The Right Way to Repot a Cymbidium Orchid: A -Z Guide

Cymbidium orchids are known for their beautiful and vibrant flowers that can bloom for several weeks, making them popular among orchid enthusiasts. However, to keep them healthy and flourishing, you’ll need to repot them periodically.  

Now the question is how to repot a cymbidium orchid. To repot a cymbidium orchid, you’ll need to remove the old potting mix, trim any dead or damaged roots, and repot the orchid in a fresh potting mix, making sure to water it thoroughly. 

In this blog, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of repotting a cymbidium orchid.

Why Repotting Is Important For Cymbidium Orchids

Repotting is important for cymbidium orchids because their roots outgrow the pot over time, leading to a crowded and unhealthy root system. This can cause issues with water retention and nutrient uptake, ultimately affecting the overall condition and growth of the plant. 

Typically, repotting allows for removing dead roots and adding fresh orchid mix, providing a healthy environment for the roots to grow and absorb water and nutrients. 

It’s recommended to repot cymbidium orchids every 2–3 years, preferably in late spring after the flowering season and before the summer growth period. Avoid direct sunlight and maintain moderate watering during winter, as low night temperatures can affect the plant’s health.

How To Repot A Cymbidium Orchid

Repotting is a process that allows you to refresh the growing medium, assess the plant’s root condition, and promote healthy growth. Here, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to repot a cymbidium orchid.

1. Determine the Right Time to Repot

The best time to repot a cymbidium orchid is during its active growth period, typically in late spring or early summer. Avoid repotting during winter, as the plant may not recover well due to lower night temperatures and reduced light conditions.

2. Prepare the Potting Medium

Prepare a fresh orchid mix of bark, perlite, and charcoal. This mix is perfect for cymbidium orchids, providing excellent drainage and allowing air to circulate around the roots.

3. Carefully Remove the Orchid from its Pot

Gently remove the cymbidium orchid from its current pot, not damaging the plant or its roots. If the plant is stuck in the pot, use a sterile knife to loosen the root ball gently.

4. Inspect the Roots

Examine the roots for any signs of rot, dead, or crowded roots. Trim away any damaged or dead roots with sterilized pruning shears. Be sure to leave healthy roots intact.

5. Repot the Orchid

Place the cymbidium orchid in a larger pot and carefully spread the roots in the potting mix. Fill the pot with the mix, ensuring the plant is at the same depth as before. Avoid burying the pseudobulbs or leaves in the mix.

6. Water the Orchid

Water the orchid thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out. Ensure that the mix is moist but not soggy. Water the plant again after a few minutes to ensure the mix is evenly moist.

7. Place the Orchid in a Suitable Spot

Place the repotted cymbidium orchid in a spot that receives indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Keep the plant in cool, damp conditions, and avoid exposing it to excessively root-bound conditions.

How To Know If Orchid Needs Repotting

Orchids are delicate plants that require a specific set of conditions to thrive. Repotting an orchid is essential for its health, but it can be difficult to determine when it’s time. Here, we will discuss some signs indicating when an orchid needs repotting.

• Root Condition: One of the most significant signs that an orchid needs repotting is the condition of its roots. If the roots are brown, mushy, or have an unpleasant odor, it clearly indicates that the orchid needs repotting. Healthy roots are firm, white, and plump.
• Time: Another indication that your orchid needs repotting is the time that has passed since the last repotting. Generally, orchids should be repotted every one to two years, depending on the species.
• Watering: If your orchid is not responding to regular watering and the water drains out quickly without hydrating the roots, it may be time to repot. This could be due to the orchid’s root system outgrowing its current container.
• Leaves: The condition of an orchid’s leaves can also indicate if it needs repotting. If the leaves are yellowing, wilting, or dying, it could be a sign that the roots are not getting enough nutrients or that the orchid has outgrown its container.
• Growth and Pseudobulbs: If you notice that your orchid is not growing as it should or that the pseudobulbs are not growing evenly, it may be time to repot. Pseudobulbs are thickened stems that are used to store water and nutrients, and they can become crowded if the orchid has outgrown its container.
• Flower Spikes: If your orchid produces fewer flower spikes than usual or if the spikes are smaller than normal, it could be a sign that it needs repotting. When an orchid is root-bound, it has less space to grow, impacting its ability to produce flowers.

Aftercare for Repotted Cymbidium Orchids

When repotting your Cymbidium orchids, take care of them properly to ensure their healthy growth and blooming. Here are some aftercare tips:

1. Water: After repotting, water the orchid thoroughly, allowing the water to drain completely. Water once a week or more frequently in the summer if the weather is hot and dry.
2. Roots: Check the roots regularly to ensure they are healthy and not rotting. Remove any dead roots and ensure the healthy ones are not too crowded.
3. Compost: Use a fresh orchid mix when repotting, and avoid using regular potting soil. Orchids need a well-draining mix that allows air to circulate the roots. You can also plant orchids without soil.
4. Leaves: Keep the leaves clean and dry, and avoid getting water on them. Damaged leaves should be removed promptly.
5. Growth: During the active growth period in late spring and summer, fertilize with a balanced orchid fertilizer every two to three weeks. Avoid fertilizing during the winter when the plant is dormant.

Do Roots Need To Dry Before Repotting?

When repotting orchids, it’s generally recommended to wait until the roots have dried out before proceeding. This is because wet or moist roots can be easily damaged during the repotting process, leading to potential issues with root rot or infection. 

However, you have to wait until the roots have had enough time to dry out to a suitable level before repotting. Additionally, factors such as the time of year, temperatures, and watering schedule can all impact the condition of the roots and whether they’re ready for repotting. 

When repotting, remove any dead roots and ensure that the orchid is placed in fresh compost with enough room for growth.

Final Words

Concluding on how to repot a cymbidium orchid, repotting is essential to keeping this orchid healthy and happy. It is recommended to repot at least once every two years, preferably in the spring. 

To start, choose a pot one to two inches larger than the current one. Take the orchid out of the pot and remove any old roots, then place the orchid in the new pot and fill the pot with a special orchid potting soil. 

Water the newly planted orchid and place it in a bright area with indirect light. Taking the time to repot a cymbidium orchid can ensure that it remains healthy and blooms for years.