First Orchid? Here's Exactly What to Do (and When to Repot)

You received a gorgeous Phalaenopsis in a ceramic cachepot with a plastic liner sitting on bark. It's blooming beautifully—two spikes, 5+ flowers each, more buds coming. Leave it alone until blooming finishes.

Current Setup: Actually Pretty Good

• Plastic liner with holes = drainage
• Bark in ceramic pot = humidity tray (excellent!)
• No standing water = happy roots

When & How to Repot

After the last flower falls. Then:

1. Buy fir-bark-based orchid mix (Better-Gro, Schultz, or premium blend).
2. Unpot, rinse roots, trim any mushy/brown ones.
3. Soak new mix 1+ hours (dry bark repels water).
4. Repot in plastic pot with many drainage holes.
5. Return to cachepot only after fully drained.

Watering While in Bloom

• Remove plastic liner to water.
• Soak thoroughly, let drain completely.
• Return to ceramic pot.
• Weekly is usually right—adjust for your conditions.

The Pebble Tray Alternative

Once repotted, consider a pebble tray (gravel in a saucer) instead of bark in the cachepot. Gravel doesn't break down, provides consistent humidity, and eliminates any risk of the pot wicking moisture.

Enjoy the blooms now—repotting is a post-show task. You're off to a great start!