How tight?

[Martine]

Hi! Just how tightly should you pack an orchid and the bark when re-potting it? I know it's kinda hard to answer a question like that when you can't actually SHOW the person, but if anyone is able to, I'd love to know. Thanks!

[Tobi]

I fill the bark mix around the sides of the plant while anchoring it with my hand in the
position it want it in. I then lightly bang the container it's in to settle the mix around
the orchid. I add some more mix to the level I want and then tap the media firmly with
my fingers being careful not to break any of the roots. I then rewater the plant shortly
after I repot and voila, you're done.

[Martine]

Thanks!

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Well, I am of a different opinion. But it may not be fair for me to comment, as I no longer use bark, but a mixture of peat and perlite. For both mixes I prefer to pack the material very well into the pot. The result of doing this will help the moisture to wick thru the pot so that there is less tendency to have part of the bark/mix wet, and the rest dry. Also, the rule of thumb has always been that the plant should be firm in the pot, and you ought to be able to lift pot and all by just lifting up on the plant. If this pulls the plant out of the pot, you have not packed the bark well enough. If the roots and bark are wet and you have worked the bark in between the roots to a degree, the additional packing will hopefully only bend the roots, not break them.

[Martine]

Cynthia, I did the "lift" test, and I was able to lift the whole thing just by lifting up on the plant. Thanks for the tip!

[kmarch]

I think it depends on the orchid. I'll pack a Cymbid in pretty hard, but go easier on my Paphs. This is one instance where I do not think one rule fits all.

[Hummer344]

Except for my cyms (see Kmarch) I pack mine to the extent that they will stand by themselves and won't come out with a "gentle" tug. Another little trick I use is to initially place the plant low down in the pot. Fill with your mix, then lift and gently shake the plant a little, add more mix, shake and lift again. This has the benifit of getting your mix into and around your roots and doesn't break roots as much. When I get the plant to a height I like I tamp it down until the plant stands by it self. Works for me.

[Martine]

Thanks everyone!