As delicate and gentle as they look, so orchids need delicate and gentle care to flourish. Orchids are some of the most commonly grown houseplants and make beautiful additions to any room in the home. They can be found in a wide range of sizes and color, depending on their species, and once all their needs are met and they have proper growing conditions, they are fairly easy to take care of.
Know Their Needs
Orchids are epiphytes, meaning that they naturally grow in small crevices in shade-dappled forest trees. They draw moisture from rain or mist and nourishment from debris lodging in the tree bark through their sparse roots, which are as important for clinging on as for absorbing nutrients. Thus, in an indoor environment, orchids require moist, good draining conditions, and bright, filtered light.
PottingIt is vital to ensure the orchid has sufficient drainage and ventilation when potting, so a mesh pot or basket is ideal, as this will allow the aerial roots to hang outside the pot and prevent rot. A lightweight soil-less potting medium that can hold water is needed – your best bet is to get an orchid-specific potting mix from your local nursery.
Light
The amount of light your orchid receives is very important and plays an important role in the growth of the plant. While strong, direct sunlight can cause damage to the plant, a lack of enough light is one of the most common reasons orchids fail to produce flowers. Orchids require between 10 and 15 hours of indirect light each day, so place the orchid in a room with bright, naturally filtered light and out of direct sunlight. Move the orchid away from the windows on hot summer and cold winter days and turn the pot at each watering to encourage balanced light and growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Orchids like to be wet and warm, so keep the orchid in a room where the temperate ranges between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure there is good ventilation, but no cold drafts and in spring and summer, spray tepid water on the leaves with an atomiser to boost humidity.
Watering
The most common cause of death in orchids is overwatering. Orchids should only be watered once a week with distilled or rain water. They don’t tend to flourish when watered with mineral-rich or hard water, so water can be boiled to sterilize any bacterial elements. Let the water drain completely through the pot until the growing medium is moist – in warm summer months, the pot can be immersed into water for about 30 minutes until the bark has naturally absorbed sufficient water and then removed to drain well.
FeedingOrchids are epiphytic and tend to get their nutrients from the surrounding air and water; therefore, a well-drained, low-strength fertilizer is required. Ask your local nursery for the best fertilizer formula to use on your orchids.
With these optimal conditions, your orchid should be happy and healthy enough to flourish, bloom, and provide a beautiful centrepiece for any room.
Let’s enjoy their beauty!
