7 tips for basic orchid care for a beginner – growing and caring

The passion for orchids is rightfully called a very special sphere of floriculture. These amazing plants are so unique in their growth form, and in the type of rhizome, and in the requirements for conditions, that it would be a real crime to classify them as ordinary flowering crops. Among the orchids there are a huge number of both the most hardy and unpretentious, specially adapted to indoor conditions, and very capricious, capable of growing only in greenhouses or special showcases of beauties. For those who are just getting acquainted with these exotic stars, it is quite difficult to navigate what exactly is needed for a particular orchid and decide to replenish their collection with tropical stars. And there can be only one recommendation here – start small.

Phalaenopsis orchid. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com russellstreet

For those for whom the words “pseudobulba”, “aerial roots”, “epiphytes” and other concepts that invariably accompany indoor orchids seem unfamiliar, you should first study the basic features of these plants. Do not seek to immediately become the owner of a huge collection of orchids, even if you have the opportunity. It is better to get acquainted with one single flower and, observing it for some time, carefully looking after and studying, figure out if you are ready to take responsibility for exotic beauties from among the most valuable indoor plants. The following tips will help you understand the basics of orchid care:

Phalaenopsis Mini Mark OrchidPhalaenopsis Orchid Mini Mark. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Maja Dumat

Tip 1. Choose wisely, or start small

If you are just starting to get carried away with orchids and, despite the fascination with the beauty of the inflorescences, are afraid to have such a beauty because of the difficult care, start with the most not capricious representatives of the family. It is better to start acquaintance with orchids with varieties and species that are resistant to diseases and standard in their requirements. For those new to orchid growing, Phalaenopsis is the best choice. Malay flowers or butterfly orchids stand out not only for their amazing longevity. These orchids are really easy to care for and are the best way to learn how to handle all of these amazing plants.

Phalaenopsis orchid pink hybridPhalaenopsis orchid pink hybrid. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Maja Dumat

Tip 2. Soft light is the key to the beauty of an orchid

Choose the right lighting for your orchid. These tropical flowers in indoor conditions belong to light-loving cultures, but they do not tolerate direct sunlight. The flowers and leaves of orchids, and even more so on transparent pots, if orchids are grown in special containers and belong to species capable of photosynthesis, should not be exposed to the rays of the sun. Orchids should be placed near those windows that face west or east. The most shade-tolerant of all orchids are just the Phalaenopsis, which can accept the conditions of north-facing windows.

Phalaenopsis orchid Tzu Chiang BalmPhalaenopsis orchid Tzu Chiang Balm. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Maja Dumat

Tip 3. Smart watering of orchids

Moisture-loving orchids and their tropical origins should not mislead you. In most cases, watering orchids is sufficient about once a week. It is better to water an orchid by immersion in water or by showering, while the first method is much easier and more reliable. A pot with an orchid is immersed in a container with rain or other soft water so that the substrate is well saturated with moisture (no more than 20-30 minutes). If you are lucky and your tap water is not hard and is suitable for caring for indoor plants, then the plants can be completely put under the tap or soaked in an earthen ball with the help of a shower, but remember that the water should never be cold. Once the water has completely saturates the substrate, carefully remove the container onto a stand or drip tray and drain off any excess water (it should not stagnate around the orchid roots and remain in the tray).

Phalaenopsis orchid Hybride weiß geflecktPhalaenopsis orchid Hybride weiß gefleckt. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Maja Dumat

Tip 4. Nutrition = growth

Without exception, all orchids need a fairly high concentration of fertilizers in the soil. For these crops, only special fertilizers intended for orchids can be used and they need to be applied only together with water for irrigation. For phalaenopsis and other disease-resistant and unpretentious orchids, it is enough to feed once a month or every 1 weeks in a standard dose or 3 times a month with a half-amount of fertilizer. Top dressing is not applied all year round, but in the months of active development.

Phalaenopsis orchid is yellowPhalaenopsis orchid is yellow. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Maja Dumat

Tip 5. Gentle but meticulous transplant

Orchids need to be repotted every 2 years on average. These plants must be handled very carefully, because the roots are easily injured and break off. The substrate is completely replaced. For orchids, special soil mixtures are needed for these types of plants, consisting of coarse parts of bark, moss and other useful components. Before planting, you need to carefully examine the plant and remove all soft, damaged, dry areas by treating the sections with charcoal. Orchids are not buried, they are carefully placed on a poured mound at the bottom of the pot, and then the free space is filled with a substrate. If you are afraid of damaging the orchid rhizome during transplantation, for the first procedure, ask a fellow florist who already knows how to handle orchids to assist you. After the procedure, do not water the plant for at least 3 days, and resume feeding only after a month.

Phalaenopsis intruderPhalaenopsis rider. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Maja Dumat

Tip 6. Without temperature control, orchid flowering cannot be achieved

In order for orchids to bloom, they need cool conditions, in particular, the temperature at night during preparation for flowering should drop to at least 15-18, and ideally up to 12-15 degrees. About the specific time of transfer to the dormant stage and the indicators necessary for your orchid, it is imperative to clarify the information when buying, because each variety has its own specific characteristics and “habits”. But simply providing cool conditions for the orchids won’t be enough. A contrast must be observed between daytime and nighttime temperatures: at night, the air temperature in the room where the orchid stands should drop by an average of 4-5 degrees in relation to the daytime.

Phalaenopsis mariae orchidPhalaenopsis mariae orchid. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Maja Dumat

Tip 7. Pruning is not like everyone else

If you have chosen phalaenopsis orchids for acquaintance, then correctly cut off the wilted inflorescences on the plant. In phalaenopsis, new peduncles will develop not only at the base of the stem, but also from the eye of a dormant bud on the shoot. Therefore, wilted inflorescences are not removed completely, but approximately half, above the second or even third eye. If you are afraid to make a mistake, it is better to leave the shoots completely after flowering: you can cut off the tops after new shoots appear or as they dry out, removing only the dried tops.

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Anna Evans

Author ✓ Farmer

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