The multifaceted fantasy of nature was fully manifested in the creation of beautiful representatives of the plant world of the earth - orchids. They are surprising to everyone: the spread in various natural areas, the variety of colors and the bizarre form of flowers, methods of pollination and reproduction. Botanists consider the representatives of the orchid family the most numerous among flowering plants. Although a significant number of species of these flowers are found in temperate latitudes, the most beautiful orchids are the indigenous inhabitants of the tropics and subtropics. In the recent past, it was possible to get acquainted with orchids with your own eyes only in the greenhouse of the botanical garden. And now, over the past decade, beautiful tropical flowers have become common in our homes. In flower shops today you can buy different orchids. How to care for these exotic flowers, I want to tell you.
Caring for them is not so complicated, some species can even be called unpretentious. These include, for example, Phalaenopsis orchids, care which even a beginner grower can easily carry out. It is important to know that for the normal growth and flowering of orchids, some rules must be observed.
Orchids: how to care for during the growth period
Growth time of orchids begins at the end of the dormant period and usually coincides with the beginning of spring. This stage continues until the appearance of peduncles and the preparation of the plant for flowering. During the growth period, as well as in the rest of the time, orchids require diffused bright light, they can not stand direct sunlight. At this time, these amazing colors need frequent spraying, high humidity. Plants respond very well to swimming by immersion for several seconds in warm water. After spraying and bathing, it is necessary to ensure that water does not remain in the axils of the leaves, as this can lead to decay. During the growth period, plants are watered daily with warm water and fed with special complex fertilizers for orchids once or twice a month . Peduncles appear in late summer - early autumn, at which time a new period of plant life begins - the time of flowering.
Orchids: how to care for during the flowering period
The flowering time for many orchids can last two to three months, caring for the plant during this period has its own characteristics. First of all, with the beginning of flowering, it is necessary to stop feeding. Watering should still be good, but not as plentiful than during the growing period. It is enough to water the plants once every two to three days. Orchids are very fond of spraying, but during flowering, you should make sure that water does not fall on the flowers less. Orchid, care after flowering which is carried out correctly, can bloom two to three times a year. Peduncles that remain after flowering are usually not removed, since after a period of dormancy flower buds may again appear on them.
Orchids: how to care at rest
During dormancy, the plant rests from lush flowering and is gaining strength for further growth. At this time, watering is reduced to a minimum, but they are nevertheless monitored so that the soil in the pot does not dry out. Usually, the dormant period of orchids occurs in the second half of winter. The plant needs to provide sufficient lighting, often additional lighting is required in the evening. Air temperature should be moderate, but not lower than 17 degrees.
Elastic shiny leaves, light green roots with a pearlescent hue, testify to the normal state of the plant at any period. Alarming signs of illness and disruption of the plant are sluggish, drooping leaves, dry gray or yellow roots, the appearance of various spots, mold or insects on the leaves.