Question
HOW DO I TRANPLANTS A ORCHID PLANT FROM ONE POT TO ANOTHER. THE ORCHID IS GETTING TO BIG FOR ITS POT.

Answer
Hello Melvin,

Repotting an orchid is not very difficult.  But before you begin, gather the supplies you will need such as a new pot, potting media and sterile cutting tool. Depending upon what kind of orchid you are repotting will determine what grade of potting media, orchids with thin roots into fine or small grade while fat (over a quarter inch thick) roots into medium or large grade.  

A few words of caution before you begin.  Most orchids should be repotted only when there is evidence of new root growth.  Some orchids will lanquish and not grow for some time if repotted at the wrong time.  Also, use a pot size that is the next size up from the current pot, too large a pot and the orchid may try to grow more roots until the pot is almost full before producing new vegetative growth and blooms.  

Once you are ready, remove the orchid plant from the pot and clean off as much of the old media from the roots.  Check for any soft mushy roots, remove any that are as they are dead.  Place a little media in the new pot, position the orchid in the center with the bottom of the plant at or just below the pot rim, add more media while holding the orchid in place until the pot is full.  Gently press the media down then add more media as needed to refill the pot.  If there is a label with the orchid, slip it into the pot and you are almost done.  Water the orchid then place it in a warm shady location for 2 to 3 weeks, during this time water only enough to keep it barely moist to encourage new roots to grow.  Move it back to where you had been growing it and continue caring for it as you had been.  

Hope this has helped.  Good luck and good growing.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.