a three-step process, ensuring the plants have the room and potting media they require to grow.

Discover how and when it's time to repot orchids, the step-by-step directions to ensuring they are properly repotted, and details on how to care for your orchid after the process.

When to Repot Orchids

Repot every one to two years or when the plant is overgrown

Choosing the right time to repot an orchid is crucial to the plant's overall health, as it may suffer when it becomes rootbound in its pot. As a general rule of thumb, it is ideal to repot orchids every one to two years in the winter or spring when new root growth develops.

There are several signs it is time to repot an orchid:

  • The plant is overgrown. The orchid is one of many tropical plants that likes to be a little root-bound because it traditionally grows on trees. When an orchid is overgrown, you may notice plenty of roots shooting above the soil. They may also wrap around the outside of the pot. It is time to repot and find a new home for your orchid when you notice these excess roots.
  • The potting mixture holding onto moisture is a sign the plant needs a new home as the potting medium has broken down and is no longer providing the proper drainage or aeration.

A larger pot than the original one is good if the orchid has grown plenty of new roots, but sometimes a similarly sized pot (if not the same pot) will suffice. Avoid repotting if you don't notice any overgrowth or soggy potting mixture.

Tools You'll Need

All the essentials for repotting orchids

With knowledge of when to repot orchids, there are a few essential tools to ensure the process is hassle-free.

  • Orchid potting mix
  • A pot the same size or the next size up
  • Gardening gloves
  • A trowel
  • Sterilized knife or scissors
  • Stake and clip
  • Fertilizer
  • Natural light or grow light

Step 1: Prepare the Materials

Gather fresh potting media and a new pot

While orchids require repotting every other year to refresh their soil, they may not always be ready to fill a larger pot.

Orchids also need a specific type of potting mix to thrive, and it is good to use fresh potting medium to ensure proper drainage when repotting.

  • Orchid potting mix is usually soil-free and consists of equal parts of fir bark or coconut husks, charcoal, and perlite.
  • This blend improves the aeration and drainage that orchids require.
  • Most nurseries and garden centers will have potting mix specifically labeled for orchids.

Once you gather the necessary pot size and potting mix, put the two together!

  • Fill up the bottom quarter of the pot with potting mix.
  • Then, moisten the potting mix in water to remove any small fragments.

Step 2: Remove the Orchid from its Old Pot

Carefully loosen roots and remove the orchid

With the materials prepped, remove the orchid from its old pot.

  • Sometimes orchid roots attach to the pot, so carefully lift the plant from its original container.
  • Loosen the roots, gently pulling them away from the pot. If they are stuck, use a sterilized knife to lightly pry them from the bottom and sides.
  • Using your hands, remove the old soil and use the knife or scissors to cut away any dead or rotten roots and leaves.
  • Loosening the roots slightly and removing old debris prepares the plant for its new home and new potting mix.

Step 3: Plant the Orchid

Replant the orchid in its new pot with fresh soil

With the pot, potting media, and orchid prepared, it is time to plant!

  • Place the roots of the orchid in the pot, ensuring the crown (the part of the plant that connects the leaves and the roots) is above the soil line.
  • Apply more potting mix on top of the root system. Shake the pot, tap the sides, and gently press the potting mix into the pot to ensure it has properly worked its way around the root system. It is best to do this process slowly and steadily to avoid any air pockets.
  • Finally, make sure the plant is upright by using a stake and clip to hold it in place.
  • Water the orchid after repotting, ensuring the water drains from the bottom of the pot.

Orchid Care

Orchids needs regular fertilizing and watering to thrive

After repotting, provide the right lighting, fertilizing, temperature, pruning, and watering routine for your orchid.

Lighting

Place orchids in east- and north-facing windows with six hours of sunlight per day. Otherwise, use a grow light, about 6 to 8 inches above the plant, for 12 to 16 hours each day.

Fertilizing

Orchids require fertilizing every two weeks in spring, summer, and fall with a fertilizer high in nitrogen (N-P-K ratio of 30-10-10 is ideal).

Temperature

Orchids thrive in temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and buds develop in fall when temperatures drop to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

After blooming, cut off the flower spike, removing the spike just below the first flower. Bloom times range from December to April, depending on the type of orchid.

Watering

Water orchids every four to five days until the water drains from the bottom of the pot. Avoid keeping orchids wet as they are sensitive to overwatering.

Aside from the plant outgrowing its container, it is good to repot orchids to refresh the soil. Either repot the orchids every one to two years or when its roots begin growing out of the pot. The plants thrive in well-draining potting media made up of equal parts of fir bark or coconut husks, charcoal, and perlite. Apply water after repotting and then continue to water every four to five days, supplying around six hours of indirect sunlight per day.

Do you know anyone who is growing an orchid? Share what you learned to lend a helping hand!