Ten things to note when transplanting orchids

1. Wound sterilization: When transplanting out of the flask, repotting, or dividing, pull the orchid out of the pot without damaging its roots, and remove the old potting mix. Also remove rotted roots, withered leaves, and so on; at this point, division can be carried out at the appropriate place. Soak the roots, stems, and leaves in a fungicide solution (chlorothalonil, carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl, etc.) for 20 minutes to prevent pathogen invasion. After transplanting, watering again after 1~2 days gives a better effect.

2. Disinfection of old pots: In principle, use new pots for planting orchids; if old pots are used, they should first be treated with a disinfectant before use.

3. Pot size: Planting small seedlings in large pots means, on the one hand, using too much potting medium, which easily leads to poor aeration; on the other hand, watering is not easy to distribute evenly. If it is too wet, the medium does not dry easily, bacteria can easily infect it, and the roots rot.

4. Shallow planting of the orchid plant: Orchid plants should not be planted deep; when planted deep, the base stays damp for a long time and soft rot is easily caused. When planting, fill the potting medium around the roots; the base or pseudobulbs must be exposed and must not be buried in the medium.

5. Position of new shoots: When planting an orchid, the new shoots should be placed in the center of the pot. For the time being it looks as if they lean to one side, but in the future, when the new shoots grow and bloom, they will be in the center of the pot.

6. Placement of the root system: When planting, spread the orchid's root system evenly in all directions, do not let them press against one another, so that every root can contact the potting medium and have good aeration; otherwise root rot is easily caused.

7. Securing the plant: Orchid plants cannot be planted deep, so they often appear shaky and about to topple. Therefore, they must be secured with stakes and ties so that they do not sway, to avoid damaging the roots.

8. Firming the potting medium: The potting medium for orchids requires good aeration and drainage, such as sphagnum moss, coconut coir, etc. After planting, it should be pressed down slightly; otherwise the space at the base is too large and root growth is poor. The correct method is to press firmly from both sides; do not press heavily from above.

9. Watering time: Newly planted orchids may have injured roots; the wounds have been coated or soaked with fungicide, so do not water or water only sparingly for 2~3 days. This allows the fungicide to take effect and also promotes the growth of new shoots and new roots. This is where orchids differ from other herbaceous and woody flowering plants.

10. Avoid strong light: Newly planted orchids must avoid direct strong sunlight to prevent excessive dehydration, and should be placed in a shaded spot. For about 1 month, cultivate them while observing. Do not apply fertilizer. Mist appropriately to increase air humidity, until the orchid plant resumes normal growth.