Orchid imported from the tropics has been used for many years to decorate apartments, houses, office premises. Many flower growers successfully grow more than a dozen species of different orchids. Any subspecies of this plant is distinguished by something original and unique. Flowers are different in color, size and shape. Next, we will consider the features of orchid transplantation and home care.
The main problems when growing orchids
In order for the plant to please with its appearance and regular flowering, it is necessary to ensure proper orchid care at home. There are several main problems that a lover of this plant may encounter.
Yellowing leaves
When caring for an orchid at home, a problem often occurs - yellowing leaves appear. It is important to know that any plant at some point changes the color of the leaves to yellow, and they dry out, which is completely normal. When the old lower leaves turn yellow, a natural process occurs, so they are updated. Once the sheet is completely dry, it is carefully cut.
But if recently appeared leaves have turned yellow, then it becomes clear that the plant is sick. This was probably due to improper care of the orchid at home, in particular watering:
- When the soil receives excess moisture, rot appears on the roots, this contributes to yellowing.
- If the soil does not receive enough moisture, then the leaves begin to fade and dry.
If the room has a low level of humidity, it is necessary to spray the plant more often with a spray gun.
In winter, leaves turn yellow when a stream of air acts on the plant. Also, during this period, it is undesirable to put the orchid on the windowsill, it can be cold or even freeze.
In summer, leaves turn yellow due to direct sunlight. Dark spots first appear on the leaves, then the leaf begins to dry.
Root system issues
If you do not provide proper care for the orchid at home, then the flower may begin to have problems with the root system. A regular inspection of the roots is necessary. The orchid was clearly irrigated if the roots were covered with mucus, became the darkest shade or, conversely, turned pale.
Some seriously believe that an orchid needs to be watered a lot, as it happens in the wild during the rainy season. Then it is worth familiarizing yourself with some facts:
- When the rains end, all the liquid drains from the bark of the trees, not being held in it, then it is absorbed by the soil. The roots do not sit long in the water, they absorb the necessary amount of moisture. In room conditions, moisture will linger in the flower pot, causing the process of decay to begin. If obvious signs of excessive watering are visible, then the flower needs to be transplanted into the updated soil. Before this, carefully inspect the roots, if damage is found, they should be removed.
- It is also worth remembering that the orchid prefers moist air. Therefore, you need to regularly irrigate the leaves with spray water.
No bloom
It happens that an orchid for a long time does not bloom. Often there is a situation where the orchid has bloomed more than once, but after the last stage of dormancy, flowering does not occur. Most often this is due to a lack of light. It is known that in winter daylight hours are shorter, and during this period the orchid is usually at a dormant stage. You can artificially increase daylight hours to 12-14 hours, and as a result, the orchid will bloom.
After flowering orchids (we consider home care in this article), dried peduncles are carefully cut. If it does not dry out and has a green or pale brown tint, then probably after a while young buds will appear.
How to stimulate a plant to bloom?
Stress is suitable for orchids. The plant is transferred overnight to a room with cooler air, the temperature difference should be about 10 degrees, rarely and rarely watered. If you carry out these manipulations within 4-6 weeks, all efforts will be successful. During this period of time, the kidneys will be bookmarked. If the buds still did not appear, then the flower is gradually removed from the dormant stage. To do this, gradually increase the air temperature and carry out more watering.
Do not worry, if flowering after 6-12 months has not yet occurred, the peduncle can form even after 24 months.
Parasites and orchid diseases
Orchids (home care after purchase is described in the article) are relatively resistant to diseases and parasites, but sometimes problems occur. The most common problem is the formation of the process of decay. Appears due to excessive moisture in the soil and plants. If the orchid is often watered and sprayed, this will contribute to the decay of the root system and the base of the leaves.
To save the orchid, the affected areas are cut with a sharpened sterile knife along with a piece of healthy tissue. Next, the wounds are treated with a special disinfectant or activated charcoal or cinnamon. This procedure is necessary to prevent the spread of infection. The capacity and the soil mixture must be replaced.
Of the parasites, mealybugs and spider mites are often found. If there are few of them, then you can try a solution of laundry soap, they wipe the leaves 2 times with an interval of one week. In case of severe infection, they are treated with a special chemical agent.
Next, consider what kind of orchid care you need at home after purchase.
What lighting is needed
Orchids prefer diffused light, without direct exposure to the sun, which leads to burns. But also do not like shaded places, the flower will not grow.
Which place to choose?
Windows on the south side give a lot of light, in particular in summer. You should choose a slightly distant place from the window with a slight shadow.
The western and southwestern sides are the best place for many orchids. The sun will shine in the afternoon, when it is not so scorching.
The north side does not quite fit, there is little light. Then you need to use additional lighting.
Temperature mode
Comfortable air temperature during the day - from 18 ° C to 27 ° C, at night - from 13 ° C to 24 ° C.
Heat-loving orchids that tolerate heat up to 35 ° C include Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, Dwarf Wanda, Phalaenopsis.
Cattleya, Cymbidium, Odontoglossum prefer moderate temperature conditions, during the day no more than 22 ° C, at night 16 ° C.
Masdevalia, Miltonia, Cumbria orchids (we will look at home care in the article) prefer a cool microclimate with a high percentage of humidity.
Humidity level
Indoors, it is important to observe a certain degree of humidity. The least whimsical to this parameter are Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Cumbria, Paphiopedilum, Oncidium. Humidity of 40-50% is acceptable for them. High humidity (75–90%) is preferred by Wanda, Miltonia.
In the warm season, moisture from the soil evaporates intensely. Therefore, it is so important to humidify the air in the room. In the apartment, an humidifier, a fountain are additionally connected, water containers are placed. In the summer, spray irrigation and ventilation are used. Otherwise, a warm humidified microclimate will contribute to the formation of fungus and bacterial diseases.
Which capacity to choose
It is believed that translucent capacity is very important for photosynthesis of roots. But this is not so at all - the roots are more important than air, not light. Therefore, you need to choose dishes from a material suitable for convenient maintenance.
Especially popular are pots made of polypropylene. Plastic containers retain moisture well, the root system is not supercooled. The most convenient thing is to easily inspect the soil and roots. For additional air circulation in the tanks, holes are made on the sides. Such pots are suitable for Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium.
Orchids such as Oncidium, Cumbria, Cymbidium, Paphiopedilum and other species with pseudobulbs are planted in clay containers. Its advantage is that such dishes allow air to pass through and evenly distribute moisture. The best form is when the pot is the same in height and diameter. Except for Cymbidium: a large pot is needed for its large root system.
For Vanda, they choose containers with a shape that allows them to contain rhizome inside, and the upper part - outside. This is the best option for proper orchid growth.
Which soil to choose
In nature, the tree trunk serves as a support and source of nutrients, and in indoor conditions this obligation is carried out by soil from pieces of pine bark, peat, moss and charcoal. The light structure guarantees proper air microcirculation, accumulates and gradually gives off nutrition and moisture. The nutritional value of soil mixtures is determined by the type of root system. The poorer it is, the more aerial roots are in the plant - they creep out in search of water and nutrition. The undeveloped root system indicates that the orchid receives all the nutrients in the required volume.
Home care: watering orchids
Watering is an important moment on which the flowering appearance and health of the representatives of the Orchid family depend in many respects. The duration of lighting, evaporation, soil structure, stage of growth affect the level of moisture consumption.
Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, Miltonia, Cumbria, Cymbidium prefer moistened soil, but not wet. For Dendrobium, Cattleya, Odontoglossum, Oncidium, complete drying of the soil is required before subsequent watering.
In winter, orchid care at home is minimal. Watering is recommended 1-2 times per month. In summer, this is done much more often.
Soil, consisting of large pieces of bark with sphagnum, retains fluid longer, and soil without peat and moss dries faster.
At rest, water should be watered less. In order for a flower bud to form, a peculiar drought is arranged for the plant, so the orchid is stimulated to bloom.
The best irrigation water is filtered, settled, a couple of degrees warmer than room air. Orchids prefer lower watering, irrigation of the soil and the inside of the leaves.
What to use fertilizers
You can use dressing between blossoms 2 times a month. In the period of active growth, fertilizers with nitrogen are used, in the period of laying the peduncle, with potassium and phosphorus.
Fertilizers can be used only after watering, so that the soil is moist, otherwise the roots will get a chemical burn.
During the flowering of orchids (home care is discussed in the article), it is not worth fertilizing it - the mineral reserve will last up to 4 months. It is also necessary to exclude top dressing in the winter and at rest.
During the year after transplanting Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, Miltonia, Cymbidium, Cumbria dispense with fertilizers. There are enough mineral elements in the soil for normal growth. It is enough to systematically water and spray.
Wanda is susceptible to fertilizers. Since the orchid grows without soil, the roots are sprayed with water every day, every third watering is advised to do with top dressing.
So, we examined the features of orchid cultivation and home care. Occupation is not at all difficult. Most importantly, you must follow the established rules of care and pay more attention to this plant.