Potting: Start to Finish

[Kaity]

When re-potting orchids...could someone give me examples of how to do it from start to finish....? What would you differently for plants that like to stay moist all the time, ones that need to dry lightly, and ones that need to totally dry in between waterings? What types of media do you use?

[Izzie]

Media depends on the plant, your environment, and your watering habits- which will all affect how fast the media dries out. Don't forget to consider how that orchid would grow in the wild- can offer some great insight.

As far as size, large roots(cattleyas/phals)-medium/large media, fine roots (some epidendrums, oncidiums)- fine media.

There's a good step-by-step guide on repotting in the Member Articles section.

[WhiteRabbit]

For plants that should remain moist, you can water the more often. They can be potted in media that retains moisture longer. They can be potted in plastic (as opposed to clay) pots. Any or all can be done.
Opposite for plants that should dry fairly quickly.

I like coconut husk chips in plastic pots for plants that like to be moist. Coconut husk chips in clay pots for plants that should dry a bit in-between watering. Plants that like to dry quickly treefern fiber, or charcoal in clay pots.

I use other media as well, varying the main ingredient, and what and how much I mix with other media, depending on the plant. I also like experimenting lol.

Different people have success using different media, so just giving you an idea.

[Judi]

There is a lot of good information on this site as well as on the web. One of my favorite sites for info as well as advise on planting medium, care, etc for all types of orchids is Orchid Care Tips and FAQ