Stunning new orchids need to be repotted

Chicago Tribune

10-03-2025

I was inspired to try growing orchids after attending the Garden's Orchid Show last week and would like some advice regarding the three plants I just purchased.
— Emily Heideman, Chicago
Orchids are amazing and there is a huge variety of orchid plants in The Orchid Show: India Blooms at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Newly purchased orchids are often planted with sphagnum moss, which absorbs and holds water, creating prime conditions for orchid root rot. Repot all new orchids that are planted with sphagnum moss as soon as they're done blooming to ensure that they have a proper growing medium for long-term health. Purchase a high-quality bark medium designed for growing orchids.
Other than watering and occasionally fertilizing them, most gardeners do not pay much attention to their orchids when they're not in bloom. Spring is a good time to examine each plant with a critical eye to assess the need for repotting. It's also when you will typically see the new growth that signals emergence from the dormant cycle and the best time for repotting. Orchids need both the nutrients from the chunky, loose bark mix they're planted in and the air space between the pieces. As the mix breaks down to particle size, it reduces the air space inside the pot, which decreases the air circulating to your orchid's roots. Check the bark mix every spring and repot the orchid when you notice the bark decomposing. Poor quality growing mediums tend to decompose more quickly.
While orchids prefer a small pot, they eventually run out of room. That's when their roots push the plant up above the rim of the pot or reach out into the air, looking for breathing space. This is an indication that it's time to repot. I have a small orchid in a 2-inch pot that was given to me as a gift last January. It was in flower at that time and now there is a new flower spike emerging. The orchid sits on the kitchen sink below a south-facing window that is shaded. The only care it has gotten has been watering about every five days. The plant is very healthy with an extensive aerial root system growing outside the container.
If the orchid is difficult to get out of its pot, work a dull knife down and around the inside of the pot, then invert it and tap the pot on a work surface to remove it. Examine the root ball and feel for root ends. Healthy orchid roots are white, and any pale green tips indicate new growth. If the root ball is stiff and dry, soak it in water for a few minutes to soften the tissues as dried-out roots can snap. As you gently loosen and untangle the roots, trim away any black, hollow, or soggy roots and remove the old growing medium trapped between the roots. Rinsing the roots with water helps. Holding the plant in one hand, place the plant down into the pot. Pour fresh bark mix around the plant, using a dowel or blunt knife to work all the way down and between the freshly separated roots. Water thoroughly and wait a week or two before watering again to help stimulate root growth in the new medium.
While this basic potting method works for most orchids, some require special care, such as dividing or mounting. It is a good idea to identify your orchids and do some research to see if they require any more specialized treatment.