When should orchids be repotted? In answering this question, we should not focus on seasons, as all of them are suitable. These plants should be repotted when the roots massively start growing out of the container in which the plant is kept. In other words, the right time for repotting comes when the roots clearly no longer fit inside the pot.
We always recommend choosing a pot only one size larger, because excess space and luxury do not suit orchids. Most of them, even the most beautiful ones grown on windowsills, come from wild ancestors that live on tropical trees.
Life there is not easy for them: little light reaches beneath the canopy, water is periodically scarce, and the “substrate” consists only of bits of bark, leaves, and plant debris falling from above. That is why it becomes clear why the main component of their growing medium is hard conifer bark.
Repotting must be done very gently. Living roots are fragile, and abrasions or wounds quickly begin to rot. The best method is to remove the entire root ball from the old pot, carefully clean it from remnants of the old substrate (which sometimes sticks to the roots), and dust any cuts or damaged areas with powdered charcoal.
Planting in the new container should be done gradually, adding the substrate in small portions. During this process, the pot should be shaken frequently so that the bark settles properly around the roots. It should serve as support and a source of moisture.
After repotting, orchids should not be watered for two weeks. After this period, the root ball can be soaked in water or a fertilizer solution, immersing it for at least several hours.
