First of all, we recommend that you get the new pot you are going to put your orchid in ready. If you are using an old pot, soak it in a mixture of water and a little bleach, rinse it, and give it a few days to let it dry out completely. If you are using a new pot, just soak it in water for a couple of minutes.
After the pot is ready, you need to get the inside ready with a good-sized layer of plastic foam. The plastic foam peanuts work great when repotting orchids. Place the peanuts at the bottom of the pot. It helps the new repotted orchid’s roots get adequate drainage. This is important for your orchid to thrive. You can also wet the potting mix. It is best to do that with boiling water. Let the soil set and cool back down. Then add the soil to the pots.
Once you are ready, unpot the orchid by turning the plant upside down and gently thumping the sides of the pot. It is common for the roots to stick to the pot in places, but you can use a butter knife to get them loose. Try to be careful, but it is not a huge deal if you accidentally damage the roots a little.
Then, shake off as much of the dirt stuck to the plant as you can, but some will remain stuck to the roots.
Next, trim the plant of dead and rotting roots. Healthy roots are white and firm, white dead or damaged roots are mushy and brownish in color. After this, place the orchid in the pot.
As you are repotting orchids – make sure that you look at the new growth. You want it facing outward. You need to give the roots some room to grow.
Maybe your orchid is growing every which way. Great! Just place the orchid in the middle of the newly prepared pot. Add the potting mix and tap it down firmly. The roots need the support. Make sure none of the roots are showing – they need to be under the dirt for protection and food.
