How to Repot a Mature Orchid Plant

Re-potting a mature orchid is essential for its health and growth. Over time, potting media breaks down, roots can become crowded, and your orchid may need more space to thrive. This guide will provide you with all the steps needed to re-pot your mature orchid successfully, ensuring it continues to bloom beautifully. 

What You’ll Need 

A mature orchid (preferably in a pot that’s become too small) 

Fresh orchid potting mix (bark-based or sphagnum moss, depending on your orchid type) 

A new pot (with adequate drainage holes) 

Clean scissors or pruning shears 

Optional: orchid fertilizer 

Step 1: Choose the Right time to Re-Pot 

The best time to re-pot orchids is right after they finish blooming or during the spring when they enter their growing season. This timing minimizes stress on the plant and allows for new root growth. 

Step 2: Gather Your Materials 

Before you begin, have your supplies at hand. Make sure your new pot is slightly larger than the current one but not too large, as this may retain excess moisture and lead to root rot. 

Step 3: Remove the Orchid from Its Pot 

Gently squeeze the sides of the pot to loosen the orchid. Carefully tilt the pot and gently pull it out; if it’s stuck, you can use scissors to cut away the pot carefully. Take care not to damage the roots in the process. 

Step 4: Inspect and Clean the Roots 

Once out of the pot, inspect the roots thoroughly. Trim any dead, mushy, or brown roots with clean scissors. Healthy roots should be crisp and white or green. If the potting mix has degraded, gently shake or wash away the old mix to expose the healthy roots.