Good afternoon, my reader. Orchid transplantation is included in the list of mandatory activities carried out when growing an elegant, rather capricious flower culture. It is important to follow the basic rules so as not to weaken the plant.
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The main reasons and timing of orchid transplant
For a capricious orchid, transplanting is a serious stress. The plant, if the procedure is incorrect or untimely, can weaken and get sick.
Reasons for the need for a transplant:
- The soil substrate is gradually compacted, depleted and does not provide the plant with the necessary nutrient compounds.
- The resulting waterlogging of the soil due to the loss of looseness and air permeability gradually leads to rotting of the roots and the death of the orchid.
- With the growth of roots, the soil is gradually forced out of the pot, which weakens and slows down the further development of the flower.
The frequency of the procedure depends on the basic components of the substrate. If bark predominates in it, then it is recommended to practice moving the exotic to a new pot with an interval of 3 years. If the soil mixture is based on sphagnum, then the transplant is performed every 2 years. The optimal period is the spring period at the stage of active growth.
Emergency transplant
It will be necessary to transplant the orchid immediately into fresh substrate if the following signs are identified:
- The potting mix is completely decomposed. Its structure has become similar to dust.
- Harmful insects were found on the orchid.
- The flower has lost its decorative effect and stopped growing due to rotting roots.
- The plant does not fit into the old container.
When buying an orchid, there is no need to rush to transplant if the plant is strong, develops well, and also during the flowering period.
Basic transplant rules
At the stage of preparation, tools, the necessary containers, substrate, preparations are selected:
- a sharp small pruner (it can be replaced with scissors with well-sharpened blades), disinfected with alcohol;
- plastic transparent pot, in which the dimensions are 4-5 cm larger than the previous capacity;
- ready-made soil substrate recommended for orchids;
- alcohol-free bactericides or activated carbon.
If an orchid that has recently finished flowering is being prepared for transplantation, then the peduncle is cut off.
Step-by-step instruction
When transplanting a delicate orchid, several successive stages are performed:
- Slightly kneading the walls of the plastic pot with your hands, the plant is removed without damaging the root system. If difficulties arise, the pot is cut with scissors.
- Under a stream of cool water, particles of the old substrate are separated from the roots.
- Examine the plant. It is important at this stage to identify the presence of pests or signs of disease.
- If insect larvae are seen, then immerse the plant for 5-8 hours in slightly warmed warm water. Then they are irrigated with special preparations.
- A detailed diagnosis of the roots is carried out visually. Rotten, broken, affected, dry appendages are cut off. Sections are sprinkled with powdered activated carbon. Can be treated with bactericidal preparations.
- In the lower part of the plant, the leaves that begin to turn yellow or have already dried up are removed, and hollow bulbs are also cut off. The sections are disinfected in the same way as the roots.
- Before moving the orchid to a new container, leave it on the table until the roots are completely dry.
- Wipe a new pot with alcohol. When the surfaces are dry, put some drainage on the bottom.
- The flower is placed in the center of the container. Fill the voids evenly with soil substrate. Each layer is lightly pressed, but not tamped.
Control that the growth point is above the surface. Well-developed aerial roots do not need to be covered with soil.
Reproduction of orchids
Often, in parallel with the transplant, breeding measures for this graceful exotic flower are practiced in several ways:
- Children. After flowering in the pot, small cuttings are formed - children. They are carefully separated and planted in a separate small pot.
- By dividing the roots. In a plant with well-developed bulbs and a powerful root system, approximately half of it is cut off, which is immediately planted in another container.
- Side shoots. A shoot is cut off from an orchid that has finished flowering and placed in a regularly moistened soil for rooting.
Transplanted orchid care
Immediately after transplanting, the flower is placed in a room with east-facing windows. It is important to provide protection from direct sunlight on the plant.
The temperature is maintained no higher than 22 degrees. Spraying with warm water is useful for the leaves. A month later, top dressing is carried out.
Transplanting a sensitive orchid is easier to tolerate if simple rules are followed during its implementation.
Do you grow orchids at home?
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