Orchids, we love ’em, they’re beautiful—but they’re also notoriously a little finicky when it comes to reblooming. Perhaps one of the OG diva houseplants, these delicate guys can turn on a dime and go from gorgeous and blooming to sad and stick-like within (seemingly) hours. And when it comes to repotting, not taking the proper precautions can halt growth or kill your orchid altogether! To save you from heartbreak, we spoke to some experts on the best ways to repot your orchids so they thrive.
Use a Flat Object to Unstick Roots
“To repot an orchid, remove the entire plant and root ball gently,” says Steve Corcoran, CEO of Lawn Love. “Orchid roots are notorious for being a bit sticky to the inside of their containers, so if you can’t free them easily, you can take some dull, flat item and run it alongside the container walls to unstick the roots,” he suggests.
Don’t Repot While Your Orchid Is in Bloom
“If an orchid is blooming, it’s usually best to wait until the flowers drop before repotting, unless the plant is clearly struggling,” says Adrian Aviles, a florist, plant specialist, and owner of Athletic Club Flower Shop in Los Angeles. He suggests cutting away any brown, mushy roots but being careful not to trim back any that look green and healthy.
Focus on Proper Drainage
Gene Caballero, co-founder of Your Green Pal, says that the key to expertly repotting your orchid is proper drainage and breathability for its precious roots. “Use a breathable orchid mix made of bark and not regular potting soil, and choose a pot that has plenty of drainage holes,” he says. “Also, don’t bury the crown. Orchids need airflow around their roots!”
Don’t Rely on a Schedule to Repot
“Most orchids only need to be repotted when they truly need it, usually when roots are overcrowded or the potting mix has broken down,” says Aviles. “In real-world home and office conditions, the most common mistake I see is repotting on a schedule instead of responding to the plant itself. Healthy orchid roots are firm and green or silvery, not brown or mushy.”
Remember: Orchids Like Being Snug
“Orchids like a snug home, so I never increase the pot size by more than one size,” says Tammy Sons, the founder and CEO of TN Nursery. Orchids—they’re just like us! They like to be nice and cozy.
Be Gentle
While some plants can tolerate a little rough-and-tumble handling, orchids prefer a softer touch. “Gentle handling is essential, as orchids are sensitive to disruption, and maintaining healthy airflow around the roots helps prevent stress and rot,” says Aurelio Mac Rodríguez, head gardener at Dorado Maroma.
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