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Don't be terrified of orchids if you are unfamiliar with them. If you take the time to learn what they require, many orchids may be grown with relative ease. They differ from conventional potted plants. Since they are epiphytes, they cling to tree bark to grow rather than in the soil. Certain orchids, like lady slippers, are semi-terrestrial plants that thrive in the loamy soil found on jungle floors.
If you ask yourself, "How do one care for orchids?" a lot. Care for orchids is quite simple; it is just simply different. Despite their image as hard plants to grow, many orchid types are actually very good houseplants.
An orchid can survive indefinitely and bloom for several months of the year with the right care. In this regard, orchids are among the best-value blooming plants. An assortment of diverse and well-maintained orchids can yield year-round blooms. Only a basic understanding of orchid growth and care is necessary.
Tips On Orchid Maintenance
Bright Room
Which room in the house is ideal for keeping orchids? It appears that they adore restrooms. Shockingly, the kitchen provides the perfect setting for orchids due to its higher humidity levels and lower light conditions. These elements create the ideal balance for optimal growth, mirroring the orchid's preferred habitat.
Phalaenopsis orchids are especially good at filtering airborne contaminants. Adding them to the kitchen improves the aesthetics and creates a healthier and fresher indoor atmosphere.
Fruit Bowl
If placed too close to a fruit bowl, your plant can lose all its blossoms. Bananas, particularly, release ethylene gas when they ripen, and orchids are susceptible to this gas.
Watering Pattern
In the heat, water twice a week as opposed to once. Normally, orchids only require weekly watering, but this should be increased during the summer when temperatures are high. Just submerge your orchid in its pot into the water for a few minutes - this will help the root system to absorb all the H2O it needs.
Alternately, run the pot under the faucet for 20 seconds to let the water drain out of the pot. Orchids are incredibly adaptable and will settle for tap water, even if you reside in a region with very hard water. Instead of watering, scatter a few ice cubes over the bark's surface to avoid getting any on the leaves.
Plant Food
Although it may live without plant food, your orchid will flourish if you nourish it once a month. You can use a conventional plant fertiliser like tambourine or purchase orchid feed from your neighbourhood garden centre. Make sure you dilute it to 1/4 of the recommended amount on the label.
Roots
Dislike the way the roots appear? Dry, shrivelled roots that protrude through the bark can be trimmed out. However, it is advised to leave them alone if they are healthy and green, as orchids are supposed to have aerial roots.
Rebloom
Trim back the stalk as soon as the blossoms begin to fade. It is better to do this when at least one blossom remains to ensure that the stem is still active and to avoid it dying back and turning brown when you cut it. Just trim a bit above a node beneath any prior blooms or branches. You can cut the stem off near the base of the plant if it has turned brown.
If the stem is trimmed low, the plant will yield a larger bloom, although it may take longer to open. Make a cut slightly above the node beneath the lowest preceding branch or blossom; a new branch ought to sprout up without much work and pretty rapidly. If fresh flowers don't start to bloom after two to three months, try relocating the plant to a cooler location to encourage reflowering.
Repotting
Repotting is advised every four to five years or sooner if the bark has started to decompose. Don't worry if there are any gaps in the bark; orchid roots love air just as much as they love water. Use special orchid barks and opt for a marginally larger pot. The plant may need a week or two to stabilise and regain footing.
Most orchids require strong, indirect light. Avoid standing in direct sunlight, as excessive light can scorch the foliage. Since most indoor orchids are native to humid tropical climates, they require a damp environment. Keep these in mind for simple orchid maintenance and care.
