6 Simple Steps to Vinyl Gloves

Orchid repotting is one of the most exciting and scary parts of orchid care. It's certainly daunting because of the fear of damaging that beautiful plant you've been nurturing for at least a year. But on the other side, it's really cool to get to see the ins-and-outs of your plant. I like to think of it as spring cleaning for my orchid, and it doesn't hurt that it usually coincides with the same chores around my house!
Repotting your orchid is best performed during the spring or early summer before the new growth is too far along. It's really important to do this before that time because you can risk shocking the roots by transplanting them and that means no blooms for you, buddy, and potentially a dead orchid.
Why Should I Repot the vinyl gloves ?
So, why should you repot your orchid? Great question. You want to do this because it will allow you to clean up the orchids root structure and give them a new, clean nutrient rich home that will start them growing the right way for the upcoming season.
What Do I Need To Do This?
You'll need to get a couple of things to repot your orchid. You'll want a good clean pair of garden clippers or shears, a bleach/water solution, new potting mix (bark, bark/charcoal mix, or sphagnum moss), a new pot that can accommodate up to 2 years growth, and if your orchid is epiphytic you'll probably want a new bamboo stake and some wire ties for the plant to hold it up.
6 Simple Steps
These six simple steps will have you repotting your orchid like a ninja in no time.
1. Sterilize the work area. Use the bleach/water solution to wipe down the surface where you plan to repot. Also, wipe down the shears and the inside of the new pot and allow them to air dry for a few minutes before proceeding. It's best to wear latex or vinyl gloves as well.
2. Gently remove the orchid from its old pot and gently shake it to separate some of the potting media from the roots.
3. Grab the roots and remove any remaining potting media with your hands. If you would like to separate your orchid into multiple plants, take your clippers and cut them in half. Just make sure that each division will have at least two to three healthy back bulbs.
4. Inspect the roots for any signs of rot or decay. Clip away these pieces until you are left with healthy looking roots.
5. Take the new, sterilized pot and and fill it half way up with the new potting mixture. Now take the trimmed orchid and place it in the center of the pot. Fill in the remaining space in the pot with the new potting mixture.
6. If your orchid does need some support then place the bamboo stake in the center of the pot and position the orchid stem along the stake. Attach it to the bamboo stake with the wire ties.