Phalaenopsis, like other orchids, does not like transplants, but in some situations this procedure cannot be dispensed with. If the plant is healthy, and the transplant is done correctly and accurately, it will not suffer and even begin to bloom.
Phalaenopsis orchid is transplanted only when absolutely necessary, usually once every 2-3 years. If possible, it is better to replace this procedure with a partial change of the substrate or transshipment. It is important to remember that it is highly undesirable to transplant during the period of flowering and dormancy of the plant.
A transplant is often necessary for a plant that was purchased from a flower shop. It is found in a decomposed substrate with moss, peat and pieces of foam rubber. All these components retain moisture - this is detrimental to the orchid's root system.
Another reason to transplant phalaenopsis is plant disease. After processing the root system, you need to prepare a new substrate for it. And if the orchid is cramped in its pot, then you need to choose a new one and transplant the flower.
Phalaenopsis orchid roots are involved in photosynthesis, so it is advisable for a plant to choose a transparent pot with a lot of holes. However, natural materials are often used for this: half a coconut, a piece of bark, a saw cut from a fruit tree. Phalaenopsis will take root perfectly, but the conditions of detention will have to be slightly changed. In nature, this orchid grows on trees.
Experienced flower growers and fans of phalaenopsis use baskets made of wood and bamboo. It is better to choose bamboo products, since the roots do not grow to their walls, in the future it will be easier to transplant the plant.
As soon as the container for transplanting the Phalaenopsis orchid is prepared, you need to decide on the substrate. In flower shops, you can buy ready-made substrate. When choosing, you need to remember that it should not decompose within 3 years, be airtight and hygroscopic. You can also collect it yourself by combining charcoal, sphagnum moss, expanded clay and pieces of bark. Some growers plant the phalaenopsis orchid only in the bark.
Phalaenopsis transplant is carried out in several stages:
1. Take the plant out of the old pot and free the roots from the old substrate. We carefully examine the roots: healthy - dense, green and elastic.
2. We cut off all dead and rotten roots with a pruner, the places of the cuts must be dried and sprinkled with chopped charcoal. If the plant has few roots, it can be treated with a dry rooting stimulant.
3. Before planting, we moisten the soil and let the water drain so that it is moist, not wet.
4. At the bottom of the pot we put coarse bark, it can be replaced with expanded clay or pebbles. Then we put the plant and fill up the root system. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the roots of the orchid.
5. To avoid voids in the pot, you can tap on the walls. It is important to remember that in no case should the neck be buried, this can lead to its rotting, the plant will be difficult to save.
6. To ensure a comfortable environment, put a small layer of moss on top of the ground. Do not water the plant after transplanting for 2 weeks.
Transplanting a phalaenopsis orchid is a difficult task that requires accuracy. First you need to choose the right pot and prepare the substrate, and then the plant itself. It is important to check all the roots and remove dry and rotten ones, otherwise the orchid weakened after transplantation will start to hurt.
