How to properly repot orchids and avoid mistakes? Orchid expert Skaistė Pranaitė explains the entire orchid repotting process in detail on LRT’s «My Garden,» airing every Sunday morning at 9 am. Here are the detailed steps. Potted plants can also beautify your balcony or patio. In an online workshop titled «Creating Modern Vase Arrangements,» we exchanged various ideas: while everyone can grow petunias, this workshop focused on more interesting plants and design principles.
When to transplant orchids
It is recommended to transplant orchids:
- Every two years (unless some disaster occurs);
- If it does not flower for several years in a row (a happy plant should flower at least once a year);
- When the container becomes too small for the plant;
- You notice that the roots have begun to rot or mold;
- When the substrate rots.
Important: repot when the plant has finished flowering.
Remove the orchid from the pot, free the roots from the old substrate. Before transplanting, Skaistė recommends examining the orchid’s roots very carefully: some of them will probably need to be removed.
Read more
3 beautiful flowers that will help you fight parasitesGently touch the roots:
- If they are hard, then they are healthy.
- If the root or part of it is softened, it may be rotting, so this part of the root should be removed.
Don’t be alarmed when you see light green, white, greenish roots – they are not necessarily damaged. Moistened roots are green, if watered earlier they become pale, this is normal. Therefore, only check the hardness of the root.
Cut with a sharp, disinfected tool: scissors or shears are perfect for this.
Once you have removed any dead or rotten roots, you are ready to transplant the plant.
Read more
Grave carpet plants – Geltonas KarutisNew pot
For transplanting, Skaistė uses a transparent plastic pot: orchid roots love receiving light. Such a choice is also very practical, because you will be able to notice if the roots are not rotten or moldy.
A common mistake is choosing a new pot that is too large when transplanting. Pay attention to the width of the pot: it is important that there is a space of a couple of centimeters between the roots and the edge.
Measure: Before pouring the substrate into the pot, position the orchid so that the roots curl into the pot. Insert your finger to check that the space between the roots and the wall of the pot is not too large. When we filmed an example of transplant for the show» This is my garden», we didn’t even need a larger pot – we tried it and decided to transplant it into the same pot.
And if you want beauty, the plastic vase can later be inserted into a decorative ceramic one.
Read more
connection, launch and first impressionsSubstrate for orchids
The old substrate is no longer suitable: it is often worn and, above all, saturated with salts resulting from irrigation.
You need to choose a substrate intended for orchids: there are several types. Skaistė mixes the substrate of pine bark, perlite and ceram.
It is best to choose pine bark specially designed for this purpose. Those intended for mulching will not work, they may contain impurities unsuitable for orchids. Skaistė also advises against using the bark of pine trees growing in Lithuania. It is too soft and fragile, it breaks quickly.
Pearls become serami
Since the bark absorbs little water, Skaistė uses perlite and ceram granules to maintain humidity. They absorb water and gradually release it to the plant.
Read more
The most common mistakes, why it is not possible to grow sproutsHow to transplant orchids
Transplant process:
- Cover the bottom of the pot with pine bark: they will perform a drainage function and prevent the roots from getting wet.
- Place the plant in the pot. It is important to find the right height: neither too deep nor too high. The bottom of the green part of the orchid should be flush with the edge of the pot.
- Add a handful of perlite and ceram granules – they will crumble between the bark and roots of the pine trees.
- Peel the bark layer again.
- Pour in some perlite and ceram granules.
- Fill the remaining spaces with pine bark. Simply take pieces of bark and scatter them where they fit.
If there are air spaces after planting, it is not a problem. Over time, the orchid will spread its roots as it sees fit and fill in the gaps.
Conclusion
Repotting orchids might look intimidating at first, but if you follow the right steps and focus on the details, it turns into a manageable and fulfilling task. As expert Skaistė Pranaitė points out, knowing the specific requirements of orchids is key to preventing typical errors. Unlike many other indoor plants, orchids need a special kind of soil, good drainage, and careful care of their delicate roots. Clearly written step-by-step directions make sure that orchids not only get repotted properly but also do well afterward.
One of the key parts of repotting orchids is the right timing and preparation. Picking the right pot, ensuring proper air flow to the roots, and using fresh and appropriate soil are vital. Hurrying through the process or choosing the wrong materials can cause root rot or damage, which can harm the plant. With some patience and knowledge, you can greatly improve your orchids’ chances of healthy growth and plentiful flowers in the future.
One of the key parts of repotting orchids is the right timing and preparation. Besides being indoor plants, potted plants—including orchids and other decorative plants—add beauty to outdoor areas like balconies and patios. A nicely arranged vase of flowers lets plant enthusiasts express their creativity while enhancing the appearance of their home. While common plants like sea ferns are widely found, more unique mixes can bring personality and appeal to any area. Knowing design basics, like balancing height, color, and texture, helps turn simple plant setups into modern and attractive displays.
The connection between proper plant care and aesthetic design is evident. Whether repotting delicate orchids or arranging plants on a balcony, knowledge and keen observation are essential. Expert guidance, such as advice offered in training courses and workshops, helps gardening enthusiasts experiment with confidence and avoid common mistakes.
latest posts published
how to recognize the problem and how to save your lawn
Growing Peas for Beginners: Here’s What You Need to Know
3 ways to clean the gaps between pebbles – without chemicals!
Collecting sprouts: the most common mistakes
my review on the greenhouse harvest –
Which plants and how to cover the garden at the end of winter?
Take care of the graves in autumn, so that they are beautiful even in spring
what you will find in Lithuania if you decide to try it
English style: how to create one in Lithuania
