If you want your potted orchids to thrive, giving them fresh substrate every once in a while is a total game-changer. But here’s the golden rule: never use standard potting soil! You really need a specialized orchid mix to keep them happy. Personally, I’m a big fan of Seramis orchid substrate—it checks all the boxes for what these exotic beauties need.
Why Seramis Orchid Substrate Works
The Seramis special orchid mix is perfect for potted orchids. It takes the benefits of classic clay granules and levels them up by adding high-quality pine bark. The mix features different-sized chunks of bark to ensure your orchid’s roots get plenty of airflow. Plus, those little inorganic clay spheres act like tiny reservoirs, soaking up water and nutrients to feed the plant as needed.
How to Repot Your Orchid with Seramis
The best time for repotting is always when your orchid is *not* in bloom. While you technically can repot a flowering plant, the stress of the move often causes the blossoms to drop early—and nobody wants that!
- First, soak your orchid (still in its nursery pot) in a container of lukewarm water. This makes the roots nice and flexible. Then, gently remove all the old substrate from around and between the roots. This is also the perfect time for a “root manicure.” Use a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors to snip away any old, dried-out, or mushy, rotted roots.
- Start by placing a layer of expanded clay pebbles at the bottom of your pot for drainage, followed by a layer of the Seramis substrate.
- Set your orchid in the pot and fill in the gaps around the roots with more substrate until the plant is secure.
Pro Tips for Orchid Care
A great substrate is the foundation for healthy growth, but don’t forget these essential care rituals:
- Keep your orchids in a warm, bright spot (but avoid harsh, direct sun).
- Mist the aerial roots regularly to keep humidity up.
- Stick to a regular repotting schedule to refresh the nutrients.
A Note on Supermarket Orchids
If you just picked up a new orchid from the grocery store or supermarket, I highly recommend repotting it as soon as possible. Most of the time, these mass-market plants are packed into low-quality medium, and their roots are often way too cramped for the tiny pots they come in. Moving them into a proper pot with specialized substrate right away gives them the best chance at a long life.
However, if you bought your orchid from a specialized nursery or a high-end garden center, you can usually relax. Those pros typically use the right substrate and provide excellent care from the start!