Despite the fact that the vast majority of people would like to have these elegant flowers at home, caring for orchids seems very difficult to many, which forces them to refuse to purchase. In fact, the normal development and long life of these beautiful representatives of the plant world can be ensured by observing several rules for their cultivation.
Orchid care consists in strict compliance with the conditions of cultivation and watering the natural conditions in which these plants grow. All actions of the grower should be aimed at meeting the needs of the flower. These plants belong to the class of epiphytic, which do fine without a nutrient substrate.
Caring for orchids of various types and varieties is not so complicated, but it is better for beginner gardeners to gain experience in such less whimsical species as phalaenopsis, miltonia, dendrobium, cattleya, cymbidium. Do not forget that some species like cooler rooms (Paphiopedilums, dendrobiums, integerogens), others - moderate (Lelia), and others - warm (Cattleya, Wanda, Phalaenopsis).
If you decide to plant orchids at home, buy them in summer or spring. In this case, there is no need for emergency transplantation of plants into a fresh substrate. These flowers can grow and develop normally on a substrate of bark without transplantation for 2 years. At this time, they need regular feeding. Transplants require only those plants that grow in a substrate consisting of
sphagnum moss. With prolonged exposure to such conditions, the flower may die. Successful orchid care is possible only on condition that the grower knows the types and varieties of his plants, since some of them require an individual approach. When buying, you need to carefully check the roots of the plant, therefore, if the orchid is sold in a clay pot, you must definitely take it out and check the condition of the roots. Poorly potted plants are likely to have an underdeveloped root system. Determine what kind of flower roots you can by gently shaking the stem near the substrate.
Caring for an orchid is significantly different from growing other flowers. They perfectly tolerate high humidity and lack of moisture in the substrate. Their roots are designed in such a way that they quickly absorb and retain moisture from the air. To do this, they develop aerial roots. Plants that have many aerial roots should not be planted in large pots, while planting them in a substrate. They must trap moisture from the air, while receiving nutrients dissolved in water flowing down the leaves. You can’t cut them either.
With the advent of spring, orchids are placed in a sunny place. During this period, you need to regularly water the plants (the substrate should always be slightly moist). They are watered as the substrate dries in the morning or afternoon with rain or boiled water, the temperature of which should be slightly higher than the air temperature. Around the flowers should always be a humid atmosphere, which is achieved by regular spraying of leaves and roots with soft and slightly warm water. In summer, they are watered 2-3 times a week, and in winter - once a week or even less. Pots can be placed on expanded clay or gravel flooded with water. Do not allow moisture to get on the flowers. Moisture that does not dry in a day and remains on the leaves and roots overnight can cause them to rot. The optimum humidity for orchids is 60-70%.
Plants need to circulate air while avoiding drafts. In summer, orchids are allowed in the fresh air. Special fertilizers are applied once every 2-3 weeks. Feeding should not be abused, as they reduce the immunity of the plant, which leads to an attack of pests and infections. At the end of the growing season (autumn) and the onset of the so-called “dry” period, a reduction in irrigation and daily temperature drops within 5 ° C are required. Such actions contribute to abundant flowering. The following preparations are used to stimulate flowering: “Ovary”, “Bud”, “Bloom”.
Orchids require a long daylight hours (up to 14 hours), so in winter they need additional lighting. They should be grown in transparent pots. A sign of insufficient lighting is dark leaves, and excess - yellowing of the leaves and the appearance of dry brown spots on them.