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Orchids should be repotted when new; every year or two; or when crowded roots push up and out of the pot. Spring: time for a close-up. Other than watering and occasionally fertilizing them, you probably don’t look closely at your orchids all that often when they’re not in bloom.
What do you do with an orchid after the blooms fall off?
After the flowers drop from the orchid you have three choices: leave the flower spike (or stem) intact, cut it back to a node, or remove it entirely. Remove the flower spike entirely by clipping it off at the base of the plant. This is definitely the route to take if the existing stem starts to turn brown or yellow.
How do you replant orchids?
How to repot orchids: Choose the right medium. Remove orchid from current container and trim dead roots from the plant. Fill container to one third full with orchid mix. Position single stem plants in the center of the new pot. Gently cover roots with additional mix and fill pot to 1/2 inch below rim. Water thoroughly.
Can you repot an orchid in bloom?
If an orchid is “in bloom”, the flowers have emerged and are blooming. If your orchid is in spike, you can repot as long as you are careful not to damage roots while repotting. There may be a couple of reasons that you want to repot while your orchid is in spike. These same reasons can apply to plants in bud or bloom.
How long does it take for orchids to rebloom?
The process for getting a Phalaenopsis orchid to rebloom begins shortly after its previous bloom fades—whenever that may be. With the proper routine, your plant may rebloom every three to six months.
Will an orchid grow a new stem?
Orchids will grow new stems, fortunately. You can propagate a new Phalaenopsis or Vanda orchids from stem cuttings. You can also expect a flower spike to grow back after cutting it down when its blooms die.
Should orchid roots be exposed?
If the orchid air roots are firm and white, they are healthy and you don’t need to do anything at all. Just accept that this is normal behavior. According to orchid experts, you should definitely not remove the roots. Either way, don’t cover the roots because they may rot.
Can I put an orchid in potting soil?
Orchids require a different type of potting medium than what our typical houseplants do. They are therefore potted in normal potting soil. To pot an orchid in this kind of soil would ultimately suffocate its roots and kill the plant because soil cannot provide the needed airflow to the roots to survive.
What are orchid roots supposed to look like?
Healthy roots are firm to the touch and white to green in color. Orchid roots do not need to be bright green all of the time. In fact, they should only be bright green right after they are watered. If the roots are always bright green that is an indication that they are drowning.
Can you propagate orchids from aerial roots?
Gardeners commonly use plant propagation for several reasons. This is also known as rhizome propagation. You can also take stem cuttings or cuttings of aerial roots. Some orchid types periodically sprout baby offshoot plants, known as Keiki, and these can also be used in propagation.
What to do with overgrown orchid roots?
To take an overgrown orchid out of a pot, it may require soaking or a sharp knife to loosen the clinging root system. Shake and pick the decomposed potting medium from the plant and discard it. Pull or cut apart the main structure of the plant into two or more new plants. Remove wiry, thin roots and pseudobulbs.
Do orchids like tight pots?
Orchids like to be snug in their pot and the ratio of roots to potting mix should be about equal. If an orchid is put into a pot that is too big for it, then there are not enough roots to take up the moisture that is being held by the potting mix and the mix stays wet too long.
How long do orchids live for?
Orchid plants do not have a finite life span, but after 15 to 20 years, the plants will naturally become weaker, producing fewer blossoms. Plants have a natural immune system, and over time it becomes worn down by natural bacteria and fungi.
Why are my orchid leaves turning yellow and falling off?
The reason orchid leaves turn yellow is because of root rot due to overwatering or slow draining soils. Saturated soil starves orchid roots of oxygen causing the roots to die. The dying orchid roots can no longer transport nutrients and water around the orchid causing the leaves to turn yellow.
Do you cut off dead orchid stems?
Cutting Off Dead Stems Cut the stem all the way down to the base of the plant. This is the best way to encourage the plant to focus on growing healthier roots and encourage a full bloom in the next year. The healthier the root system is, the happier your orchid is going to be.
How do I grow a new spike in my orchid?
To get a new orchid flower spike, place the plant in an area with a lower room temp — about 55–65°F at night should do it. Placing your orchid in a window away from the heater might work, too. We’ve had best success getting new flower spikes in winter, when our homes and their windows aren’t as warm.
