I received a new orchid as a lovely gift and really want to help it thrive. It seems very healthy at this time but I’m sure I need to repot it from the store plastic container it presently lives in. Where can I get the best advice for when and how to repot this poor baby that has been entrusted to my care?
Best environment you can put it is somewhere with high humidity like a bathroom. They vine onto trees in humid environments which is why ppl opt for bark to mimic those conditions. I wouldn't repot for a while only so it isn't too shocked. They don't like to be disturbed while blooming so I'd wait until they start falling off. If U don't want the br, humidifier is gna be best bc that middle part doesn't like to hold onto water, so while I mist some plants occasionally, I don't recommend it with these bc still water can become a nono real quick. Very suseptible to rotting. In my experience, I've seen tons of videos where ppl put them in straight water halfway, bc they have air roots as well for oxygen, and I dont recommend it. Too much water for the roots that soak up, and it just rotted half of the roots for me. Just orchid bark in my experience. I have yet to try making a kokedama out of them, but they seem rly cool I'd look into it if interested in that art form.
2 likesThanks!! Very helpful info!!
1 likeTo reiterate on some of what gunkbuggie has said, don’t repot while they’re blooming or it will almost certainly drop its flowers. Place in bright indirect light is best. Once the flowers have fallen off then repot. If you are new to orchids you definitely want it in a clear insert pot with drainage, this way you can see the roots easily (which will come in handy later!). The medium should be a very large chunky mix, as they had said, straight orchid bark is a great choice, or an orchid specific mix (sometimes comes with large perlite, charcoal, bit if sphagnum moss). It also allows for lots of air flow around the roots which orchids need. Watering…orchid roots are like sponges, they like to absorb a bunch of water and then dry out. Here’s where seeing them comes in handy, orchid roots will be white/silvery when it’s time to water and bright green when they’re full. The best way to achieve this is to fill up your pot with water so just the roots are covered, let it soak for 15-30 mins or so, and then DRAIN out all the water. When they go white again you water again. DO NOT water this way if it’s in a straight moss medium. The moss will absorb WAY too much moisture and you’ll definitely get root rot. Don’t get any water into the leaves, if you do, use a q-tip or something to get it all out. These are quite hardy plants and can actually be quite easy to maintain once you get the hang of your plant :)
6 likesThanks!!
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