Repotting orchids

It’s time to repot the orchids. Today, it’s the turn of the Masdevallia M. floribunda and M. ‘Aquarius’. They are removed from their pots, divided, and replanted.

Fresh Chilean sphagnum moss is used, mixed with a little perlite to prevent it from compacting too much and to allow the roots to breathe.

Replacing the growing medium annually helps to keep these orchids healthy, as their roots are sensitive to changes in the soil’s chemical composition. If the growing medium deteriorates and is not replaced, they can wither away within a few weeks. A sure-fire sign of this is the appearance of small black spots on the leaves. As soon as you notice these, you must change the potting mix without delay!