Question : Transplanting orchids?
A former co-worker left an orchid plant and told me I could have it. But I've discovered that the plant seems to have moldy potting soil, which seems to indicate that it was being overwatered. It has some potting moss on top of the soil. I want to transplant the orchid in a nicer pot. I do not know anything about orchids, except that they can be rather delicate. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also, the leaves seem to have a sticky substance on them, any ideas?
- asked by deanie1962
All Answers:
Answer #1
the sticky substance is scale - an insect! they will get on any other plants in
the vicinity so be careful about touching it and then another plant.scale is
difficult to get rid of...especially on delicate plants...but there is hope.
:)look at the underside of the leaves. You may see small raised brown spots.
those re the 'invaders'! scrap them off with your finger nails - gently so as
not to damage the leaf. you may want to use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol and
dab each insect. you will most likely have to do this several times, but it
should be effective. it's just difficult to get all of themthrow the moss away.
it is harboring more scale. :)next, buy potting soil specifically for
orchids...or use wood shavings. the wood is my preferred method, as it drains
freely, gives the roots something to cling to, and is cheap (i live in central
america and have several orchids growing this way) if you will water the orchid
every third day (provided it has excellent drainage) , use a little fertilizer
about once a month (very weak solution is best) it will reward you with
beautiful blooms.hope this helps. :)
- answered by Belize Missionary
Answer #2
Orchids normally should be watered when they plant becomes slightly dry, usually
about once or twice weekly but less in cold wet weather and a little more often
in summer. One way to check is lifting the pot to see if it is retaining
water...It will be heavy if it has too much water and avoid saucers that fill up
and retain moisture or you can rot the roots.Also you should feed the plant with
an orchid fertilizer every month by adding it to the water.I wouldn't worry if
roots grow over side of pot, bec they like being pot bound. Plenty of light is
required, not direct sunlightThe most commonly used method of propagating
orchids is through division. This is one of the simplest methods of producing
more plants of the same variety or species. Division simply means splitting the
plant into two or more parts each with at least one new shoot and each will
produce a fully grown mostly flowering size plant that is capable of flowering
the following season.In terms of repotting, stores like Home Depot and Lowes
sell a mixture of fine fir bark mixed with redwood compost which allows for good
drainage and retains moisture which is what orchids require.
- answered by Aloha Guy
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