Questions after questions plague us when it comes to the proper care of butterfly orchids and other species. This extraordinary beauty is different from the flowers and plants we are otherwise used to. In order for your flower to thrive for a long time, there are a few rules you need to follow - the right humidity, the right location, care after flowering,the interesting aerial rootsand of course transplanting at certain intervals. You probably already know that sooner or later the orchid will have to be repotted or at least the substrate replaced. Since the flowering period can last quite a long time, many people wonder when the right time is. May oneRepot orchidsduring flowering? If yes, under what conditions? Don't worry, we'll shed some light on it!
Repotting orchids while they are blooming - is it allowed or is it too much stress?
As you know, the formation and maintenance of flowers requires enormous effort for every plant. For this reason the regular andsufficient fertilizer applicationparticularly important at this time. However, it also takes energy for the plant to change its usual location or to get used to a new substrate. They also form new roots for this purpose - another feat of strength. For this reason, flowering is generally not a good time for this step.
Exceptional cases for transplanting orchids during flowering
However, it can happen that certain problems require an “emergency repotting”.diseases or pestsare, for example, a reason to break the general rule. Moth orchids in particular, also known as butterfly orchids or moth orchids, are characterized by very long flowering times and in some situations you cannot wait until after flowering without risking losing the entire orchid.
In what cases can I repot orchids when they bloom?
- If the plant ofpestsis affected. Then the roots must also be treated and the substrate completely renewed. Pots that you reuse are first disinfected.
- Diseases or fungal infestationalso require removing the plant from its substrate, treating it and then planting it in fresh substrate. The container is disinfected to destroy any pathogens.
- Drought stress(also called water stress), for example when the substrate is no longer good and needs to be replaced in order to be able to store enough water.
- Lack of spacein the old pot also requires early repotting of orchids during flowering.
- Todense substratepromotes root rot and should be avoided. This happens especially when the substrate is old and already falling apart. You should replace this with fresh, air-permeable ones as quickly as possible.
- Moldy substrateis harmful to the plant and should be replaced immediately.
When to repot orchids
So the answer to the question “when can I repot orchids” is actually “after the flowering period” and you should try to stick to that even if you have noticed one of the problems listed above. If possible, try to delay transplanting despite this. So if the flower changes anywayis coming to an end, you can try to delay repotting as follows:
- In the event of a pest infestation, disease or fungal infestation, first treat the plant externally with a suitable agent without removing it from the substrate (by spraying or dipping, for example).
- Remove affected plant parts that are above ground and visible.
- If the problems are due to a lack of or incorrect care, change that (e.g. water the plant well immediately if there is drought stress).
Which varieties are particularly risky to transplant during the flowering period?
Do you still want or need to transplant your orchids when they bloom? This could definitely work with the Phalaenopsis orchid. However, be prepared that the flower will subsequently recover much more slowly. With other, more sensitive species, the risk of the plant dying increases. For this reason, you should think carefully or assess whether it is absolutely necessary that you repot the orchids now, while they are blooming. Not all varieties are as adaptable as the butterfly orchid. Risky varieties include:
- Brassica
- Cattleya – find out more about this beautyin this article
- Cymbidium
- Dendrobium
- Masdevallia
- Miltonia
- Miltoniopsis
- Oncidium
- Phragmipedium
- Stanhope
- Zygopetalum
Transplanting orchids during flowering – what should you pay attention to?
In principle, you proceed in exactly the same way as during the actual repotting time: you carefully take the plant out of the pot, remove dead, diseased, dried or rotten parts of the plant and plant the flower in the new, high-quality substrate and, if necessary, in a new, larger container. And here is the small but important difference, namely in relation to irrigation:
Repotting orchids – when to water?
The orchid is usually not watered for about 2 weeks so that it can get used to the new circumstances. However, if you repot orchids while they are blooming, moisten the substrate immediately with a spray bottle. Varieties that tolerate or even need moisture on the leaves should also be moistened.
Now watch the flowers: If they suddenly start to fade, that means you should either water more frequently. Or the plant does not have enough strength and needs additional fertilizer to provide it with the necessary nutrients. You should always keep an eye on the listed risk varieties in particular after you repot orchids while they are blooming.
