How to Repot Orchids

Choose a new pot that is only slightly bigger than the old. You can use a special orchid pot, which has holes on the sides of the pot to let the roots grow out, or a regular clay or plastic pot.

Hold the top of the plant carefully while you turn the pot over and knock the plant out.

Shake as much of the old potting material from the roots as you can.

Snip off any dead roots with scissors. These will look withered, not thick and white-tipped.

Position the roots in the new pot, and hold onto the plant while you fill around the roots with the new growing medium. (Fir bark is a common growing medium for orchids; the pieces of bark may look big, but they give the orchid roots the air they need.)

Water well, until the water runs from the bottom of the pot, and keep the plant out of bright light for a couple of days.