8/14/2019 Transplanting Your Orchid
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The title is actually a little misleading since orchids dont
really live in soil.
In the wild, some cling to the sides of trees, getting support
from the bark. These arecalled epiphytes. Nutrients come from the
air and they receive water as it drips down theside or falls from
branches above. Others, called lithophytes, cling to rocks. Still
otherswill grow in leaf litter (saprophytes). A final type actually
manage to grow in sand, or very sandy soil (the terrestrials).
As with all gardening, Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed.
Here, that means thatin order to successfully care for orchids in
the home or hothouse, its important to beaware of the way theyve
adapted to their natural environment. Then those conditions can
be emulated in an artificial setting.
Fortunately, thats very easy to do. Putting together a mixture
of lava rock or fir bark chips is simple. Watering should be
regular but light. Slight drying in between watering isa good idea
with most species. The loosely packed material helps ensure the
gooddrainage that allow orchids to thrive.
Repotting is required about every two to three years for most
common orchid species.Like other plants, they can outgrow the size
of pot theyre in. Also, the media they clingto (like bark) can
break down over time due to repeated watering, insect activity
andother causes. Left in the pot too long, roots can grow over the
side, indicating its pasttime to take action.
Fortunately, since the material used to support them is very
loose, repotting is mucheasier than with most plants. Its still
necessary, of course, to exercise care. Repottingshould be done
when the plant is relatively inactive, such as early Spring before
the highgrowth season begins.
Simply remove the plant from the pot and lightly brush off any
clinging material from theroots. Clip any excessively dried or
soggy roots to prevent any problems from spreadingand give the
plant an impetus to regenerate new roots.
Refill the pot, a larger one if needed, with a layer of bark
chips, lava rock or other mediasuitable to your species. For some
species, a special orchid sphagnum moss does verywell. Make a space
for the plant and gently insert it, then fill with more material up
to thecrown (rhizome) just below the level of the rim.
For those needing a little extra help, you can stake it
temporarily. But try to avoid leavingit in place permanently.
Orchids do best when they can grow freely.
