At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, we believe that every plant deserves the best care – and that includes knowing when and how to repot your Cymbidium orchid. These elegant orchids with porcelain-like blooms can live for decades and reward you with flowers year after year – but only if their roots are happy. Here's how to make repotting a smooth and successful experience for both you and your orchid.

Why Should You Repot Cymbidium Orchids?

Unlike some houseplants, Cymbidiums don’t like to be disturbed too often. However, every 2 to 3 years, their pot becomes crowded, and the orchid mix starts to break down. This leads to:

• Poor drainage

• Root rot risk

• Reduced airflow around the roots

• Fewer or smaller blooms

Repotting refreshes their environment and gives them the space and nutrients they need to continue growing vigorously and blooming beautifully.

When Is the Best Time to Repot?

The ideal time to repot a Cymbidium is:

• After flowering, in late spring or early summer

• When you see new shoots starting to grow

• If the potting medium smells sour or the roots are crawling out of the pot

• After dividing a large “plant family” into individual or smaller clumps

Avoid repotting while the plant is actively blooming or in winter dormancy.

What You’ll Need

• A slightly larger pot (with good drainage holes)

• Fresh orchid mix (we use an airy blend specially suited for Cymbidiums at TOMs FLOWer CLUB)

• Clean scissors or pruning shears

• Rainwater or filtered water for post-repotting care

• Optional: gloves and cinnamon powder (natural fungicide)

Step-by-Step: How to Repot Your Cymbidium Orchid

1. Gently remove the plant from its pot. If it’s root-bound, squeeze the sides of the pot or tap it gently.

2. Shake off or rinse away old potting mix from the roots.

3. Trim dead or rotting roots using sterile scissors.

4. If your plant has many shoots, you can divide it – ensuring each section has at least 3–4 pseudobulbs and healthy roots.

5. Place a layer of fresh substrate in the new pot.

6. Position the plant slightly off-center (this allows room for new growth).

7. Fill around the roots with fresh orchid mix, gently pressing but not compacting.

8. Water thoroughly and keep in a shaded location for a few days to help it recover.

Aftercare Tips

• Avoid direct sunlight for 1–2 weeks post-repotting

• Mist the leaves and surface lightly (especially if humidity is low)

• Do not fertilize immediately – wait until new roots are clearly growing

• Be patient: Cymbidiums may skip blooming the season after repotting but come back stronger