Orchids don't like to be man-handled when they are in flower, therefore, wait to re-pot in early spring or when the flowers have died off. If this is the first time you have re-potted the plant start with a new pot that has been sterilized and use a good and appropriate potting media. If your plant is an epiphyte choose a bark based compost. Terrestrial orchids prefer soil or leaf mould.

Remember orchids don't like to be over-potted. If you are new to horticulture, what I mean by that is don't have a pot that is too large. Orchids should just have enough room for 2 years of growth because that's the period of time for re-potting.

Make sure that whatever type of pot you use that it has adequate drainage, usually provided by a central hole in the base. Multiple holes in the base might seem a good idea, however, this can encourage roots to grow through them which makes removing the plant difficult the next time you repot. You can get round this to some extent by placing clinker and broken pot in the bottom of the pot and then place your plant and media on top of this.

There is also a good case for using clear nylon pots when re-potting orchids. If the roots do grow through the drainage holes you can simply cut through the side of the pot with strong shears and release the roots this way when you come to re-pot.

Let's start the repotting process, you'll need a pointed potting stick which can be gently inserted down the inside of the pot and gently lever and ease it out of the pot. You might need to go to the opposite side of the pot and repeat the process.

Once the plant is out gently pull out the old media that is between the roots. Have your potting media ready and place the roots in the palm of your left hand and with your right insert some potting media into the root system. Turn the plant over to your right hand and insert some more potting media into this opposite side of the roots.

When that is complete clasp the roots with the palms of both hands and lower into the pot. Once in you can then gently push more potting media sideways into the roots and gently tap the pot to settle the media in the pot. Don't try to pack the media downwards or it will become too tight and restrict airflow and drainage. Having some springy substance in your media can help it grip to the pot. Fine plastic wire trellising can be really effective if you can find it.

If you have done a good job you should be able to lift the plant at its base without it falling out of the pot. Well done you've successfully re-potted your orchid.