How to transplant an orchid
Each flower grows and develops. And if wild plants always have a place to grow, then home colors sometimes need to change their pots. The most difficult to replant plants, which initially require careful and careful care, for example, orchids. The country of the Soviets will tell you how to transplant an orchid.
How to care for an orchid
For phalaenopsis, or orchids, as they are more oftencalled, careful care is required. Beginners care for an orchid at home can seem very difficult, because initially the root system of this plant is unlike the roots of other, more familiar to us flowers. The usual watering of the plant is not suitable, otherwise its roots will rot. In addition, there are a lot of questions about how to transplant an orchid from one pot to another.
When is it better to transplant an orchid?
Orchids are usually transplanted once every 2-3 years. But this time depends primarily on the state of the substrate in which phalaenopsis grows. Sometimes you have to think about the transplant before.
Transplant the orchid in the period beforethe beginning of root growth. It is best to do this in late spring or early summer. However, it is desirable to wait for the end of the flowering period, especially for newly purchased orchids.
But still, the orchid can be transplanted at any time of the year, it is important only to consider that the plant at this time did not bloom, and its roots did not grow.
On a note! Determine the growth of roots can be easy if you haveplastic transparent pot. Look at the roots of the plant, if their tips have a greenish color, then it is better not to touch the orchid. If the roots are completely painted in gray or green, you can transplant your plant.
Why transplant an orchid?
Before you transplant Phalaenopsis, you should consider whether the flower really needs it? It is known that it is better not to touch orchids unnecessarily. There are several reasons for the transplant:
if the plant has become too large for the size of the pot, and now it lacks nutrients
if the substrate has decomposed, since this usually leads to the development of pathogenic fungi and bacteria
if a lot of free space has appeared in the pot, and the substrate is strongly ass
if there is rotting rootlets
if the orchids have begun to turn yellow leaves, and the entire plant looks somehow wilted
If the plant is uncomfortable in the present pot or soil
Important! If you just bought an orchid and decided to transplanther in a permanent pot, it's best not to do it. Give the orchid some time so that you can observe how the plant will develop in the substrate from the store. It is likely that the plant will feel good, then the transplant is not needed.
If at least one reason for phalenopsis transplantation exists, this procedure should not be postponed, transplanted immediately.
Orchid transplantation: what do you need to transplant the plant?
If you still decide that you should transplant your orchid, first you have to pick up a pot and a substrate for the plant, and then spend two days to change it.
What kind of pot is needed for an orchid?
A pot for phalaenopsis can be used either: plastic or ceramic. It is best to take a special pot, in which there are slots, which improves drainage. Small plastic pots are good for young plants. But still it is better to use resistant ceramic pots. If you decide to stop on plastic, buy your orchid a transparent pot. This will greatly facilitate the task of monitoring its root system.
How to choose a primer for orchids?
The choice of a good pot is not enough toto transplant an orchid. You also need to choose a good potting mix. There are many nuances here. Substrates that are sold in stores are not suitable for growing orchids in them. Therefore, you will have to prepare your own soil for the orchid.
The components for the substrate must be different: coconut shells, bark, dry fern roots, vermiculite, moss, clay crocks, foam, peat, etc.
On a note! If you water your orchid every day, thenshould choose a mixture that will not hold water. Also remember that the organic mixture rotates within a year, and the bark of coniferous trees only accelerates the process of decay.
How to transplant an orchid: the process of transplanting a plant into a new substrate
When you chose a pot and a mixture for Phalaenopsis,It's time to move on to the question of how to transplant an orchid. The method of transshipment, when a plant is taken out of the pot together with an earthen lump, is never used for orchids. Orchids are transplanted only after the roots have completely cleared from the previous substrate. The transplantation process usually takes 2 days.
Stages of orchid transplantation: the first day
First, pour your plant so that phalaenopsis roots become more plastic. Also, wet roots can be easily cleaned from the mixture.
Then carefully remove the orchid from the pot. Do it as gently as possible. If you damage healthy roots, then your plant will die.
Completely clean the roots of the orchid from the old substrate.
On a note! To clean the roots without damaging them, dip the orchid for half an hour into a basin with warm water, and then rinse the roots from a watering can or shower.
Consider the root system of the orchid. All rootlets of yellow, white or black should be removed immediately. Gray or green roots can not be touched or cut.
Important! Cut the old roots only with sterile scissors. Boil the scissors that you will use in a saucepan for 10 minutes. But do not rub the scissors with alcohol.
Slice the roots with greens and sprinkle with ashes.
Now let the roots of the orchids dry. For this, the plant can be left for the night, and in the morning it is time to plant the orchid in a pot. On average, the drying process takes from 6 to 8 hours.
Stages of orchid transplantation: the second day
So, the roots of the orchids dried up. It's time to start filling the pot with soil and planting the flower in a new place.
Rinse the pot with hot water as carefully as possible.
From the bottom in the pot, put a layer of drainage. Drainage can take up to 1/3 of the pot height.
Then pour some substrate.
Carefully place the orchid so that its growth point (the boundary between the roots and the stem) is at or slightly above the pot.
Important! Make sure that neither the leaves nor the growth point of the orchid are covered with a substrate, otherwise your plant may rot.
Then gently fill the substrate with roots so that there are no voids left between them. To do this, the pot can be taped from time to time.
Do not attempt to fill the substrate with all roots, leave some of them on the surface.
Important! Do not press the substrate in the pot too much.Strong, but try as best as possible to strengthen the plant in it. To do this, you can use wooden sticks or special clips for orchids. When the plant grows new roots, it will sit tightly in the ground.
Plentifully pour orchid from watering can or shower with warm water (water temperature 35 degrees).
Lower the pot with the orchid into the water for 10-15 minutes
Allow the water to drain well.
If the substrate is an ass, and the roots are bare, pour a little more of the substrate on top to cover the roots.
Orchid care after transplant
The transplantation of orchids is over, but your plant still needs special care more than usual. That the orchid does not die after the transplant, you need to observe a few simple rules.
In any case, the transplanted plant is not watered. Just place the orchid in a shaded location with a high humidity level for 2-3 weeks.
Do not forget to regularly spray your plant.
It is possible to fertilize an orchid not earlier than two months after transplantation.
On a note! In general, the transplant should not affect the futureflowering plants, so it should blossom in the same year. But very often you can face the situation that the next flowering will only be in the next year. Do not rush the orchid, it will certainly please you with its beauty, as soon as it is finally settled in a new place.
Video: secrets of orchid transplantation
How to choose the size of a pot? What soil for orchids differs from the ground for other indoor plants? What should I pay special attention to during transplantation? Watch the video and learn some secrets of orchid transplant.
Now you know how to properly transplant an orchid. Be careful during the transplant, so that the plant quickly caught on and pleased you with beautiful flowering.
