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4 Signs It's Time to Repot Your Orchid

April 8, 2014


Spring has finally sprung, and you know what that means: Time to open up your windows, let the fresh air in and clean out the winter cobwebs with a thorough spring cleaning. But your home may not be the only thing that needs sprucing; your orchid may need a refresh, too.

Every 1-2 years (usually in the spring or summer), your orchid will need repotting. Below are four signs that will help you tell if it’s time to repot your orchid.

A Ripe Smell is Coming from the Pot

If you notice an unpleasant odor in the air around your orchid, it may be time to repot. Your potting medium can develop a sour odor as it decomposes. When the medium has broken down, your orchid is no longer receiving the precious nutrients it needs to stay healthy and grow. It also means that your medium is not allowing adequate air circulation for the orchid’s roots. If your plant is starting to smell a bit sour, be proactive and replace your potting medium.

Excess Moisture and Root Color

Another disadvantage of decomposing bark is that it holds onto more water than fresh bark, which causes your orchid to drown in water. If your plant’s roots are getting too much water, they’ll appear brown in color or soft. Overwatered roots can lead to fungal disease.

Tightly Tangled Roots

Unlike some houseplants, loosely tangled roots are the norm for your Phalaenopsis orchid. However, your plant will eventually need a bigger home in order to stretch its roots. If your roots are tightly tangled, this may be a sign that your plant needs some breathing room.

Your Plant Appears Sick

If your orchid appears sick or unhealthy, repotting may aid in its recovery. If you’ve overwatered your plant, allow it to dry out thoroughly before repotting. If your orchid has developed a fungus, use a sterile knife to remove the afflicted area, treat your plant with a fungicide, and repot your orchid in a new pot.

Understanding when you should repot your orchid will help you keep it healthy and thriving for a long time to come.

Is your orchid telling you it’s time for repotting? Do you need an easy, step-by-step guide to repotting your orchid? Download “5 Simple Steps to Repotting Your Orchid” today!

Keeping you Orchid Healthy