Transplant an orchid: how and when to do it

Orchids are plants that do not usually need to be transplanted regularly, in fact, it is generally recommended that it be done every two years at most. There may also be other factors that indicate that your orchid needs a transplant:

• When the container, pot or flower bed where the plant is has become too small. If the roots of our plant begin to overflow too much, it is an indication that the orchid will be better in a slightly more spacious space. Even so, it is good to remember that the more closed the place where it grows, the more abundant the flowering will be.
• When the substrate has been compacted and does not drain optimally. This causes water retention to worsen and parts of the plant to decompose due to continuous exposure to water.
• When the plant is damaged by a possible pest or fungal infection. This event is easily recognizable since the roots have a brown or darker coloration than usual, in addition, its intense green leaves turn yellow. If you detect that this is the case, we also recommend this other article on homemade fungicides for orchids.

Do not forget that in case of transplanting an orchid, it must be done when the plant is in a state of lethargy, just after flowering.

Before transplanting the orchid, it is important that the plant’s substrate is slightly moistened so that, when removing the roots, you avoid breakage and possible injuries. Both the tools used to carry out a light pruning of parts of the plant in poor condition, since we must take advantage of the moment of the transplant to take care of this aspect, as well as the container where we are going to plant it must be clean and disinfected. Here we tell you everything about orchid pruning. We also recommend that you use fungicides during this process to prevent possible diseases during the transplant.

For transplant an orchid to a larger pot because the current one has become too small, follow these easy steps:

1. Choose a transparent container or one that allows the roots to easily capture sunlight for photosynthesis. There are pots for orchids that already incorporate a bottom to facilitate drainage.
2. Place in the new pot pebbles or expanded ceramic balls that you can find in any garden. The rest should be covered with a special substrate for orchids, based on pine or fir, avoiding compacting it so that the roots move freely.
3. In the event that you have cut roots in poor condition, it is better to reserve the plant without watering it for a couple of days so that the wounds caused by pruning are closed to avoid infections.
4. It is not recommended to use a lot of fertilizer. It’s best to let some time pass before giving a more generous dose. Always use specific fertilizer for orchids.
5. Relocate your orchid near a lighted area with a moderate temperature to facilitate growth.

Another option to change a container or support orchid is to place it on the trunk of a tree, since these in nature grow on them. If you have a garden or land with a tree in your house, this can be a very creative way to decorate your outdoor area even more, offering the plant everything it needs to grow well. Transplant an orchid to a trunk It’s very simple with these steps:

1. choose the trunk to which you are going to transplant the orchid. Avoid old or resinous trunks to protect it from toxic exudations and abundant foliage to provide the shade it needs. It is very important that orchids do not receive direct sunlight.
2. Choose the type of orchid to transplant, but remember that not all are suitable for this type of transplant. The most used are Phalaenopsis, Cattleyas, Vandas either dendrobium among other.
3. Use threads to hold the orchid to the trunk. Avoid using wire because rusting would harm the plant.
4. Incorporate a little substrate so that it adheres more easily to the support you have created. Use a mesh or fabric net to place it.
5. Water the roots of the orchid to make sure it’s well hydrated. Perhaps, being on the trunk, the water it receives is not enough to keep the roots hydrated.
6. Use fungicides and fertilizer to enhance their growth. Being planted on a trunk, it can generate its own diseases that, in turn, can infect the orchid. Check that the roots have the right color and that the leaves are not yellowed.

Finally, if we have just bought our orchid and we want to transplant it into a pot, even better in full bloomit is necessary to follow some guidelines:

1. Remove all the substrate, that is, the pine bark, to remove the orchid very carefully.
2. Place the flowering plant in the new container where you will need to add the new substrate.
3. Make sure it has room for the roots to move freely but is well supported.
4. Use stakes to maintain the shape of the stems and help them support the weight of the flowers in this process of transplantation and adaptation, as this is undoubtedly the most recommended option.

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