1:00 - 1:15 PM (15 minutes)
Welcome & Introduction
Welcome & Introductions (5 minutes)
- Welcome participants, thank them for coming
- Brief introductions - name and orchid growing experience
- Overview of workshop schedule
Why Repot Orchids? (10 minutes)
- Show examples of orchids that need repotting
- Discuss signs: decomposed media, overflowing pot, poor drainage
- Introduce today's star: your D. kingianum specimen
- Explain perfect timing for Los Osos climate
Instructor Notes: Have your D. kingianum prominently displayed. Pass around examples of old, decomposed bark vs. fresh bark mix.
1:15 - 1:45 PM (30 minutes)
Traditional Bark Method Demonstration
Unpotting & Root Assessment (10 minutes)
- Demonstrate careful removal from old pot
- Show how to gently clean away old medium
- Identify healthy vs. damaged roots
- Proper root trimming technique with sterile tools
Bark Mix Composition & Potting (15 minutes)
- Explain bark mix components and ratios
- Show proper pot sizing (1-2" larger than root mass)
- Demonstrate potting technique - don't pack tightly
- Proper depth placement for pseudobulbs
Traditional Care Overview (5 minutes)
- Watering schedule and technique
- Fertilizing routine
- When to repot again (2-3 years)
Instructor Notes: Use one division of your D. kingianum for this demo. Emphasize that participants shouldn't water heavily for first week. Keep the potted example visible for comparison later.
1:45 - 2:15 PM (30 minutes)
Semi-Hydroponic Method Demonstration
Introduction to Ray Barkalow's Method (5 minutes)
- Brief history - 30+ years of development
- Why it works: constant moisture + excellent drainage
- Perfect for busy schedules and travel
LECA & Pot Preparation (10 minutes)
- Show pre-soaked vs. dry LECA
- Explain pot design with drainage holes
- Demonstrate proper LECA size (8-16mm)
- Why coarser is better than fine
Semi-Hydro Potting Process (10 minutes)
- Use another division of your D. kingianum
- Show gentle root cleaning (same as before)
- Demonstrate LECA placement technique
- Critical water level positioning (below roots initially)
Watering & Feeding System (5 minutes)
- Show the "fill and drain" technique
- Explain dilute fertilizer approach (1/4 strength)
- Frequency: every 2-3 weeks
- Monthly plain water flush
Instructor Notes: Emphasize patience - it takes 4-6 months for full establishment. Show both methods side-by-side now. Have pre-made examples of established semi-hydro roots if possible.
2:15 - 2:45 PM (30 minutes)
Hands-On Practice Session
Method Selection & Setup (5 minutes)
- Help participants choose which method to try
- Distribute materials based on their choice
- Set up work stations with newspaper
Guided Practice (20 minutes)
- Participants work on their own orchids or practice plants
- Instructor and helpers circulate to assist
- Encourage questions and problem-solving
- Take photos of successful repots
Cleanup & Plant Labeling (5 minutes)
- Help participants label their repotted orchids
- Include method used and date
- Cleanup work stations
Instructor Notes: Have extra plant material available for those who didn't bring orchids. Consider having some clearance orchids from local nurseries as practice plants.
2:45 - 3:00 PM (15 minutes)
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Comparison Review (5 minutes)
- Side-by-side display of both methods
- Quick pros/cons recap
- Which method for which situations
Aftercare Instructions (5 minutes)
- First week care for both methods
- Signs of successful establishment
- When to worry and when to be patient
- Follow-up timeline (check in 1 month)
Resources & Questions (5 minutes)
- Distribute take-home materials
- Reference Ray Barkalow's website (firstrays.com)
- Encourage follow-up questions via email
- Invite to next FCOS meeting
- Group photo with repotted plants!
Instructor Notes: End on a positive note! Remind them that repotting is learned through practice. Encourage them to share results at future meetings.
Lesson Plan prepared for Five Cities Orchid Society Educational Workshop
Los Osos, California • September 2025