How to Grow Orchids Without Killing Them
Orchids are known for their cunning: they are delicate, require watering and spraying, they need proper drainage and the right amount of light. This level of plant care can be overwhelming, but once you have a routine, you pick one out of the park. Here’s how to care for your orchid at home.
Orchids need the right pot and potting mix
Orchids are epiphytic plants , which means they don’t need soil; instead, the roots cling to trees and other surroundings. Since orchids are used to being airborne with moving water and lots of oxygen, you should make sure to choose the right pot like rePotme orchid carousel pot and mkono plastic pots for ventilation holes and proper drainage.
Depending on the type of orchid, some prefer bark shavings, while others prefer moss . Orchids such as Phalaenopsis and Cattleya thrive in bark pots because they do not retain water and do not give the roots the necessary drainage; other orchids, such as women’s slippers and nun’s orchids , bloom in humid environments, making moss a better option for pots.
Remember that when using crumb bark, it tends to decompose and needs to be replaced. Better Homes and Garden recommends replacing bark chips every one to two years to maintain their drainage capacity.
How to water and fertilize orchids
There are several factors to consider when watering orchids, including the time of year (orchids do not need as much water in winter as in spring or summer), climate (if the plant sees more sun or often in dry areas of the house, you will need to water more often than in more humid places ) and potting mix (moss can hold moisture much longer than bark, so water once a week or when the moss starts to dry best). In general, however, Costa Farms recommends soaking the orchid in a bowl of water once or twice a week or when the moss dries to keep the orchid healthy and hydrated.
Orchids also need enough moisture, so it is recommended that you spray the pot daily or place the pot on gravel or small stones that promote moisture. You can also keep orchids in the bathroom , which can provide more moisture as well. First of all, make sure you are following a specific watering schedule for your particular orchid species.
Top dressing is also important for indoor orchids, and Just Add Ice warns you to use the correct dose of fertilizer. “Choose a fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (look for 20-20-20 on the label). Fertilizer should be used at half strength by mixing it with an equal amount of water before applying to the orchid. ” They also recommend fertilizing your orchids once or twice a month.
How much light does an orchid need?
According to Orchid Bliss , there are three factors to consider when lighting an orchid: intensity, duration, and quality. As with all orchid care instructions, the required light depends on the type of plant. Too little and it won’t bloom; too much and it caught fire.
When placed in a window, an east-facing window is best for equal light and shadow. North-facing windows usually do not let in enough light, and west-facing windows give too much light. Pay attention to your surroundings and how light enters your home.
In terms of the amount of light, orchids need a constant amount. You may need to move the plant around the house depending on the season to maintain a regular schedule of darkness and light.
For quality lighting, orchids need the right combination of red, green, far red and blue light from the sun. If you are growing under artificial lighting, Orchid Bliss recommends using fluorescent and LED bulbs to provide your orchid with a full spectrum of light. After all, getting used to these plant rituals will become second nature to you and have healthy orchids for years to come.