How to Repot an Orchid with Air Roots
Air roots or aerial roots on an orchid plant are roots that grow above the surface of your growing medium. These roots play an important role in absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air and are crucial to your orchid plant overall health. But when it is time to repot your plant many people wonder how to repot an orchid with air roots?
Due to their delicate nature. The thought of repotting an orchid with air roots can appear daunting. Don’t panic though, this blog will outline the essential steps to make repotting an orchid with air roots simple and straightforward.
Just here for a repotting kit? We would suggest our ready to go Orchid Repotting Kit as a great starting point.
How to repot orchids with air roots – Step by Step Guide
How to repot an orchid with aerial roots - Step 1
Choose a new orchid pot:
Selecting a bigger pot than your current one is good practice because orchids need space to grow.
Don’t have a suitable orchid pot or fancy a new one? We have a great range of Orchid Plant Pots to choose from.
How to repot orchid with aerial roots – Step 2
Remove your orchid from it's current pot:
When handling any plant matter or soil, it is sensible to wear gardening gloves.
Being careful not to damage the air roots, lift the potting mix and orchid from the pot it is in.
What do you do with air roots when repotting orchids – Step 3
Remove any rotten or dead roots:
Now that the orchid roots are clearly visible. It is good time to prune or remove any rotting or dead roots, so that the future health of your orchid is not affected.
Clean, sharp pruning snips or scissors are the best tool for the job.
How to repot an orchid with lots of air roots – Step 4
Replace the potting mix:
Place a fresh layer of potting soil at the bottom of your new pot. The repotting mix should cover the roots below the plant. Don't cover the air roots though as these need to stay out.
A specialist potting mix that contains all the essential components and nutrients your plant needs is vital. This will give your orchid plant the best start after repotting.
You can also check out full range of Orchid Soil here too.
Do you bury air roots when repotting orchids – Step 5
Reposition your orchid:
You do not need to bury the air roots! These need to be clear to absorb moisture and nutrients.
Your orchid plant needs to be in the centre of your new pot. You then need to fill the remaining space with potting mix.
How to repot an orchid plant with aerial roots – Step 6
Add a specialist feed:
At this point, adding a specialist orchid feed such as Orchid Focus Grow will give your orchid plant an extra boost to recover from being repotted.
How to repot orchid plants with air roots – Step 7
Apply a specialist orchid myst:
Misting your orchid plant with a specialist orchid myst together with is a great way to give your orchid a regular pick me up. Combine misting with the use a specialist orchid feed for even better results.
How to repot air roots on an orchid plant – Step 8
Water your orchid:
The final essential step in this process, is to water your orchid. You should water it from the top and allow the water to drain through to prevent any root rot.
We have a great range of watering accessories that are ideal for watering your orchids. This includes watering jugs and spray bottles.
Final thoughts on How to Repot an Orchid with Air Roots
We hope that by reading this blog, you feel more positive in your ability to repot an orchid with air roots. Remember to take your time and handle your orchid with care. Following these tips should mean your orchid will reward you with stunning flowers and vibrant growth.
