Orchids aren't like other houseplants! Instead of thin tightly wound roots within a soiled pot, orchids grow in a container of loose materials such as bark and charcoal topped with moss. Repotting orchids can be tricky because they're so prone to diseases and you'll be exposing their roots, but if you take great care, you can get great results from repotting orchids.

If you want your orchid to continue to thrive and produce stunning flowers year on year, understanding when your orchid needs repotting is essential!

Experts usually recommend orchid repotting every year or two, but that doesn't mean you need to wait until then to give them some TLC if they look like they need it!  There are several other reasons why you might need to repot earlier or more often than expected. Here are some common reasons.

However if you start to notice these roots are encroaching far more than before, or if you spot any withering or dead roots, your orchid definitely needs some extra attention and room to breathe! 

But if your orchid has tightly tangled roots, then it probably needs repotting. Depending on how long your orchid has been left in a too-small container will dictate how root bound it has become and how difficult it will be to repot.  A root bound orchid will have grown out all the available space in the pot and will be growing upwards and sometimes down and out through the drainage holes. Carefully repotting your orchid, snipping any dead roots with sharp scissors and leaving all the healthy roots be will allow your orchid's roots to sufficiently absorb the nutrients it needs to flourish and bloom. (Check out this helpful video on orchid root health! ) 

If when watering your orchid you start to notice that the compost is not retaining a lot, if any, water and instead is filtering straight through the drainage holes, this is a good indication that your potting mix is starting to go bad.

Potting mix that almost feels damp but isn't actually holding onto any water is a surefire sign that there is an issue with your medium. The mix is starting to decay and like with any of these indications, if left like this for a prolonged period of time this can cause disease, root rot and bacterial infections that can leave your orchid plant beyond saving

Repotting may help an orchid plant recover from these illnesses if it appears sick or unhealthy as shown above. It is always best to try and allow you potting medium to thoroughly dry out before repotting. If your orchid has developed a type of fungus, use clean scissors or knife to remove the affected area, treat the plant with a fungicide, then repot your orchid in a new clean pot.

If you plant has any of the below it might be a very poorly orchid:

• Yellowing leaves: It is completely normal for the bottom most leaf to yellow and fall off, as this allows for more room for newer leaves to grow. However, yellowing throughout the top leaves could be a sign that your orchid is receiving to much light, is too cold or is developing root rot from being over watered. 
• Very dark green leaves: This is usually a sign that your orchid isn't receiving enough light - this may also effect the potting mix's ability to dry out and can lead to infection. Move the orchid into somewhere with more indirect slight and monitor closely. 
• Limp, wrinkled, or torn leaves: This is a sign of dehydration.  you need to increase your watering and inspect your orchid’s root system for signs of stress and dying roots. 
• Black spotted leaves: a fungal disease that forms when there is standing water on the orchid. The fungal spores will then swim through water and, once ready, will sprout mycelium and begin fruiting. This can be deadly to your plant. 

Knowing when to repot your orchid helps you keep it healthy and flourishing for a long period of time (it will also ensure your orchid has the chance to rebloom in years to come!).