Having your orchids repotted is not always a simple process. It is important to make sure that you do it correctly to avoid damaging the roots. You should also ensure that you get a good quality potting medium.
Sphagnum moss is a good choice for orchids. It helps to retain moisture, and it is also free of pathogens. It should be used with half of the recommended fertilizer dose. Sphagnum moss can be purchased from garden centers or online. Check out my recommended products.
Orchids are sensitive to disease and toxins. Before repotting your orchid, be sure to sterilize its pot. Sterilization helps to kill disease-causing vectors.
Make sure to choose a new pot that is larger than the old one. This allows room for more of the roots to grow.
If the roots look droopy, they are probably not well anchored to the pot. This will cause them to become top-heavy. This is a sign that they are not receiving the proper amount of water.
You should also make sure to remove the old potting mix from the pot. If it has been sitting for a long time, it may have decayed. You can do this by rinsing the pot out. If you are using a terracotta pot, you can also break it up.
Make sure that the new pot has good drainage. Stakes or packing peanuts can help with this. This will also help to prevent the roots from falling over.
When repotting your orchid, you should make sure to keep it in a cool, but not too cold spot. They should also be placed in partial shade. This will help them avoid overheating.
How to Water Orchids in Sphagnum Moss
Keeping orchids in sphagnum moss requires a bit more attention than normal. The moss helps orchids know when it’s time to water. However, you should be careful to not over water them. Overwatering can lead to root rot and can even kill them.
Watering orchids in sphagnum moss can be done two ways. You can either soak them or use ice cubes. The first method is a good way to increase the amount of water your orchids retain. The ice cubes will gradually melt and release their moisture into the moss.
Soaking your orchids will not only help them to retain water better, but it also prevents overwatering. Soak them in a bowl of water for fifteen to thirty minutes.
After the watering, rinse them thoroughly. You can also use decorative pots for watering your orchids. However, be sure to use clean water. Alternatively, you can use a misting spray. This may be too much for your orchids.
Another method is to water your orchids in the sink. Make sure to check the water level and remove any excess water. Once your orchids are dry, you can return them to their normal spot. If you find that the water level is too low, you may need to give them a bit of extra water.
You can also use a humidifier to keep your orchids in sphagnum moss moist. This will prevent mold and help to maintain the moisture level of your orchids.
TIP: Learn Step-by-step how to repot your orchid.