A lot of people who like plants choose orchids because of their foreign looks and delicate flowers. People say that they are hard to take care of, but if you know what you’re doing and pay attention, you can grow and enjoy these beautiful plants. This 800-word guide will teach you how to take care of orchids properly.
1. Choosing the Right Orchid
There are many kinds of orchids, and some are simpler to take care of than others. The Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) is a great plant for newbies because it is tough and easy to care for.
- Phalaenopsis:It does well in home settings and is known for having flowers that last a long time and come in many colors.
- Dendrobium:Dendrobiums are another good choice for newbies. They have beautiful flowers and can grow in a variety of conditions.
2. Light Requirements
For orchids to grow well, they need just the right amount of light. However, strong sunlight can burn their leaves.
- Indirect Light: Find a place for your orchid that gets bright, indirect light. Window faces that face east or west are best.
- Artificial Light: If the light from the sun isn’t enough, you can add electric or LED grow lights. The light should be about an inch or two above the plant.
3. Watering
It is normal for orchids to die because they get too much water.
- Frequency: During the growing season (spring and summer), water your orchid once a week. During the dormant season (fall and winter), water it every other week.
- Method:Warm water should be used, and it shouldn’t sit in the plant’s crown. If you water the plant early in the day, it will be dry by evening.
- Drainage: Make sure the pot has enough holes for water to drain. It’s bad for orchids to sit in water.
4. Humidity and Temperature
Orchids do best in places that are like the warm places they come from.
- Humidity:Orchids do best when the humidity is between 50 and 70%. If your home is dry, use a humidity tray, mist the plant, or put a humidifier nearby to make it more damp.
- Temperature: Keep the temperature between 65°F (18°C) and 80°F (27°C) during the day and between 60°F (15°C) and 70°F (15°C) at night. Do not put flowers near drafts of cold air or sources of heat.
Also See:Add Haworthia, or Zebra Plant, to Your Succulent Collection
5. Potting and Repotting
To keep their roots healthy and airy, orchids need to be potted correctly.
- Potting Mix: For orchids, you should use a special mix that is usually made up of bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss. This lets water run away and air flow through.
- Repotting Frequency:You should repot your orchid every one to two years or when the soil in the pot breaks down. After the orchid has finished growing is the best time to move it to a new pot.
- Method: With care, take the orchid out of its pot, cut off any dead roots, and then put it in a new pot with new orchid mix. After repotting, give the plant little water to let it settle down.
6. Fertilizing
To grow and flower properly, orchids need to be fed on a daily basis.
- Frequency: During the growth season, feed the plants every two to four weeks. Use a balanced fertilizer that dissolves in water that is made for flowers.
- Dilution: To keep the roots from getting burned, always reduce the fertilizer to half of its strength.
- Flush: Flush the pot with plain water once a month to get rid of any fertilizer salt that has built up.
7. Pruning and Maintenance
- Pruning Spent Blooms:When the last flower has opened, cut the flower spike above the node where the first flower was. This might help a second bloom happen. Cut the spike back to the base when it goes brown.
- Cleaning:Use a wet cloth to wipe the leaves clean and keep bugs away. Check your plants often for signs of spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.
8. Encouraging Reblooming
If you take good care of your orchid, it can bloom again, giving you beautiful flowers.
- Temperature Drop:To get your orchid to bloom, let the temperature drop a little at night—about 10°F less than during the day.
- Consistent Care:
Keep up a regular care schedule by feeding, watering, and lighting the plant properly.
Conclusion
Growing flowers can be a fun and satisfying activity. You can bring the unique beauty of these plants into your home if you know what they need and give them the right care. Remember to pick the right orchid, give it enough light, water it correctly, keep the humidity and temperature just right, use the right potting mix, fertilize it regularly, and keep up with good care habits. If you give your orchids time and care, they will grow well and add a touch of class to your indoor plant. Have fun growing!