Orchids follow the feeding rules from unit 7, only gentler. The American Orchid Society suggests feeding at half the label strength, weekly in summer and every two weeks in cooler months, stopping entirely if the plant is resting. Water first, then feed, so the fertiliser does not hit dry roots.
Orchid media such as bark slowly decay and have to be replaced. That is why orchids are usually repotted every one or two years, when the medium starts to decay. The best moment is just as new roots begin to grow, and not while the plant is in full flower.
Pick a pot with drainage holes. The Society recommends plastic for most indoor orchids because it dries more slowly than clay, and clear pots let you see roots and moisture. A common trick is to keep the orchid in a plain plastic pot and slip that inside a decorative one.
While repotting, look at the roots. The Society notes that overwatering and underwatering produce the same symptoms in an orchid, so the roots are how you tell them apart. A mix that does not dry out fast enough leads to root loss, and without roots the plant cannot take up water.
Key points
- Feed at half strength, after watering.
- Repot every one to two years as the medium decays, just as new roots start.
- Clear plastic pots with holes make moisture easy to judge.
Try this
Look at your orchid's medium. If it has turned fine, soft and soil-like, add repotting to your plan for when new roots appear.
Check yourself
Read more in the reference
Sources
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