Repotting Orchids in the Greenhouse

February 4, 2013

As you may know, I have a rather large orchid collection, which is in the process of getting even larger. Ryan McCallister, my gardener, has been very busy in the greenhouse lately, repotting nearly every plant. During these bitterly cold days of winter, repotting can be a most satisfying task. Growing orchids is daunting for many people, but things become a whole lot clearer if you understand some orchid basics. In nature, most orchids are epiphytes, which means that they grow upon other objects, such as rocks and even trees. Their roots need to breath and should never be packed tightly in a pot. The roots are designed to soak up water rapidly and will never tolerate being buried in regular potting soil. There are special pots and orchid mixes, designed specifically for these special roots. Also, never repot a blooming orchid. Wait for the flower spike to fade before giving the plant a new home.

: This is the phalaenopsis potting media. It contains medium fir bark, medium charcoal, medium perlite, and chunky peat moss.

: You can see just how chunky these orchid medias are.

: Orchid media should be soaked in water for several hours or overnight before using.

: Shaun used this large rubber pail for soaking.

: Wilmer is removing this orchid from its pot.

: Orchid roots need a lot of air circulation and orchid pots should have air holes like this one.

: All the old potting media is removed from the roots.

: With sterilized shears, any dead roots are cut away.

: It’s important to remove unproductive roots to increase air circulation for the live ones.

: All trimmed and healthy

: All of this old material will, of course, be taken to the composting area.

: It’s important to give the used pots a good soaking in warm, sudsy water.

: Shaun then scrubs each pot clean with a stiff pot brush.

: The head house is equipped with deep stainless sinks for jobs like this one.

: Many of my orchid pots were thrown for me by master potter, Guy Wolff. www.guywolff.com

: This is how the orchid mix comes – one bag goes a long way.

: A different mix for different orchids.

: As you can see, this special orchid fertilizer has been blended specifically for well water, which we have here at the farm. Shaun will feed the orchids the next time they get watered.