Repotting

The Method


Before repotting any orchid, be sure to follow the Golden Rules. Orchids should be healthy, and in the the New Growth stage of their life cycle. Winter repotting should be avoided, except in emergencies.

If the orchid is not in the correct stage of its growth cycle, the orchid needs to be prepared for the repot. Check this page for how to get the orchid ready for the repotting process.


Materials:
  • Pest Spray: half isopropyl alcohol 70%, half water, few drops of dish soap
  • H/O Spray: hydrogen peroxide 3%
  • Sanitizing Spray: physan solution
  • cutting tool (left in bowl of alcohol as disinfectant)
  • clean, pretreated leca medium
  • new pot for orchid, holes premade
  • clean, disinfected tray
Procedure:
  1. Spray interior of new pot with Sanitizing Spray and set aside to disinfect.
  2. Remove orchid from old medium (medium should be soaked before repotting to help minimize damage to root system) and rinse well in tepid water. Check over root system and remove any dead or rotted roots Spray liberally with h/p spray, as well as base of plant.
  3. Spray the leaves and top of plant with pest spray. Let sit for 30 mins.
  4. Rinse whole plant clean.
  5. Fill new pot with clean leca to just above hole line. Hold plant in desired position and fill with new medium, tapping and shaking gently in the process.
  6. Flush pot with plain water to flush and fill reservoir.


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Preparing the LECA:
  1. Rinse the medium to get rid of excess dust and particles.
  2. Soak 24 hours in gallon of water with one teaspoon of Epsom Salt.
  3. Rinse clean. Optional: Soak leca again in rooting solution for additional 24 hours.
Treating Used LECA:
  1. Dry leca thoroughly and 'winnow' in front of a fan to remove organic matter.
  2. Soak it in a solution containing Physan solution for a few days.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water, drain, and let dry.
  4. Any medium with mineral deposit/residue should be discarded, optionally soak medium in epsom salt followed by rooting stimulant before use.
    (Thanks to Ray Barkalow for all this information)