Tips for Growing Orchids Successfully
Who is your favorite princess - fantasy or IRL? (I choose the classic one: Princess Diana.) Why do I ask? To me, orchid flowers look like princesses of the world - beautiful, elegant, and very high maintenance. But with a little knowledge under your belt, you can successfully grow orchids and earn your home plant royalty.
As it is winter in many parts of the country, this article is going to focus on growing orchids indoors, but many of the tips given can also be used to grow orchids outdoors.
7 Practical Tips for Growing Jasmine:
1. Learn a new word.
To me, a big "Aha!" As an orchid grower, the moment came when I learned a new vocabulary word - epiphyte. It is pronounced EP-Fight and refers to one that develops over another object. An orchid is an epiphyte because in the wild it grows on a host (i.e. a stone). So, your orchid wants to grow in bark or pebbles. When I realized I didn’t want to do anything with my orchid pot soil, I ran out!
2. Let there be light (& lots)
Most orchids require six to ten hours of sunlight each day. There are differences depending on the type of orchid. For example, Frocmipedium and Oncidium require high levels of light. Phalaenopsis hybrids and paphiopedilums require a moderate amount of light, and jewel orchids require a low amount of light. (Keep in mind that even these "low light" orchids need at least six hours of light a day.)
Sunny west or east-facing windows are a great place to grow orchids. If you do not have enough sunlight to provide the required number of hours of sunlight, provide additional lighting of the orchid with a Crow lamp. Four 4-foot-long fluorescent light tubes placed six inches apart will also work.
Now that you know the importance of light for orchids, you should also be aware that orchids can be affected by too much light. The leaves of the orchid should not be too deep green or too light green; A medium, grass green is best. The American Orchid Society advises: "Measure the intensity of light with this simple hand/eye test: Place your hand 6 inches above the leaves and watch the shadows fall. An orchid light is not enough if there is no shade.
3. Consider temperature when growing jasmine
Another "Aha!" The moment I learned that my orchid would gladly tolerate fluctuations in temperature. In fact, orchids like to vary in temperature from day tonight. For example, an orchid that experiences 80 degrees during the day can tolerate 50-60 degrees at night.
4. There should be moisture
Your orchid loves moisture. In fact. To. Moisture. If your house is dry (especially in winter) you should take steps to ensure that your orchid has enough moisture.
Place your orchid pot on a tray lined with wet pebbles. Moisture is transferred from the pebble plate to the orchid. Or you can place the humidifier near the orchid. If you have a sunny bathroom, grow orchids there and enjoy your shower steam there.
5. Water and food
Your orchid does not need water as much as you think. In its natural environment, the orchid is soaked and used for prolonged drying. Reflect on these conditions at home by soaking your orchid and letting it dry for a week. Some growers soak their orchid roots in a water bath for 10-15 minutes. Others bring it to the kitchen sink and give its roots a long shower once a week.
Your orchid will appreciate 20-10-20 fertilizers every week or two.
6. Pests and diseases
Like all plants, the orchid is susceptible to pests. FineGardening.com recommends, "If you find insects such as scales, aphids or powdery mildew, remove them manually with a soft brush." Use pesticides only as a last resort.
Ensuring that the orchid has proper air circulation goes a long way in preventing fungus and disease. See this guide for specific tips for diseases that affect orchids.
7. Keep your expectations true to be smart.
Most orchids bloom only once a year When they bloom, the flower lasts for six to ten weeks. If you have a big event that your orchid needs to be on display, it is a good idea to buy a flowering orchid at that time of year. In other words, if you want to showcase an orchid for your BFF's bridal shower next April, buy an orchid that blooms this April.
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