How to divide and repot orchids? A detailed guide to the methods and steps

Orchids grow slowly and can only be divided after every 3-4 years, and only when Cymbidium goeringii has 5-6 leaf clusters and Cymbidium faberi has 8-9 leaf clusters. Repotting should be done during the dormant period after flowering. For spring-flowering types, do it from "Autumn Equinox" to "Major Snow" or before new buds sprout; for summer- and autumn-flowering types, do it during "Clear and Bright" to "Grain Rain". When the potting soil is slightly dry, gently turn the orchid plant out of the pot; repotting while the soil is wet easily breaks the roots. Shake off the soil, cut off dead roots, withered leaves and shriveled pseudobulbs, being careful not to damage young buds and fleshy roots. Newly purchased seedlings should have broken roots cut off; if the damaged cut surface is rotten, cut back until slightly whitish tissue is visible. Then wash the roots and place them in a cool, shaded spot. When the roots turn pale and dry-looking, they can be divided. Find the spot where two pseudobulbs are relatively far apart and cut them apart. Both the cut surface and the damaged cut sections must be coated with plant ash or charcoal powder to prevent rot. Both divided parts should have new buds. Also cut away excess old roots to encourage new root development, and finally repot.

Clay pots are best; for purple clay pots and glazed pots pay attention to drainage; porcelain pots are best avoided. The pot size should allow the roots to spread out comfortably inside. The potting soil should be fertile, loose, and non-alkaline, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Mountain soil is a good medium for growing orchids, and homemade humus soil can also be used. Orchids fear waterlogging most of all, so first place a few small stones and charcoal pieces sparsely at the bottom of the pot, being careful not to block the drainage hole, and cover with plastic mesh, about 3-4 cm high. Next add coarse-grained soil, then fine-grained soil up to the middle of the pot, mounded up like a steamed bun. Place the orchid in the center of the pot so the roots are evenly distributed, cover with fine soil and lift the orchid seedling gently, while shaking the pot so the soil and roots bind tightly together. Then cover with more fine soil, and use your fingers to rake the potting soil from the pot edge toward the roots, pressing and firming it so the center is slightly raised. Finally add a layer of pea gravel, then water from the pot edge, place in a cool, ventilated spot for half a month, then move it under a shade awning and return to normal care.