One of the most widely used plants to decorate houses, apartments and offices are orchids. Clearly, these are among the most varied, colorful and beautiful flowering plants. They are also very easy to keep beautiful and healthy, especially if you know how to care for them properly.
Orchid Care: easy tips for a blooming and shining plant for having them full of flowers all summer long
Well, most people who buy orchids are not well informed about the type of orchid they are buying and how to water them properly. Some water them too much and others wait until the soil is well dry. let’s see how to water these flowers properly.
Natural conditions of an orchid
Before watering, the first thing to do is to understand the natural conditions in which orchids live and how they absorb water and nutrients. Orchids usually live in tropical forests among tree branches. This is because they are epiphytic plants, that is, they live on other plants without becoming pests. These absorb water and nutrients from rain that falls on the bark of trees through their aerial roots. Not from the ground like most plants. So, their risks may vary depending on where they are grown, whether indoors or outdoors, in a pot, on a tree, or in a hanging basket
Location, light and temperature
Another factor that will influence risks is the specific area in which they are placed. The type and amount of light in the area must be considered. Moreover, the temperature and humidity of the location. Since orchids are not cold-hardy, the recommended temperature is a minimum of 48,9 ºF or 50 ºF and a maximum of 86 ºF.
As a rule of thumb, if they are in a place with little light or colder periods, they should be watered less. On the other hand, if they are on a terrace with good light and warmth, they will need more watering. They should also be watered less if they are indoors than if they are outside.
Watering in the morning
When you water in the morning, give your orchids time to soak up water during the day, ensuring that excess evaporates in the heat of the day. Of course, nights are generally much cooler and keep moisture in the substrate longer. This is usually not convenient since excess water is what destroys plants the most. Thus, it is better to water them in the morning. Orchids should be watered every 4 to 8 days depending on the temperature if summer or winter.
Soil or substrate
Depending on the specific type of orchid, they may need different types of substrates (this is the equivalent of potting soil). Some of these contain more water than others, so it is ideal to know the potting soil to know how much water it can hold and match it to the correct type of orchid.
Some of the main mediums for planting orchids include small pieces of tree bark, moss, coconut shell, perlite and charcoal. If your orchid needs more moisture, it may need moss. But if it needs less, coconut shell is most likely best.
Remove excess water from leaves
After watering, wipe off any excess water that has become trapped between the leaves and stem with paper towels. These can cause rot in the plant and even cause fungus and other diseases.
Fertilize the plant
You can get the indicated fertilizer-preferably liquid-in flower stores. The fertilizer has the nutrients and vitamins needed for its growth. It is recommended to add it to the irrigation water, following the manufacturer’s directions.
If it loses its flowers, cut them off.
If your orchid no longer blooms, it is time to cut the stem. It is important to do this before it turns yellow. Try cutting 1 cm from the first visible growth.
Frequently asked questions.
- When do orchids bloom indoors?
In general, orchids bloom once a year and in the spring. Watering flowering orchids is essential at this time. If it is in the flowering period, it is ideal to water once a week, letting the water drain into the pot and not stagnate.
- Why doesn’t my orchid bloom?
If your orchid is not blooming, water less often because it needs less water at this time. One of the other reasons is lack or excess light. It is recommended that the orchid be near windows to receive enough light for its growth.
- What to do when your orchid is wilting?
Use fertilizer for the plant, and if the orchid is damaged, you should transplant it to a new pot.
- What care does the orchid plant need?
The plant needs adequate light, water and fertilizer. Watering orchids in summer should be done once every three or four days. For watering orchids in winter, the frequency should be reduced by half.
