Re-potting Orchids

I have two orchids, both of which I think need re-potting. I have a proprietary compost but am unsure as to whether to force all the external growing roots into the new compost or allow some of them to remain on the outside. Advice would be much appreciated.

 

Thank you Marley Farley - I will do just that.

 

I normally use the proprietary potting compost especially for orchids, as I never require a large amount and its much easier that way.
I've never used those clear pots, I think they look awful, and have not noticed any problems.

I've only grown Phalaenopsis, and Cymbidiums, so cant comment on any others.

I'd leave any aerial roots to grow outside the pot, it wont hurt, but if you can persuade one or two into the compost it might help.
I find they are brittle and break very easily so be careful.

I have some very old and leggy Phals that I'm intending cutting off and replanting in new pots, be interesting to see if the old stem reshoots.

 

I have beeen growing orchids for a few years now and got good orchid compost from Dobbies called Lorbex speclised orchid compost and find it very code.

First take orchid out of excisting pot and tease out old compost you may even find old moss around roots please discard as this can rot your your orchids.

Not you may find roots that look old prune them off now you have done than put a little new orchid compost in pot then feed new roots give a shake to settle roots then add rest of compost Polly and water .

Then enyou good luck hope I have been of some help pm if you need more .

Here is another orchid site may help you www. the orchidforums.co.uk

 

Thankyou JWK I do prefer to repot when not in bloom .

And no you dont need to put them in a larger pot onloy unless if your orchids are very large.

Do you have any photos would love to see them.

This year I hav ehad 2 vanda orchids growing in the glass vase method very interesting they have just stopped blooming now and I have cut back the flower spike.

My challenge now is getting all my orchids to rebloom .

And a tip if you do keep them in same pot write on the colour of your orchids as when they do stop blooming you do tend to forget the colour .

Unless we do keep photo albums.

 

:thumb: Hope this helps anyone who has just started off with orchids - first don't be put off by the bit of special care they need.....Orchids like many pot plants don't feel like blooming till they are pot bound & feel happily secure so as already suggested, I agree it is best to just shake out old orchid compost and replace with another specialised orchid compost & old pot can be reused. If they are top heavy then a slightly bigger pot will be needed but don't expect them to flower till they are happily feeling pot bound again!
Clear pots are used by growers as it encourages the roots, especially those types you see everywhere in supermarkets and the like - these strange looking roots do need light so when potting in a normal pot always leave out some roots OR put your clear pot into a much bigger pot holder so some light will still filter down and you do not have to look at the roots then!
Having kept orchids of all types for over 20 years I know they will flower in normal pots too - I think it is light levels and warmth which affect their growth and flowering period more than anything.
Personally I love those weird roots as much as the flower!:hehe:

 

What lovely orchids - can't beat those colours either!

 

Stunning John thankyou for posting your photos I shall post mine later today.

I agree with all Jennlyn has said and yes I adore the roots true .

Rescue Orchids are great buys as they reward you with pleasure.

And orchids will thrive on neglect more than kindness as they dont like too much water .

Enjoy

 

Been tending to my orchids and yippee new flower spikes starting to grow .

 

Some of my Orchids


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Peggy Foo (One of my Vandas)


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Highland Gem my other Vanda orchid they were both beauiful but have now stopped blooming.

 

My new purchase today .