My partner just bought me an orchid from the local home/garden centre. I repotted it as it was soaked through and in a tiny little pot where the roots were overflowing. Now I read that repotting in potting soil is a major no-no.!! :O
I had a phalaenopsis orchid before, some years ago that was potted in potting soil, and it was absolutely fine. If I don't water it, will it be ok in potting soil until I can get some fir bark and proper orchid mix.? Likely to be about 10 days.
Hi there; My name is Joseph. I am a Master Gardener& horticulturalist. I know Orchids. There are two types of Orchids. Terrestrial and Epiphytic. Terrrestrial orchids grow on forest floors, and at home in a soil mix. Epiphytic orchids, grow in the branches of trees in rain forests. They need no soil. There long roots anchor them to the tree branches. They get their nutrients from rain water and the air. Your orchid is a Phalaenopsis, or butterfly orchid. It is an Epiphytic orchid. It should be planted in fir bark mix available in nurseries and garden centers. I would take your orchid out of the soil, and put the plant in a vase of water, to cover the roots until you get the fir bark mix. A hint; when i transplant any plant to a bigger pot, its called potting on, i get soluble kelp dry powder and use a 1/8 teaspoon to a quart of warm water, and soak the plant roots a bit before i transplant it. Then water it in with the kelp mix. Kelp makes roots explode and grow bigger and better. You have to have a good root system, to grow a beautiful, healthy plant! Vitamin B-12, will help prevent transplant shock. Ask a nursery man for help. Good Luck.
