Repotting Your New Orchid: What to Do With Aerial Roots

Should You Repot That New Orchid?

Yes, absolutely—but timing matters. Wait until your orchid finishes flowering before repotting. This prevents bud drop and reduces stress on the plant.

Essential Repotting Steps

1. Use proper orchid mix: Choose a specialized orchid potting mix containing fir bark pieces. Avoid regular potting soil.
2. Select the right pot: Use a plastic pot with abundant drainage holes.
3. Pre-soak the mix: Soak the potting mix for at least 30 minutes before use. Dry fir bark repels water, and soaking eliminates this water-repellency.
4. Handle aerial roots: You can gently place those exposed aerial roots inside the pot during repotting.
5. Rinse all roots: Thoroughly rinse roots before repotting—they become less brittle and less prone to breakage when wet.
6. Remove dead roots: Cut away any mushy, stringy roots (these are dead). Healthy roots are firm and turn green when wet.

Single or Double Pot?

You can repot both plants together in one container or separate them into individual pots—either approach works fine.

Note: This advice assumes you have a Phalaenopsis (moth orchid), the most common type sold as "white orchids."