Fabulous, mysterious, unusually beautiful tropical guests - orchid flowers. Not so long ago they were inaccessible to us, we could only admire them in special nurseries. However, today the impossible has become possible. A man managed to tame this wonderful plant, and we have a real opportunity to admire the stunningly beautiful flower of the house. Orchids are considered moody, however, if you know how to care for an orchid at home, you can achieve amazing results.
Orchids are considered photophilous plants that require bright diffused light for 12 hours. In this regard, in the winter, the organization of illumination is necessary in order to be able to provide the light regime of the tropics. In summer, orchids need to be protected from direct sunlight (to ensure the usual diffuse illumination regime that is usual for flowering and development of orchids, which exists under the cover of tropical forests, where these flowers grow). This is worth considering when thinking about how to care for an orchid at home. Domestic orchids are considered heat-loving plants, therefore, the best temperature where they grow should be around 20-25º in summer, and certainly not lower than 17º in winter. At night, a temperature drop of about 2-3 ° C is possible.
With extreme caution you need to approach the issue of watering orchids? Again, in connection with their origin, all their varieties require a sufficiently high humidity, however, do not forget to monitor the air temperature. Excessive soil moisture in combination with low temperature can negatively affect the root system of the orchid and cause rhizome decay. Miniature species grow well in terrariums and aquariums. Due to the significant moisture reserve in the pseudobulbs, the flower practically does not need watering, but regular ventilation is necessary.
The duration of flowering orchids mainly depends on the genetic characteristics of a particular species. You should also take into account the condition of the flower, the conditions of its maintenance. You should know, if you get orchids, how to care after flowering. With proper care, they can bloom again after 3-6 months.
When the orchid fades, the flower stalk dries, but can grow further. In the first case, it is better not to trim it. During this time, the orchid will begin to draw from it the nutrients remaining in the peduncle. These substances will serve the further development of the plant. If the peduncle dries or turns yellow completely, you can remove it, leaving a small stump 2.5 cm tall.
How to care for an orchid at home after flowering? As well as before, and during it.
The flower should receive a significant amount of water, it needs to be sprayed. In addition, you can reduce plant nutrition. And if necessary, your orchid can still be transplanted into a new pot. With good care, you can achieve repeated flowering in a few months. However, in some cases, after an orchid transplant, its bloom can be expected for a whole year.
If you did not transplant the flower, but a new peduncle does not appear, you can use a reduction in watering and a temperature difference. Such methods will cause the flower to have a peduncle.
Separately, you should dwell on how to care for the Phalaenopsis orchid, since this type of orchid is the most popular.
It is best to keep such a flower on the western or eastern window, it is also possible in the depths of the room under a fluorescent lamp or under a special phytolamp for plants. Additional illumination in winter and autumn is especially necessary, the duration of daylight hours must be no less than 14 hours.
Regularly should be sprayed on the leaves with standing water, without getting on the flowers.
It is worth constantly using top dressing specifically designed for orchids.
It should be remembered that the cause of many problems is the non-observance of the rules for caring for these plants, so you need to know how to care for the orchid at home before buying this flower. And then for a long time he will delight you with rapid and abundant flowering.