Repotting Orchids: When, Why & Step-by-Step Guide

Repot only when necessary: poor drainage (decomposed medium) or overgrowth (roots escaping). Delay if unsure—but too long = poor flowering/death.

Timing

Late spring/early summer (pre-vigorous growth). Pseudobulb types (Cattleya): after new growth, before roots elongate. No pseudobulbs (Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum): anytime except bloom. Repot as new growth appears. If well into season, wait until post-bloom. Frequency: annually (Dendrobium, Miltonia, Paph, Phal); biennially (Cattleya, Oncidium, etc.); every 3 years (Vanda, Cymbidium).

Cleanliness = Survival

Orchids = disease-prone. Sterilize pots, tools (bleach soak, alcohol wipe, or flame). Wash hands; smokers: bleach rinse (Tobacco Mosaic Virus). Disinfect work surface between plants.

Pot Selection

Slightly tight—large pots delay blooms. Plastic, clay, or decorative. Clay dries faster = more water. Drain holes mandatory. Center-wetness fix: clay shards at bottom or inverted small pot in large for aeration. Clear pots for photosynthetic roots (Phals).

Materials

Sterilized pot (1–2 years growth). Correct medium (bark, sphagnum, charcoal, etc.—research your type). Drainage shards (clay, styrofoam, lava rock). Sterilized clippers/knife. Bamboo stake + ties. Medicine (pruning sealer, antifungal, antibiotic ointment).

Step-by-Step

1. Day before: Water thoroughly. Soak medium in boiling water overnight.
2. Unpot: Newspaper, invert, tap. Knife if stuck. Shake old medium.
3. Trim: Sterilized tools. Remove dead roots (mushy, brown). Healthy = firm, white, green tips. Cut leafless pseudobulbs. Divide if multiple leads (3+ pseudobulbs + new lead each).
4. Shards: Generous drainage layer.
5. Add medium: Older pseudobulbs against side, new lead room. Pack damp mix with thumbs—don't compress (roots need air). Rhizome top = bark top.
6. Aftercare: Stake. Light shade. Mist plant + bark 2x/day until new roots. Then brighter light, normal water/fertilizer.