How to transplant an orchid

Today, any amateur florist can boast of the fact that he has a very beautiful tropical plant growing in a pot - an orchid (or another name - phalaenopsis). But earlier it was hard to imagine. In order for this beauty to rejoice the eye for a long time, it is necessary to carefully care for the flower, that is, to know how to transplant an orchid, how to take care of it.

Over time, you will have to change again for the orchid place, because the substrate in which it grew, loses its properties, and the plant grows from its pot. Let's analyze the questions consistently: when and how to transplant an orchid follows.

The most suitable time for phalaenopsis transplantation

Orchids are recommended to be transplanted every two to three years. If the flower is only purchased, then it must be done after the first flowering or at the end of the year from the date of purchase. This is done only because of the growth of the rhizomes. The most favorable time for transplantation is the spring period, when new leaves and roots begin to grow. It is very important to know how to transplant an orchid at this time, so that the plant adapts faster to new conditions, and the roots are fixed in a new substrate.

Sequence of actions for phalenopsis transplantation

So, how to transplant Phalaenopsis correctly? It is necessary to observe the following sequence of actions:

1) first, pull out the orchid from the pot and transfer it to the basin. Thoroughly clean the roots of the old substrate. Do it better under water. If the rhizomes strongly intertwined with each other, gently separate them with your fingers. If some roots have grown into parts of the substrate, leave them as is, so as not to injure the roots;

2) then carefully review the root system of phalaenopsis: remove the dried and rotten roots (they are wet and brown) with scissors. Rinse the rhizomes under a weak stream of water. Be sure to treat the slices with antiseptic for flowers (in the flower shop they can always be purchased, for example, fungicides) or simply sprinkle the roots with crushed activated carbon;

3) let the rhizomes dry out, so that the wounds that formed after the cut, had a little time to tighten (at least a couple of hours). Ideally, it would be nice if you released the orchid from the old pot the previous night and left it to dry for the night;

4) Prepare the substrate for planting. It can either be purchased in a ready-made form in a flower shop (which is much preferable), or done on your own. For this, a crushed bark of coniferous trees will do. It is advisable to boil it and rinse it thoroughly under a hot water jet to protect itself from parasites that might be in it;

5) take a transparent pot (so the plant will be "in the palm of your hand", which will make it easier to care for it). Before you sprinkle the rhizomes, make sure that the orchid will not be cramped in the pot. To do this simply: lower the plant in a pot and gently spread the roots closer to the edges of the pot. If there is 2-3 cm left in reserve, then the pot is suitable for planting. Do not put phalaenopsis in the pot too deep. This can lead to decay of the lower roots and leaves of the orchid when touched by a moist substrate. Sprinkle the roots with a substrate, but do not compact them. The air layer must be preserved, otherwise the plant will suffocate;

6) the first watering depends on how much orchid was in the drying process. If all night, then you can water it already during the transplant. If several hours, then two days later. After this phalaenopsis should be put in the penumbra for a week, so that the adaptation process is faster and easier.

Remember, transplanting indoor plants is a necessary and important component of caring for them. And how to transplant an orchid, you now know, but it's not so difficult. True, this process is painstaking. But after all, the plant is exotic, and therefore requires special care. Take care of your flowers, and let them please you with their flowering all year round!