Repotting a Phalaenopsis Orchid

If you have ever wondered how to repot a Phalaenopsis orchid, this is the blog post for you. Today, we will be discussing the beautiful and popular phalaenopsis orchid, also known as the moth orchid.

The phalaenopsis orchid is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and Australia. Its stunning blooms are often used in cut flower arrangements and make a wonderful addition to any home or garden.

However, like all plants, the phalaenopsis orchid needs proper care and attention to thrive. One important aspect of its care is repotting.

Repotting a phalaenopsis orchid is a simple process that should be done every one to two years, depending on the size and growth of the plant. It involves removing the orchid from its current pot and transferring it to a new one with fresh potting mix.

In this blog post, we will go over the steps on how to properly repot a phalaenopsis orchid, as well as some tips on selecting the right pot and potting mix for your plant. Keep reading to learn more about caring for your phalaenopsis orchid and keep it blooming for years to come.

Why?

There are several signs that indicate it is time to repot a phalaenopsis orchid:

1. The orchid has outgrown its current pot. If you notice that the roots are tightly packed or overflowing from the pot, it is time to give your plant some more room to grow.
2. The potting mix has broken down and is no longer providing the plant with proper nutrients. Over time, the potting mix can become compacted and depleted of nutrients, so it is important to freshen it up by repotting the orchid.
3. The orchid is not blooming as frequently or as well as it used to. Sometimes, a lack of blooms can be a sign that the plant is not getting enough light or is not being watered properly. However, it can also be a sign that the plant is pot-bound and needs more room to grow.

If you notice any of these signs, it is time to repot your phalaenopsis orchid to give it the proper care it needs to thrive.

I decided to report my orchid because all I could see as the potting mix was sphagnum moss. I didn’t see any orchid bark or soil. The velamen was also dead and dried out. Velamen is a material like a thin ‘skin’ that helps the plant absorb nutrients, such as water and nitrogen, while also keeping it attached to tree bark. When Phalaenopsis orchid roots are healthy, velamen is silvery-white, round, and plump and the air roots are firm and white. These ones felt like paper and when I pulled on them they came off clean.

Where?

I Googled where to buy orchid bark and sphagnum moss and I found Bonsai Tree. They had a repotting kit, but they didn’t have the right pot size I wanted, so I bought everything separately. I bought a suitable orchid pot, a bag of sphagnum moss, and orchid bark. I also bought a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide 3% solution. You use this to treat root rot or fungus that might develop on the roots or leaves.

How?

When I took the orchid out of its original pot it came in, a bunch of gravel fell out and I saw that the orchid was in fact planted in a much smaller pot than the one I just took it out of. It was packed so tightly that I had to use a knife to carefully cut the plastic to free the orchid from its plastic prison.

I couldn’t see any orchid bark, but I could see a few roots that had a healthy green color.

After carefully removing the plastic with a knife, I put on some gloves (sphagnum moss can have tiny thorns), and I pulled out all the sphagnum moss from between the roots. I needed to see the damage and remove some of the damaged velamina. I don’t have any experience in doing this, but I tried to remove as much as I could and to be as gentle as I could so as to not damage the roots any further.

After I’ve cleaned out all the old sphagnum moss, I sprayed the roots thoroughly with Hydrogen Peroxide 3% solution. I allowed the orchid to sit like that for a while, while I mixed the new potting mix.

I took three handfuls of sphagnum moss and spread it out in a big plastic tub. Then I then dampened it with some more Hydrogen Peroxide 3% solution. I added about the same amount of orchid bark as well and mixed it around a bit. I added a bit of the mixture to the bottom of the pot and then I held the orchid in the pot while I added the rest of the new potting mix. Because orchids can sprout roots from between their leaves, you need to plant them a bit deeper into the pot. I finished the repotting off with a layer of orchid bark on top to give it a nice rounded-off look. I also gave it a few mistings of Hydrogen Peroxide 3% solution as I don’t want to overwater the orchid.

Taking Care of Your Phalaenopsis Orchid

In the wild, these orchids grow on trees and receive filtered sunlight and regular rainfall.

When it comes to watering a phalaenopsis orchid, it is important to strike a balance. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and die.

As a general rule, it is best to water a phalaenopsis orchid once a week, allowing the potting mix to dry out slightly between waterings. It is also important to use room temperature water and avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause damage. If you do get water on the leaves it tends to pool at the bottom of the leaves. This can cause fungi to grow. When this happens, just give it a few sprays of Hydrogen Peroxide 3% solution.

In addition to regular watering, it is important to provide the orchid with proper lighting, air circulation, and humidity to mimic its natural habitat and keep it healthy and blooming. You also get specialized orchid food in the shops to give your orchid all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and bloom regularly.

Conclusion

I hope this helps you to repot your orchid well so that you may enjoy your phalaenopsis for many years to come. I have two nodes that look like they might be pushing out new branches, so hopefully, I’ll have new flowers really soon!

---