Vivi's Orchid Corner

March 2001 - Volume 6, Issue 3

"SPRING PLANNING"

Dear Orchid Friends:

The calendar tells us it's time to start planning our flower and vegetable gardens. Many of us are experiencing "Spring Fever" and yearn for the outdoors. Southern dwellers can till the soil and plant seeds now. Those of you in the Northern climates still have ample time to truly plan for your gardens. But don't forget your orchids!

March is the ideal time to prepare for spring repotting. Proper planning makes the repotting task much easier and more enjoyable. So, where do you start?

First, take a good look at your orchids. Determine which plants are overcrowded and decide whether the plants only need placement in a larger pot or do they need to be separated. Closely observe the medium: has it started to deteriorate or decompose? Are your plants happy in that particular medium? Is it time to place hanging plants in larger baskets or should they be mounted? Make a list of what each plant requires. Specify how many plants require larger pots, how many need to be separated, etc. This is a crucial first step to proper planning.

Secondly, determine the appropriate sized pot or basket needed for each plant. Take inventory of your current stock and decide whether pots can be sterilized and reused or must you purchase a few pots. List the number of pots and the sizes needed.

Next, inventory your potting medium. Determine which kind of medium you need for your various orchids. Ensure the medium you choose is appropriate for the plant and will provide adequate drainage. Be sure to add this to your shopping list.

Fourth, check your potting supplies. These include clips, hangers, blades, stakes, scissors, clippers, wire, etc. Are the blades dull, corroded? Ensure your utensils have clean, sharp edges. Dull tools cause tearing and damage to your plants. If needed, add clippers to your shopping list. Check your cleaning/sterilization supplies such as bleach, torches, scrub brushes, pails if needed. Remember it is important to use clean, sterilized pots and utensils to minimize the risk of spreading any disease. Potting is hard on the hands so don't forget to add gloves to your list.

Next determine whether you have ample stock of fertilizers, fungicides, etc. Notice if any container caps are rusted or corroded and if granular items are caked and hardened. Don't forget fresh cinnamon! You will want to observe for any infestation and have items on hand once you begin repotting.

One important aspect to consider is to have a plan on how you will tackle your repotting project. Decide whether you have similar types of orchids that can be repotted at the same time. This is especially helpful if you house a variety of orchids requiring different mediums. Group your orchids accordingly. Determine how you want to proceed. Repotting is a big task and does take time. Think about your schedule. Perhaps you may wish to first repot similar orchids that merely require a larger pot or basket. Another day you may wish to repot those orchids that require separation. Do you like to repot for 2-3 days and then have the project finished or does your schedule allow for only a few hours on a weekend? Plan your time and tasks accordingly.

You should now have a list of items that you have considered or need:

• pots/baskets
• supplies
• appropriate medium
• fertilizers
• other incidentals

Yes, the calendar tells us the first day of Spring is quickly approaching… and this year we are ready!

Vivi