The BEST Time to Repot Your Orchid

We’re often asked: (1) How do I know when to repot my orchid and (2) What is the best time to repot my orchid. Whether you are a first-time orchid owner or a long-time collector, follow these simple suggestions for repotting success. ​

Signs It's Time to Repot

Your Plant Has Out-Grown Its Current Pot

• If your plant roots are growing aggressively outside the edges of the original container.
• If your plant is top heavy or perhaps even tips over due to excess growth.

Your Potting Medium Looks Like It Is Rotting

• Potting medium made from bark will eventually break down with time or become water-logged from too much water. If the potting medium crumbles easily or even shows white fuzzy growth it is time to repot. Take care to clean away all the old potting medium from the plant's roots so that you don't transfer fungus or bacteria from the old pot to the new pot.

Time to Freshen Up

• As a general rule of thumb, most orchids need to be re-potted every one to two years. Fresh potting medium will promote a clean growing environment for your orchid. Times may vary based on humidity, watering frequency and growth rate of the plant.

Cracking or Breaking of Your Pot or Basket

• Plastic posts will deteriorate over time from sun and water exposure. If your plastic pot has grown brittle, it is time to repot.
• If you are using wooden baskets, they will also deteriorate over time. Watch for signs that the wood is becoming soft or the slats have separated. You can either buy a new larger basket and place the old basket inside the new basket. Or, carefully remove the orchid from the deteriorated basket and repot into a clay pot, plastic pot or a fresh basket.

The Best Time to Repot

Avoid Repotting When Your Orchid Is Flowering

• Avoid repotting a flowering orchid. The stress of the move is likely to cause your flowers and buds to drop.
• If you have recently purchased a new orchid from the store that is planted in a glass container with sphagnum moss, wait until the plant has finished blooming, then replant. Orchid roots need air and water to thrive, so repotting your orchid with a bark potting mix in a clay or plastic container will allow for proper ventilation and drainage. 

New Growth

• It is best to repot when your plant is actively growing. Look for signs of new roots or new shoots/pseudobulbs.

Spring Time

•  If you have a young plant that is not mature enough to flower, spring time is the best time to repot.

To learn what potting mixes are best for your orchid varieties, visit our website. Better-Gro potting mixes have been specially formulated by our head grower with the finest ingredients to grow healthy, vibrant orchids.

We hope these simple suggestions lead you to repotting success! For more suggestions, watch our short Repotting Your Orchid video.

Happy Blooming from Better-Gro!