Q&A for How to Repot an Orchid

If you're going to repot an orchid, you should put it in a pot that's 1-2 inches wider in diameter than its existing grow pot. They like to stay very compact in the soil—their structure is really held together by the roots.

Orchids need a lot of aeration and drainage, so it's best to choose a pot that has holes in the side.

Orchids aren't typically grown in actual soil—they're going to be grown in sphagnum moss, a mix of bark, or orchid bark.

Leave the new stalks alone. Separating them may cause too much stress on the orchid.

Not sure if you mean the roots seem dry, or the leaves of the plant or what, but if you are using the ice cube method of watering, it's probably not getting enough water. There are better ways to water. Hold the pot over the sink (or you can put it in a colander) and use a watering container with a spout to pour water over the roots. It will drain out quickly, as it should. I use a 2-quart watering container and pour the whole thing over the plant. Avoid wetting the leaves, but make sure you turn the pot so you are watering all the portions of the potting medium. Take note of how light the pot feels before and after you water it. This helps you to know when it needs water again.

It's hard to say without a bit more information, but in general, if the root is firm and not mushy, it is healthy. Dead roots are usually mushy and brownish-colored. On many orchids, the roots becoming a more silvery or white color is an indication the plant is ready to be watered.

You shouldn't, because it needs to be settled to flower. If you do, it may have some issues.

If your orchid has been neglected or dehydrated at the store, and the leaves and roots are limp or shriveled, water more often than usual to rehydrate. Water every other day until it recovers, but still keep it in a well draining potting mix and make sure it doesn't sit in water.

It's fine, as long as they don't fall on each other.

Yes! Cutting off the spikes helps the orchid, and will make it easier for it to flower again during it's next cycle.

The soft, wrinkly leaves are a symptom of root rot. Root rot is usually caused by overwatering. I'd make sure the pot is draining well, which means making sure you have a drainage hole, and making sure it's not sitting in water. You should also make sure to let the growing medium dry out in between waterings. Repotting might help if the growing medium is retaining too much water, or if you need to use a different pot that drains better.

The best way to water orchids is simply to hold them in the sink and just let water run through them. The roots should never be sitting in water.

Cut off the damaged portion. This may have happened because it is too dry.

Three to five will allow for growth and an appropriate amount of energy, but the more the merrier!

Yes, and that may be a sign that the plant is overwatered if there are not any flowers, small tiny leaves, or buds. If the plant is overwatered, stop watering it until it is only lightly moist when you stick in the knuckle of your index finger, then go back to your normal watering routine. You may also supplement the orchid with plant food and/or completed compost.

They do. You can purchase orchid-specific fertilizer, and can follow the instructions for use on the bag.

Not constant. Try to put your orchid in a north or east facing window to prevent sunburn on their leaves.

Treat them with rubbing alcohol - gently wipe down or spray. You may have to repeat every 10 days for a while, but you need to get them under control. As soon as the plant stops flowering you might want to repot it, checking the roots carefully for damage/infestation as you do it. Google "orchids and mealy bugs" for better instructions.

Generally when orchids are overwatered, the leaves will shrivel and flowers will droop. Give it a few days to see if this evens out, once some of the water evaporates.

If none of it is green, it's dead. Compost it or throw it away.

You can cut off any mushy roots with disinfected scissors or a knife. Try not to damage other roots in the process though.

Cut it only if it has become dry. If it is not dry, leave it - after some time it may have new branches/flowers.

Sterilizing it is a good idea, with boiling water or even iodine. Putting the fir bark in the oven at a low temperature could help sterilize it.

If winter or summer are coming, the plant is fine. They only flower in cooler conditions.

They need specific conditions to flower. Being a tropical plant, they like humidity and indirect sunlight. Just keep giving it those conditions, and it'll be fine.

No, you do not split or cut the orchid in half, as that will harm the orchid or possibly kill it.

That's fine, as long as they do not lean or fall on each other.

You can try gently wiping or spraying the plant with rubbing alcohol. You may have a bug infestation.

Do it quickly and carefully, for orchids are very delicate. Make sure the new pot is bigger than the original one.

Repot it as normal, but cut off the flower spike, so it focuses its energy on growing new roots, and to minimize shock