My New Orchid

How to Repot an Orchid

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Source Article: Apartmenttherapy

Orchids are either terrestrial or epiphytic. Terrestrial orchids are grown in the grown and are less common than epiphytic orchids. Epiphytic orchids, like the Phalaenopsis for instance, are grown above ground or on another plant but they do not obtain nutrients from the host plant. Most epiphytic orchids have thick roots that serve two functions; not only do the roots anchor the plant to the branch or rock, the roots also readily absorb any available moisture allowing them to survive in periods of drought.

 What You Need

Materials
Orchid
Orchid container
Prepackaged potting mix for Orchids
Stake or clip
Tools
Sharp sterile razor blade, knife, or scissors
Alcohol (for sterilizing your cutting instrument)

 

Instructions

1. How do you know if it's time to repot? Newly potted orchids should be fine in the current plant medium for about two years. When there are many, long roots dangling over the edge of the pot, this is a sure sign that you're well overdue to repot. If your plant has just finished flowering or when new roots appear at the base of the latest growth, this is the perfect time. If your plant is currently in bloom, you should not repot. They should only be repotted after the flowering season is over!

2. An example of an orchid that needs repotting, but because it's sending out its flower spike, this orchid will have to wait until the flowering season is over.

3. There are many different types of orchid pots out there to choose from; from thrown clay pots to wood baskets. Choose a container just large enough to contain the plant's root growth with an additional inch of space across the diameter. If your orchid loses many of it's root during trimming (see step #7), it may be better suited in a smaller pot!

4. Two orchids to be repotted with their chosen containers. The orchid on the left is a cattleya, the one on the right is a phalaenopsis. Cattleyas, because they are a type of orchid that tend to have a creeping habit and like to climb out of pots, are perfect for wooden baskets.

5. Before repotting, water the orchid so its roots will be more pliable.

6. Carefully remove the old potting mix from the roots. The roots are fragile so take care to not damage the healthy roots during the process.

7. Trim any dead or damaged roots with a sharp, sterilized razor blade (a sharp knife or scissors can also be used). Be sure to remove all dead roots. They are easy to spot because they are usually dark-colored, soft and mushy. Sometimes they may also be dry, with a fiber running through the middle of the root.

8. Fill the pot with an inch or so of the potting medium. Center the plant into the pot with the roots down. Add additional medium to the pot, spreading it evenly around the root mass, then tamp it gently on a hard surface to distribute the medium. Fill till the pot is full, and tamp again to settle the potting medium (the level of the medium should be just below the bottom set of the lower leaves).

9. Secure the orchid with a stake or clip to keep it from wobbling (masking tape can be used in a pinch). A plant that isn't secure will be hesitant about throwing roots and establishing itself.

10. Place the orchid in the sink and run cool but not cold water over the new medium, avoiding any blooms if there are any (I do not recommend repotting a blooming orchid, but occasionally, this might be the case — a broken pot for instance). Once the water is running out of the bottom, allow it to drain.

11. Since orchids prefer a humid environment, I always place my orchids on a humidity tray. A simple saucer filled with pebbles, filled with water works perfectly — just make sure the pot is sitting above the water so the roots are not subject to rot.

Additional Notes: If you're new to the world of orchids and have a) never owned one or b) never had success growing them, I highly recommend starting out with a Phalaenopsis orchid (because of the shape of the blooms, these are also referred to as Moth orchids). They're an easy variety to grow, with growing conditions fitting most home environments, and many will succeed in lower light situations. They also have
 showy flowers that can last up to nine months!

For the complete article go to: Apartmenttherapy

Orchid Pop-up Cards

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Watering Orchids

As you already know I LOVE ORCHIDS!!! There seems to be much interest in Orchids since one of my first posts about Orchids is one of the most popular. So if you have an Orchid lets learn how to water them properly!

When I got my first Orchid I was clueless on how to care for it. I had always heard stories about how these flowers were the hardest to keep alive. So far I have 3 and they are all still living :) Internet sites and books have helped tremendously. As for watering you will hear varying responses to when you should water your orchid. I water my every 2 weeks or every month. For the simple reason that Orchids don't need that much water and they are flowers that are use to not getting enough water so they store what you give them. With that being said do not allow your medium (the soil used for orchids) get dried out. It needs to be moist not DRY not overly saturated by any means. So though I say I water my it 2 weeks or every month, I do water it in between BUT that is simply to keep the medium moist. This means a very LITTLE amount of water. Also once a month you should fertilize your orchid, not more then once a month.

 

 

A. When watering your orchids, take care to avoid wetting the leaves. When watering orchid under the faucet ensure that your watering the whole surface area and not one spot.

B. If water gets trapped in between the leaves, dry them quickly by using a piece of

    tissue or a cotton ball.

C. After watering, do not allow residual or standing water to come in contact with the

     base of the orchid pot. Lemon juice will make your leaves shine :)

     Tip - Try to water in the morning, so that if there is extra water that runs off it will

     be evaporated throughout the day.

D. Overwatering will result in yellow, damaged leaves. If your orchid's leaves turn yellow and show signs of rot, hold off on watering for a few weeks.

Don't be afraid to stop watering. You have to otherwise you will kill your orchid.

For more information go to Beautiful Orchids

My Favorite Flower EVER!!!! Orchids!!!

I LOVE ORCHIDS!!!! They draw your attention immediately due to their striking color.
they have a reputation as an exotic and unusual flower evokes a sense of refinement and innocence. There are a variety of Orchids to choose from. Just to name a few there are Phalaenopsis (or Moth), Cymbidium, and Dendrobium orchids are the most popular types, and the Vanilla Orchid (and its vanilla bean) is the most highly produced variety.

Today I am featuring my Favorite type of Orchids is

The Cymbidium

I love these because of their texture and they are so BIG and Beautiful. Especially when they grow in a cluster they are gorgeous!



Cymbidium Orchids
Cymbidium orchards are the best known and the most commonly grown orchids. They are easy to grow and have large flowers. The will grow and thrive almost anywhere. Cymbidiums orchids originated in the Orient and have been grown there since 500 B.C. There are many varieties of cymbidium orchards and their blooms will vary in color and size. Read more: Kinds of Orchids eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_4925700_kinds-of-orchids.html#ixzz0qx2Pg4E0