Partager sur
Tips from the Muséum
How to repot an orchid?
When your orchid appears to be climbing out of its container, it means the plant has outgrown it. Here's a simple method for repotting your orchids.
How to know if your orchid needs repoting?
Orchidée prête à être rempotée
© MNHN - A. IatzouraThere are several signs that your plant needs repotting.
- After watering, your plant's growing medium remains permanently moist.
- Your plant seems to be popping out of the pot as its roots push against it. It is unstable, and its roots sometimes appear on the surface.
Generally speaking, you should repot your orchid after it has flowered, about every two or three years. Repotting ensures that its growth is not hindered and that it has access to fresh nutrients.
Hox to repot an orchid?
The orchids most commonly found here, the genus Phalaenopsis for instance, are epiphytes, meaning that they naturally cling to other plants in order to grow. Unless you've got a jewel orchid or a boat orchid , you can repot your plant using the following method.
Which tools?
You'll need a pair of pruning shears, a special orchid medium (bark shavings), a wooden chopstick and orchid pots with holes in them, either transparent or terracotta. When choosing the size of the pot, remember that orchids prefer to be a little cramped rather than have too much room.
Sortie du substrat pour préparer le rempotage
© MNHN - A. IatzouraThe method
- Take a good look at your plant and identify any spent flower spikes (stems that had flowers but no longer do). Cut them off 0.5 cm above the first node.
- Locate any dried-out aerial roots and cut them off. Keep only the green roots. These are the signs that your orchid is in good health!
- To unpot your plant, tap the edge of the pot.
- Remove the old bark medium by hand.
- Add a bit of new medium to the bottom of the new pot.
- Place your orchid in its new pot.
- Use the chopstick to ensure that the substrate is evenly distributed around the roots, and that it reaches right up to the edge of the pot.
- Don’t wait more than a day after planting to water
Coupe des parties sèches d'une orchidée lors du rempotage
© MNHN - A. Iatzoura
Arrosage d'une orchidée après son rempotage
© MNHN - A. IatzouraArticle written in January 2024. Special thanks to Emilie Picard, gardener, Arnaud Madela, gardener, Pierre Froidevaux, head of the Grandes Serres, and Denis Larpin, lecturer at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle.