One of the main questions for beginning flower growers who decide to grow orchids is the timing and need to replant the plant. It is necessary to clearly understand that any plant experiences considerable stress when transplanted.
An orchid transplanted incorrectly and at the wrong time can not only have a hard time withstanding such a procedure, but even die. Let's figure out when it is better and for what reasons to carry out a transplant.
Life cycle of an orchid in autumn
Most orchids in the autumn prepare for flowering, which occurs in October and until December-January. Other types of phalaenopsis prepare for rest in the fall and shed their ground parts. Don’t be afraid if the leaves fall or the peduncle dries out. If the roots are green, then everything is fine, the plant is just resting.
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Lunar calendar for replanting indoor plants for June 2022
It is recommended to replant when the Moon:
- in Cancer (June 15, 16)
- in Scorpio (June 23, 24)
At the beginning of summer, it is good to replant coniferous indoor crops, as well as azaleas and camellias. These plants are difficult to transplant, so we carry out the work carefully. A reliable method is transshipment; the roots are little injured and take root quickly.
We remove the plant from direct sunlight into the shade for better adaptation.
Is it possible to replant an orchid in the fall?
The time to transplant an orchid largely depends not on seasonality, but on the stage of plant development. Therefore, the crop can be replanted at any time of the year, but experienced gardeners are still inclined to think that the best period to change the pot and soil is spring.
IMPORTANT! It is necessary to ensure that transplantation is not carried out during the same period as flowering.
Lunar calendar for replanting indoor plants for May 2022
It is recommended to replant when the Moon:
- in Scorpio (May 26,27,28)
The last month of spring is characterized by abundant flowering, if your green pet is blooming, refrain from replanting.
- We transfer indoor plants to balconies and loggias.
- Begonia, coleus, and geraniums can be planted directly in a flower bed or in outdoor flowerpots; first keep them in the garden for a week, in the shade, so that the leaves do not burn.
The beautiful pouncetia plant (Euphorium spurge or Christmas star) blooms when the main group of indoor plants is in a state of suspended animation, winter dormancy. It is recommended to replant euphorbias in the last month of spring - May.
Which method to choose
The florist himself determines a convenient option for himself:
- Transshipment. The method involves replanting the plant into a new pot, but with the old substrate, adding a new one exclusively around the edges. The least traumatic method, requiring a larger pot than the previous one.
- Imitation of natural conditions. Transplantation involves changing the pot and substrate, followed by providing high air humidity.
- Landing on a block. This method is implemented by winding the root system to a block using fishing line. To prevent the root system from drying out, moss is used to cover the roots and the block itself.
Lunar calendar for replanting indoor plants for July 2022
It is recommended to replant when the Moon:
- in Scorpio (July 20, 21)
In the middle of summer there is a lot of hassle and rarely do we plan to replant indoor plants, although this is a great time to renew the substrate in a tub with date palm, ficus, asparagus, as well as for replanting lemon and tangerine trees. For those who haven’t had time to replant azaleas and conifers, July is a suitable month.
Selection of pot and soil
The transplant is performed into a container that is larger in size than the previous one. The container should be transparent, preferably made of plastic (roots will grow into the clay surface). 4-5 drainage holes of 5 mm each must be made at the bottom of the pot. The soil is moistened in advance. You can buy it ready-made in the store (they sell a special one for phalaenopsis), or you can make it yourself.
To do this, take the following components in equal quantities:
- charcoal;
- sphagnum moss;
- expanded clay;
- crushed nut shells;
- fern roots;
- pine bark.
Reference! Moss and pine bark are soaked in plain water for 60 minutes.
If the pine was collected in the forest independently, it is crushed into pieces of 2-3 cm and boiled for a quarter of an hour. This will rid the components of harmful bacteria and larvae.
Lunar calendar for replanting indoor plants for December 2022
It is recommended to replant when the Moon:
- in the sign of Pisces (December 16)
- in the sign of Taurus (December 19, 20)
In the first winter month, flower growers do not replant plants; almost all flowers are in a dormant state and cannot tolerate being disturbed. The only thing is that lovers of cacti (succulents) can start replanting their various types of pets.
Anyone who grows cacti knows how thorny this plant is and how difficult it is to replant:
- To handle large specimens, we use special gloves to prevent injuring our hands.
- If there is an adult plant with children (small cacti on the mother’s body), we tear them off and place them in pre-prepared soil.
- Some types of succulents have young plants with aerial roots, which makes them easier to establish.
Biologists and astrologers strongly recommend replanting flowers according to the lunar calendar for owners of indoor plants. Try it, the result will exceed all expectations!
Step-by-step instructions for transplantation
Orchid transplantation is carried out according to a certain algorithm.
Removal from pot
This is the first stage of transplantation, during which it is important to avoid trauma to the roots. If you gently squeeze the pot in your hands, the soil with the plant will come away on its own. You can slightly moisten the substrate for easy removal.
All the roots of an orchid have rotted, how to save the plant and give it a second chance
Flushing
When the clump of roots is removed from the flowerpot, it needs to be straightened out with gentle movements. This will clear the roots a little from the soil. Then the rhizome is washed under warm running water to completely remove the earthen clod.
Trimming roots and leaves
When the roots are cleared of the substrate, you can start pruning them. For the procedure, take sharp scissors and be sure to disinfect them.
Remove dried or damaged parts of the plant. The cut areas must be treated with crushed coal.
Reference! Healthy roots should never be touched. This may cause them to rot.
Preparing containers
Any new flowerpot must also be disinfected. A weak solution of potassium permanganate is suitable for processing - all surfaces of the pot are washed with it.
Placement in a new “home”
Algorithm for placing an orchid in a new pot:
- Place a drainage layer in the pot. Install culture from above.
- Then fill the soil. There should be no empty space between the spines.
- To compact the soil, you need to knock on the walls of the flowerpot.
- You cannot press or push on the substrate, otherwise there is a risk of injuring the rhizome.
- Long roots that do not fit into the flowerpot should be left outside.
First watering
Immediately after transplantation, the crop is not watered for 5 hours. This period is necessary for the healing of plant wounds. The only thing you can do is spray the leaf blades to prevent them from drying out.
What does survival rate depend on?
The survival rate of an orchid depends on the method of transplantation. The best survival rate is after transferring from one pot to another without unnecessary pruning of roots.
It will be more difficult for a flower to take root if radical measures are used with pruning of a large number of root shoots.
In order for the orchid to take root faster, you need to follow several golden rules:
- Do not compact the soil tightly into the pot, let it be loose. Lightly tapping the bottom of the vessel on the table is enough.
- Don't take a big pot. The soil in it does not dry well, which is dangerous for the health of the roots.
- Do not overwater while watering, otherwise the flower will die.
- Plant the flower in slightly moist soil.
- Do not use fertilizers and stimulants immediately after planting, only after a month or when the roots begin to grow.
- Plant your orchid in a clear pot so you can see the roots.
Care after autumn transplant
In order for the orchid to take root and survive the winter period, it needs to be provided with proper care.
Do I need to rearrange
In the first 8-10 days, the crop is protected from the scorching sun. You can even install the culture in a slightly shaded place. Then the orchid can be returned to a well-lit place.
Is special feeding required?
After the autumn transplant, the orchid begins its winter rest, so it does not need feeding at all. In October-November, fertilizers are applied with every second watering. Ready-made complex fertilizers are used for feeding. At this time, fertilizing based on potassium and phosphorus is especially important for the orchid.
Temperature and lighting
In autumn and winter, it is recommended to maintain daytime temperatures at +20-+23 degrees, and night temperatures at +15. To ensure favorable conditions for the growth of orchids, differences of 5-7 degrees must be observed. From mid-autumn the sun is already burning so hot, so the crop can be placed on the windowsill.
Humidity
During this period, heating devices are usually turned on, due to which the humidity in the room is reduced to 20-30%. Optimal humidity levels are 40-50%. To increase humidity, place a container filled with water near the orchid or irrigate the leaf plates.
Watering
In October, the air temperature drops, so the watering regime also changes. The substrate dries out more slowly, so it is watered less often. Excessive spraying and bathing of the orchid in the fall is not allowed. In the autumn, watering is carried out once every 7-10 days. In winter, the soil is moistened 2-3 times a month.
Lunar calendar for replanting indoor plants for March 2022
We transplant to the growing Moon:
- in Taurus (March 21)
- in Cancer (March 25,26)
The first month of spring is perfect for transplanting and propagating flowers on your windowsill:
- If the plant is young, it is advisable to replant it every year; its root mass is forming and growing rapidly, and if it is mature, once every few years is enough.
- For small crops, pots should not be purchased for growth and should not exceed a diameter of more than two to three cm.
- Large giant plants are replanted very rarely, once every 8-12 years.
Possible problems and difficulties
- Pests. It can be solved by preventive measures: regular examinations, wiping the leaves (every 5 days) and replanting if affected.
- Lack of flowering. The problem often occurs in the autumn. For flowering, provide abundant diffused lighting and the application of potassium-phosphorus fertilizers, as well as daily temperature changes.
How to transfer an orchid to cold weather
If you need to transport an orchid in cold weather, you should consider the following:
- If the air temperature drops to zero, it is enough to wrap the plant in two layers of paper. When the temperature drops to -5 degrees, additional polyethylene is worn. If it gets cold down to -10 degrees, use a linoleum backing.
- You can protect your orchid from severe frosts using synthetic padding and a plastic bag.
- It is impossible to open the plant immediately after it is warm. You need to give half an hour to adapt.
