We answer so many questions about repotting orchids in these forums. So I figured that I would do another thread on Paphiopedilum repots. Here is what I do:
My mix is orchiata or seedling grade fir bark @50%, seedling charcoal, sponge rock, and clay pellets. Image #1 shows you the "victim". I knocked her off of a shelf. All of the roots are alive and a tan color. Roots hairs are dry but they will remoisten.
I use pieces of broken clay pot in the bottom of a plastic pot. Plastic holds more water which I want. Image #2 shows that 3 1/2" pot with pot shards.
Image #3 shows me holding the plant in position. I try to keep the bottom of the growth even with the bottom of the rim of the pot, here about 5/8"!
Image #4 shows media filled within the pot up to that same level. So I gently press down to remove any pockets or voids in the media. Then I add a little more media. Why?? Because when new roots form at the base of the new growth that you see in this image, I want those new roots to go immediately into the media!
Image #5 is the pot with a rhizome clip. The clip is very important. It keeps the newly repotted slipper firmly in place in the new media. Wiggly plants can damage new roots when they 'giggle' as you water.
Image #6 the plant is back underlights and watered. It will bounce back quickly and bloom later this spring!!
THIS SAME METHOD WORKS WONDERFULLY WELL FOR PHALAENOPSIS!!!
Oopsies!!! I forgot to take that picture! Just pretend it is watered and under my lights! My bad everyone.
