- Prepare the Materials: Soak sphagnum moss in water for about 30 minutes to hydrate it. This helps it retain moisture more effectively when used as a growing medium. Also, gather a pot with drainage holes that’s just slightly larger than the current one.
- Remove the Orchid from the Old Pot: Gently take the orchid out of its current pot, being careful not to damage the roots. Trim away any dead, rotting, or damaged roots using sterilized scissors or pruning shears.
- Place the Orchid in the New Pot: Position the orchid in the center of the new pot. Spread the healthy roots out gently, ensuring that they fit comfortably without being cramped.
- Fill with Sphagnum Moss: Begin adding the pre-soaked sphagnum moss around the roots. Gently pack the moss in, making sure the roots are completely covered but not too tightly packed. The orchid should be secure but still able to breathe.
- Water: Once the orchid is securely in place, water it thoroughly, making sure the moss is evenly moist but not soggy.
That’s it! Your orchid is now repotted in sphagnum moss. Be sure to monitor moisture levels as moss can retain a lot of water, and adjust watering as needed.
How to Water Orchids in Sphagnum Moss
- Check the Moisture Level: Before watering, always check the moisture of the sphagnum moss. Stick your finger about an inch into the moss—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it still feels damp, wait another day or two before watering.
- Water Thoroughly: When it’s time to water, thoroughly soak the sphagnum moss. You can either:
- Water from the top: Slowly pour water around the base of the orchid, ensuring it drains out of the bottom of the pot.
- Soak the pot: Place the entire pot in a basin of water for 10-15 minutes, allowing the moss to absorb moisture from the bottom up. After soaking, let the pot drain fully to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.
- Drain Excess Water: Make sure there’s no standing water at the bottom of the pot to avoid root rot. If any water collects in the saucer, empty it out immediately.
- Watering Frequency: Orchids in sphagnum moss typically need watering every 7-10 days, but this can vary depending on your home’s humidity and temperature. Always check the moss’s moisture level before watering again to avoid overwatering.
Proper watering is essential to keeping orchids in sphagnum moss healthy, so be sure to monitor the moisture regularly and adjust as needed.
