Repotting.....(Orchids)

Replacement of planting pots and media (repotting) can be done every 2-3 years or if: • planting media has been damaged / destroyed / rot or become acidic (pH <5) which will inhibit plant growth. • there is a white crust (the remaining fertilizer) on the media that can kill plants if exposed roots. • plants and / or composition of the roots had grown out of the pot. Do repotting after flowering is complete and begin to grow new roots. The procedure of repotting: • Before use, soak the media first and potted plants will be used in fungicide solution (physan 20 or Dithane M-45) according to their proportion for a few minutes to kill the fungus. Also sterilize the cutting tools to be used by soaking in a solution also physan-20 is. • Soak the planting medium to a solution of vitamin B1 (especially for plants) for some time, if necessary, all night to penetrate the growing medium to reduce stress on the orchids to be grown and accelerate the growth of new roots. • Remove the plant from the old pot carefully so that their roots are not much damaged / broken. To remove the roots that have been glued to the pot, soak the entire pot with water until the roots are starting off from the pot. Or can be helped by using a thin knife (box cutter or razor blade) is inserted between the roots and pot. Maybe there are one or two roots that are not successfully removed in one piece. Patience is the key. • Once removed from the old pot, remove all remaining media attached to plant roots. Cut the roots of dead / bad (dark brown color) with a sterile cutter. For simpodial orchids, clumps can be broken up and planted in different pots (at least 3 fully grown trees for each family). • Soak the plants with a solution of vitamin B1 a few minutes to reduce stress on the plant and accelerate the growth of new roots. • Once planted in the new pot, put in place a rather shady and moist. Do not flush too much, and add vitamin B1 on the first or 3-4 watering until new roots begin to grow.