Bare Root Potting and Re-Potting Culture
Trimming Roots: Trimming roots encourages new root production. We trim the roots of most orchids (except Slipper types) that we transplant or repot to reach about three-quarters of the way to the bottom of the container selected. However, we generally do not remove any roots before shipping orchids to customers bare root. Cutting any plant tissue should always be done with clean, sterile scissors or shears. Cutting tools can be sterilized by exposing all cutting surfaces to the hottest part of a flame for 10- 1 5 seconds or by soaking them in full strength bleach or a solution of one tablespoon of TSP to 8 oz. water for several minutes. Using clean cutting tools will reduce or prevent the spread of plant born disease such as virus or fungal rots.
Selecting Potting Material: We use our seedling mix (fine grade fir bark, perlite, peat moss and lime) for most of the orchids that we transplant into 2 1/2" pots, 3" pots and 3 1/2" pots, and we use our orchid mix (medium grade fir bark, perlite, peat moss, red-wood fiber, compost and lime) for most of the orchids that we transplant into 4" and larger pots. We use our soil-less phalaenopsis mix (Pro-mix HP and sponge rock) for most of the phalaenopsis that we transplant regardless of pot size. We always transplant orchids into a pre-moistened medium. We spread roots and fill between them with potting medium. Firm the potting medium around the roots but only use slight finger pressure to tighten our phalaenopsis mix. When done, the orchid plant should be firm enough in the container to stand by itself
Watering and Fertilizing after Transplanting: We often water freshly potted plants once with a solution of a root growth stimulant (either Superthrive or Dyna-Grow KLN). Thereafter, water should be held off for some time. Misting on bright, clear mornings should be more than enough until new roots appear. This "shock time" as we call it, may take anytime between 2-5 weeks depending on your conditions and the time of year. Regular waterings should begin when new active roots appear in and around the pots. (Gentle probing with your finger will reveal this.) After new roots appear, young plants in small pots may dry more quickly and may therefore benefit from more frequent watering and fertilizing. Use one-quarter to one-half strength water-soluble fertilizer. When in doubt, it is better to under-water and to under-fertilize.
Light, Humidity and Air Movement after Transplanting: Light and air movement are valuable components when it comes to starting and growing young plants. Bright, indirect light exposure is what should be provided for good, rapid growth habit. If you have adult plants in the same growing space, remember, that newly potted plants can be stressed under adult conditions. Try to maintain a higher humidity (about 70% to 80%) and warmer conditions around the new plants. (68'-74') If you are growing under artificial lights, maintain 16 to 18 hour days. Gentle moving air can help in the growing environment. A small fan, such as used in computer cases can be placed 10" to 12" inches above the growing area to provide air movement across the plants.
Note: This guide is a general guide to bare root potting. For specific varieties, please click on one of these links:
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