Repotting Orchids, How To Repot Orchids

admin March 3rd, 2010

Growing orchids is becoming more and more popular. As beautiful as orchids are they need a special attention. They are delicate plants and you need to know how to take care of orchids properly.

 

The delicate blossoms of these tropical plants are a delight and worth the effort needed to keep these plants healthy and happy away from the tropical habitat where they thrive naturally. Many people become frustrated with their attempts to grow orchids when they enter their dormant phase. But with patience and proper care you can keep your orchid alive and thriving to bloom another day.

1. In the tropics, orchids receive a refreshing shower periodically. To simulate this environment, place your orchid in the sink and pour room temperature water gently over the entire plant, leaves and all. Be sure and allow tap water to sit in a pitcher 12 to 24 hours to allow the chemicals to evaporate. Continuing to water your orchids after flowering is still an essential ingredient to proper orchid care.
2. Repotting orchids every 12 to 24 months. To do this, first remove the orchid from the pot it is currently in. Shake the roots to loosen and remove the old potting mixture. Then, rinse the roots gently and trim away any roots that have died. Place the plant in a pot that is just a little bit larger. Add potting mixture that is designed specifically for orchids filling in around the plant. Water thoroughly.
3. Be sure the pot you choose to put your orchid in has plenty of holes. You can purchase ceramic pots that have large openings in the design of the pot on the sides. These are ideal for orchids. Check the pot periodically to make sure that drainage holes have not been clogged.
4. Orchids enter a dormant phase after they have finished their blooming cycle. This lasts anywhere from 10 weeks to 9 months. Orchid care after flowering requires that you keep them out of the direct sun and away from rigorous airflow. Filtered sun is all they need and perhaps a small fan. Make sure there still is sufficient potting material in the pot to sustain the plant. Add extra if needed.
5. Orchids after flowering can be hung from a tree branch in a location that receives indirect sunlight. The extra humidity they receive outdoors is very good for the orchid. The plant may not look like it is growing and you may even wonder if it is still living. It is very busy storing up energy for its next round of blossoms, so be sure and keep it on its regular schedule watering and fertilizing schedule.
6. When the outdoor temperature reaches down into the low 50′s, bring the orchid back inside. The cooler temperatures will promote the new flowering spikes that will eventually result in another round of blossoms.
7. Orchid care after flowering requires that you remove the spikes after all of the flowers have dropped. There are several ways that this can be done. Some people leave the spikes on the plant for a couple of weeks as they continue to feed and water as usual. Sometimes a new spike will appear on an old one resulting in a number of blossoms. If this does not occur and the spikes begin to dry up and turn brown, remove the spikes by clipping them close to the base of the plant.
8. Some people prefer to remove the spikes immediately upon the shedding of the spent blooms. This is also a very good time to double check the potting mixture to make sure there is enough and to remove debris from any plugged drain holes.
9. Throughout the dormant phase, spray the orchid roots and leaves with fertilizer that has been diluted with water. This can be done once or twice each week. I will help generate growth and strengthen orchids after flower.

1. Orchid care after flowering is really not much different than that required during periods when the plant has blossoms. It still should be watered, fed and kept in optimum conditions. The most important thing to remember is that the dormant period can last a long time. As long as the leaves continue to look healthy, try to be patient and wait for that magical time when new blossoms will once again appear.

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Technorati Tags: bloom, caring for your orchids, garden, plant, repot, sunlight, water

Tags: bloom, caring for your orchids, garden, plant, repot, sunlight, water

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