Key Indicators for Optimal Potting

What to look for before re-potting

Ensuring Potting Success

There are a few simple things to look for that will tell you that your orchid is ready for potting.

1- No Flowers

2- New Growth

The two primary indicators are your orchid's way of telling you that NOW is the optimal time to re-pot. The first indicator protects your flowers. If the flowers are disturbed by potting, the buds will likely drop before blooming and if there are flowers they won't last as long if you have potted. And, there is also the likelihood that you may break the flower stalk during potting.

Some orchids, like cattleyas and dendrobiums, will bounce back from potting if new roots are growing. In fact, new root growth is the best indicator that you will successfully repot your orchid.

There is also that chance that your orchid is in crisis. If this is the case, you should re-pot regardless of flowers or root growth in an effort to save your orchid. If you don't re-pot, chances are the orchid will die because the root loss is imminent.

Watch out for the 2 Ss

Sour potting mix. A sour potting mix holds too much water. It has decomposed and prevents air from reaching the roots.

Salt build-up is caused by fertilizer salts. If appropriately used, fertilizer can help you grow beautiful orchids, but if used in excess, or if the salts have not been rinsed you'll have trouble in Camelot. The roots will die and the rest of the orchid will soon follow.