The Art of Repotting Orchids
Few plants captivate like orchids. Their sculptural beauty, long-lasting blooms, and wide variety of species make them a centerpiece in any home. But even the most elegant orchid needs the right care — and repotting is one of the most important steps to ensure it thrives.
If you’ve ever wondered when or how to repot an orchid, this guide from Tooka Florist North Vancouver walks you through every detail, ensuring your orchids remain healthy, radiant, and full of life.
Why Orchids Need Repotting
Repotting isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s essential for plant health. Over time, the potting medium breaks down, compacting around the roots and reducing airflow. This leads to root suffocation, moisture imbalance, and, eventually, decay.
Repotting allows you to:
- Refresh the potting mix for better aeration
- Remove any dead or rotted roots
- Give space for new root growth
- Prevent fungal or bacterial infections
Most orchids benefit from repotting every 1–2 years.
The Best Time to Repot Orchids
Timing is everything. The ideal moment to repot is right after the orchid finishes flowering, when it begins new root or leaf growth — usually in spring or early summer.
Avoid repotting while the orchid is in full bloom, as this can stress the plant and shorten the flowering period.
Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting an Orchid
1. Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need:
- A clean pot (slightly larger than the previous one)
- Fresh orchid mix (bark, perlite, or sphagnum moss)
- Sterilized pruning shears
Clean tools help prevent the spread of disease.
2. Gently Remove the Orchid
Loosen the plant and remove it from its pot. Carefully shake off or rinse away old potting mix from the roots. Handle them delicately — they’re more fragile than they look.
3. Trim the Roots
Healthy roots are firm, pale green, or silvery white. Remove any blackened or mushy roots with your pruning shears — these are signs of root rot.
4. Reposition the Orchid
Set the orchid in the new pot so that its base sits just below the rim. Add fresh potting mix around the roots, pressing lightly for stability but not too tight — orchids love airflow.
5. Aftercare
After repotting:
- Keep the plant in a bright but shaded area
- Avoid watering for about a week to let trimmed roots heal
- Resume your normal care routine gradually
Gifting Orchids with Tooka Florist
Beyond being a joy to grow, orchids make stunning gifts for any occasion — birthdays, anniversaries, or moments of remembrance.
At Tooka Florist, our Orchids Collection features exquisite, ready-to-gift plants that can be delivered for just $14 to:
North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, New Westminster, and Vancouver.
You can even pair your orchid with a candle, a Gift Box or a plant from our curated collections for an elegant, complete gift.
Final Thoughts
Repotting your orchid is more than a maintenance task — it’s an act of care that rewards you with lasting beauty. With the right timing, tools, and a gentle touch, you’ll enjoy years of vibrant blooms and healthy roots.
Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or searching for a refined floral gift, Tooka Florist North Vancouver offers everything you need — from expert floral arrangements to stunning live orchids that make any space bloom with life.
Nurture your orchids beautifully — and share their elegance with someone you love.