ORCHIDS
Re-potting Orchids
This only applies to some orchid not all there are literally thousands of them out there so if you are not sure if this suits your orchid then talk to or join your local orchid society
please read the “potting mixes” section to get an idea of the types of potting material available to you. Then read the section on watering to select the type of potting mix you will use due to your conditions.
One of the first things new or non orchid growers do, is split up there orchids to one or two canes only this is a no as in most cases this will take to much out of your plants and they will sulk and will not flower for some times and some times die. If not sure then it is all ways best to ask (this is why there are orchid societies all over the world become a member or ask at a show or ask a local grower) or repot other then break up
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Get some good quality "ORCHID MIX" not dirt and soak this in water for at least 10 minutes, You can buy this from most orchid societies or orchid nurseries, most standard plant nurseries/hardware's do not supply a specific orchid mix that is salt and tannin stable
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select your pots think of the size of flower and the weight of pot and mix to have enough weight to hold upright
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remove your plant from the old pot, this may mean to break/cut the pot away from the orchid sometimes soaking pot for 5minets before this can help soften in mix and roots
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repot typically after flower to allow plant to settle before re-flowering
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all orchids are a bit different so these instructions are not gospel we have this here for people that do not have the convenience of a friend/neighbour or local orchid society. Look for any new growth and you count back from hear, you need to typically need four(4) good canes to each plant. (there are some other things too know but I find are to hard to explain in writing and you will learn over time eg branching points and direction/redirection of growth, anyway if you divide in 4 or more growth then this should not affect flowing) you may find that some hard looking will find a natural fall away spot with in the plant
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trim back any old dry roots
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try not to disturb the plant and good roots to much and repot
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You may have to stack your plant to hold in position till new roots are grown
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add a small amount of 6 month slow release fertilizer (do not do this step for natives) and place orchid in growing area