When To Repot an Orchid

When should I repot my orchid?

Repotting orchids can be very fun! I was scared out of my mind to start this process though! I had no idea what I was doing and thought I would, for sure, kill all my orchids. But once I got the hang of it and followed this tutorial, I was fine!! This post explains both the need to repot orchids and when to do so.

Why is it important to repot?

It is important to repot your orchids because they have most likely been in the same mix for quite some time and their mix will eventually break down. And if you got them from a store they have probably been overwatered or underwater and repotting is also the best way to see their roots system. Some of the ones I repotted had horrible roots and would have died if I had not repotted them.

Most websites say to repot all your orchids every 6 months to 2 years depending on the plant because their mix breaks down and smothers the roots. They love fresh new mix. I use the Classic/Imperial Orchid Mixes from rePotme.

Okay so here some pointers, as to when to repot.

Normally in the summer your orchids will loose their blooms, if grown naturally. If you received an orchid in the summer and it is in bloom, it was most likely forced into bloom by a nursery. You should always repot orchids when they go OUT of bloom. This gives them the best chance at a successful growth phase which should create the following flower phase. Orchids will smother if they remain in the same medium too long, they are air plants and need oxygen at their roots. Usually repotting every 2 years is adequate, though many will benefit from annual repotting. Your orchids, once you know them, will tell you when they need repotting…they will either be growing up and out of their pot or will show signs of suffering.
Below are signs that will tell you when to repot –

1. New Orchid: If you get a new orchid that is in bloom, enjoy it and water it gently. AFTER it is done blooming, you should repot. I always repot my new orchids after they have dropped their last bloom because I want to see their root system and evaluate their future care.

Note: If you repot an orchid that is in bloom you will most likely experience bud blast. Bud blast is when an orchid protects itself by dropping its blooms. Repotting an orchid shocks it which can effect any buds and/or blooms.

2. Roots growing out of the pot: If roots are growing up and out of the pot and they are OUT of bloom, it is probably time to move up in pot size and give them fresh mix (the pic at the top of this blog shows an example of an orchid growing out of its pot). Typically you would go up an inch or two in diameter of the pot. If they are in 4” we would go to 5, 5.5 or 6” depending on the root zone size.

Note: Many orchids have ariel roots that are normal and not a sign that an orchid needs a bigger pot. For example Phalaenopsis orchids often have a root that will grow in between their leaves. This is normal.

3. No pot drainage: You will also want to “drop pot” if your orchid is potted in a pot that has no drainage hole. This is one of the only times you will want to repot while your orchid is in bloom. Click this link on why your orchid will die if it has no drainage hole!

Here is a guide as to when orchids are naturally repotted;

• Brassavola = Winter/Spring
• Cattleya = Spring/Fall
• Catasetum = Spring
• Cymbidium = Spring
• Dendrobium = Spring
• Doritaenopsis = Fall/Winter
• Epidendrum = Spring
• Encyclia = Spring
• Laelia = Spring
• Ludisia = Winter/Spring
• Lycaste = Spring
• Masdevallia = Spring
• Miltonia = Fall
• Miltoniopsis = Fall
• Odontoglossom = Winter/Spring
• Oncidium = Winter/Spring
• Paphiopedilum = Spring
• Phalaenopsis = Spring/Summer
• Phragmipedium= Spring
• Psychopsis = Spring
• Sophronitis = Spring
• Stanhopea = Spring/Fall
• Vanda = Fall

Hope that helps,

Hannah

Feel free to leave comments or questions.

 

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How to make a Humidity Tray

How do I make my own humidity tray?

Humidity is essential to healthy orchids – as explained here. I recommend these humidity trays from rePotme if you were to buy them. I have two stands already but since my orchid collection has expanded I wanted to save some money by making my own humidity trays (as shown above). It's easy and actually quite pretty.

Here is what you will need;

1. A bucket of rocks. You can use beach or river rocks, basically any rock you find aesthetically pleasing.

2. Find the right platter or tray. You can use literally anything that will hold water (Tupperware/saucer/ice cube tray) and is large enough to hold the base of your orchid pot.

3. Water.

Put it all together… Easy as 1-2-3

1. Clean the rocks with hot water (NO soap). Place them level in the platters/trays (rocks work well in trays because they are sturdy enough to hold your plant up while allowing water to pool in your tray).

2. Fill with water to just below the tops of the stones. Remember that YOU DO NOT want your orchids to be wet at their roots (as explained in the link, orchid roots will rot and die placed in standing water).

3. Place your orchids on top of rocks…not touching the water.

And Your Done!

Note: Make sure the water in your tray is regularly filled up. Check more frequently in the summer because the water will evaporate quicker.

Hope that Helps,

Hannah

Feel free to leave comments or questions.

 

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Humidity and Orchids

Do orchids need humidity?

*Above picture is my orchids on humidity trays

 

Orchids LOVE humidity! The natural environment of an orchid is a hot, humid and rainy jungle. In this environment orchids are naturally designed to have their leaves funnel rain and humidity down to their roots.

Because of their need for humidity, I place my orchids on humidity trays. As the water in the humidity tray evaporates, it rises thereby increasing the humidity around the plant. Humidity trays allow water to collect in the base while the plant is suspended ABOVE the water, so their “feet” aren't wet. Orchids do not like to have their roots and the bottom part of their pots soaking in water. Most house plants like water left in their saucers. NOT ORCHIDS, their roots will rot if this happens and they will die!

Orchids are also very social, in that they benefit from being close together because this helps to raise the humidity among the plants. Orchids love humidity and air movement. Just think about where they normally live! Try to have a good balance of humidity and air movement. Not too much and not too little:)

You can buy a humidity tray or you can make one from a pan filled with stones. I purchased the three tier tray from rePotme and I also have made my own.

If you live in a super dry house you may even want to put a small humidifier near your orchids. I can going to try this over the summer:)

Hope that helps,

Hannah

Feel free to leave comments or questions.

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Fertilizing Orchids

Do orchids need fertilizer?

Orchids love orchid fertilizer, year round, because they like the extra nutrients to let them grow that they would normally get in nature. Fertilizer is also a good tool because even the best mix breaks down over time and you want to make sure your orchids are getting enough nutrients. This extra nutrients allows for your orchids to grow bigger blooms, healthier roots and sturdier leaves. Keep in mind that orchids do not require very much fertilizer. I recommend a diluted amount (or a time release formula) on a regular basis for optimal orchid care.

When purchasing fertilizer make sure it’s specifically orchid fertilizer. Orchids require special orchid fertilizer and mix. You should not use normal houseplant fertilizer.

Note: if you only have one or two orchids and don’t have fertilizer it’s ok – your orchids will be fine without it. Fertilizer helps boost already healthy orchids. It’s a helpful tool but not necessary for the survival of an orchid.

My fertilizing methods – there are many types of orchid fertilizer below are the two I like the best.

I use two different methods. The first method is what I use for my orchids and the second is what I use when I give orchids away to friends (because it is easier).

Method #1 – I use FEED ME! MSU Orchid Fertilizer – the famous fertilizer studied at Michigan State University.

photo copyright rePotme.com from this page

You can buy this at www.rePotme.com. You will want to mix liquid FEED ME at 1 oz/gallon in the fall/winter and 1.5 oz/gallon in the spring and summer (50% more increase in the spring/summer is because orchids are in their most active growth season and need more strength). You do not have to use the batch right away, it will last and can be used the next time if you don’t use it all at once. I normally just mix it in a gallon jug of water and store it in my cupboard.

Even if you don’t use this fertilizer make sure you increase whatever fertilizer you use in the spring and summer, because this is the active growth season for orchids.

Here is what I do;

1. Water orchids first! As stated in my previous post, the easiest way to water an orchid is to take it to the kitchen sink and flood it with water. The water will run right through the pot as most orchids are potted in free-draining mixes/pots. (Make sure your orchid has a drainage hole in the bottom, if not click here because your in trouble!!) Walk away for a few minutes, come back and flood it again with FERTILIZER. Resist the temptation to water it too frequently, orchids hate that. There is no set schedule for watering so make sure you do the pencil check just in case!

2. Fertilize 3 out of every 4 times. On the 4th time, you should only water, which flushes out any salts that can build up in the mix. So on the 4th time… flush with water. Wait five minutes. Flush with water again.

If you are wondering how much fertilizer to use remember that when in doubt, too little is better than too much. Don’t try to make up for not fertilizing by giving a hefty amount all at once. Too much fertilizer can actually burn the roots.

Method #2 – Granular Time Release Fertilizer

I just acquired FEED ME! in granular form, which is a time release plant food. This is a simple and gentle way to feed your orchids and house plants. It works over 4 months at temperatures of 70° F and above.

photo copyright rePotme.com from this page

One of the main causes of “root burn” is over fertilization. Even using conventional fertilizer may cause root burn because too much fertilizer can reach the roots at one time. Time release fertilizers virtually eliminate this problem because it has a high tech capability to control the release of nutrients to insure the plants are not exposed to too much at one time.

Granular fertilizer has its place, in lieu of liquid fertilizer, when you don’t have the option of regular watering and/or you just want an easier option. And it is helpful for me when I am giving plants away to insure that their new owner is fertilizing them.

Here is what to do…..

1. Apply, as directed, evenly around the pot rim. Do not apply directly to plant stems, leaves or flowers.

2. Water as normal.

3. Don’t apply to recently repotted orchids or week/root damaged orchids until two weeks after new root activity has been observed.

Hope that helps,

Hannah

 

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Watering Orchids

How should I water my orchid?

So someone has given you a beautiful orchid or you picked up one from your local grocery, what now?!

I normally wait for my new orchid to (almost) completely dry out before watering it for the first time. I do this because most of the orchids I receive have been overwatered before I got them. One of the major damaging things you can do to an orchid is over water it. You can actually kill it by overwatering it (it will get Root Rot). I explain this further below.

Note: You do want to make sure that there IS a drainage hole at the bottom of your pot. Click this link if there is not because your orchid will die with no drainage!!

How should I water my orchid?

I have consulted MANY growers/suppliers and orchid lovers on this!! The best way (that I have found) to water an orchid (indoors) is the following;

1. Bring it to your kitchen sink
2. Let faucet water “freely” run through the pot into the sink. Make sure you “flood” it enough so that water runs through the pot flowing out the drainage holes in the bottom.
3. Leave it for a few minutes and then repeat (click here for tips on fertilization). I use diluted fertilizer that is mixed with water – so I first water and then pour the fertilizer through it.
4. Take a paper towel/napkin and gently dab any extra water that has pooled in the leaf base.

Note: If your orchid is in a decorative pot with an inner plastic pot. Take it out of the decorative pot and follow the steps above. Then wait to put the plastic pot back in the decorative pot – let it stand out for a few hours before putting it back in. This insures all extra water has drained out and doesn’t pool at the bottom of the plant.

If you water your orchids this way, the water will run through the orchid and the orchid can absorb what it needs while the rest of the water flows out. NEVER….NEVER…..NEVER let water pool at the bottom of your pots and never let it sit in water (as a normal houseplant would). Most normal houseplant like to have some standing water around them. Orchids, however, are different from normal house plants in that they will experiece “root rot” if left in standing water. Root rot is literally when the base of the orchid starts rotting which spreads to the roots and then the leaves. It is very hard to manage but my link on it shows how to battle it once it starts.

Root Rot is what kills most orchids and is why watering correctly is so important. It is also the most common mistake new orchid owners do. Don’t feel bad if you have discovered that you are watering wrong because it is so common. Most people see their orchid suffering and assume it needs more water – just like you would with a normal house plant.

How much should I water my orchid?

You want to wait to water your orchid until it has sufficiently dried out. Most of my orchids get watered every 10 – 25 days depending on when they dry out (what season it is), between waterings. I keep notes on my orchids to keep track of when they were last watered and some need watering more then others. Despite what many websites say, there is NO set schedule for watering your orchids. If you live in Arizona as opposed to Florida your plants will dry out at different speeds. Also what type of mix you use will dry out at different speeds. You eventually will “know” your own orchids and you will learn when they need watering.

How can I tell when my orchids need watering?

You can check to see if your orchid needs watering by pushing a pencil/wooden chopstick (or your finger) down in the soil and seeing if it absorbs a bit of water, if not, it’s time to water. I don’t use the pencil method because my orchids have been potted in clear pots and I use premium sphagnum moss. I can see when they need watering by looking at their roots (which turn a silvery green when in need of water) and when the moss gets “crunchy” to the touch. As shown below, the orchid on the right needs to be watered. The roots are dry, silvery and not bright green. The one on the left has been freshly watered and the roots are bright green.

Most orchids come in a pot that you are unable to see the roots and are potted in a bark mixture (which makes it hard to see if there is moisture left near the roots) – so that is why the pencil idea works. If you are lucky enough to get an orchid that has a clear pot then you can see if the mix is dry or wet and if the roots are dried out. I suggest eventually repotting them in clear pots as shown in this entry.

Orchid Watering MYTHS

I have found all of these myths on orchid care cards I received with orchids I bought from local stores.

1. Use ice cubes to water your orchids. MYTH. I know that on a lot of those “orchid care cards” it says to put two or three ice cubes in the orchid once a week. This is crazy! First of all, the cold water will shock them, remember these are tropical plants that are used to living off trees in a very warm and humid environment! Now I know a lot of people who do this and it does not kill an orchid (orchids are very hardy) but a lot of these same people have had problems with their orchids re-blooming. I wonder if the shock of the cold contributes to this?

2. Water your orchids every 4 – 5 days (or whatever). MYTH. Orchids dry out differently so you can’t have a set method of watering them. You have to watch and see when they need water. You will have a set method once they are your own but that will depend on your climate and your mix. They will tell you.

3. Lots of people treat orchids like normal houseplants. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen someone’s orchids sitting in water. Most times it’s when people have watered their orchid, in it’s pot, and the the outer pot has no drainage and upon lifting it out it is sitting in pooled water. YIKES! These orchids will die because their roots will rot in these conditions.

Hope that helps,

Hannah

Feel free to leave comments or questions.

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Why a blog about orchids?

My name is Hannah. I love my life. I have a wonderful family, loving friends and a sweet husband! I have had the best job ever, taking care of mounted police horses…I feel very blessed.

My love for orchids began when my husband asked me to marry him with a beautiful white Phalaenopsis orchid (and a ring of course)!!

A few years ago I received some orchids and had no idea what to with them. You see, I was very intimidated by orchids because I had heard they were so hard to care for. I started doing a bunch of online research, and I found a lot of confusing and contradicting information. The whole process seemed so daunting!

What I have now found is, orchids are actually quite easy…..IF you know what to do! I have found what works for me and I truly hope it works for you! I have Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums and Cymbidiums orchids.

I started this site for beginners, like me, who want to find easy and accessible answers on how to care for orchids. I have compiled many of the good ideas from the web and local growers that have helped me care for my orchids and I hope you find this information helpful. Feel free to leave a comment, ask questions, or suggest a topic!

Hope this helps,

Hannah

Feel free to leave comments or questions.

 

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My First Orchid

*Above picture is one of my white Phalaenopsis orchids

Hi! and welcome to a new world. A world of orchids. If your new to this world, like me, you need not be afraid! Orchids have a reputation of being really hard to grow but are actually very easy if you take some time to learn what they need. Click HERE for the most common orchid questions.

Orchids have also been known to be expensive but based on the fact that with good care an orchid can be in bloom for several months a year and can live indefinitely, they are an excellent value as far as blooming plants go.

Orchids are not like other potted plants. Orchid care is not difficult, it is just different. They are epiphytes which means that they do not grow in dirt. Most of them grow by hanging or clinging onto the bark of trees in nature.

Caring for an orchid is not hard if you have the right tools and hopefully this site will help you to be successful! I have found very useful information on orchids that you can look through. I collected it from all over the internet and from local growers.

I hope this helps,

Hannah

Please feel free to leave questions or comments!!

 

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