It's hard to believe, but orchids are not much younger than ferns. They existed 130 million years ago. Perhaps not a single flower has acquired such a multitude of legends as an orchid. One of them tells that the beautiful Aphrodite, running through the forest, lost her shoe, and an equally beautiful orchid flower grew in this place.
Another tells of a broken rainbow, from the fragments of which orchids grew.
For a long time it was believed that their breeding is possible only in greenhouses. Now lovers of indoor plants proudly demonstrate collections of orchids grown on the windowsills of city apartments.
Orchid-description of a flower
pseudobulb
This is a seal on the stem that contains a supply of water. It is located almost at the root, it is from there that the flower stalks and leaves come. The shape of the pseudobulbs are spherical, ovoid and cylindrical.
Leaves
Collected in a rosette, dense, green, oblong, while quite wide.
Roots
They have a flattened shape, using which they stick to any plant.
Growing Features
For a long time, the orchid was considered a difficult flower to breed at home. Now the situation has changed. The orchid is now completely home flower. For successful cultivation a little experience and practical knowledge is enough.
An orchid bought in a store does not always need to be transplanted, but only in a few cases:
- the flower does not keep in a pot, the reasons: the leaves have grown on one side - you must not just transplant the orchid, but weight the pot or choose a heavy glass pot;
- if there was sphagnum moss in the shipping pot;
- if another pot is prepared for the orchid.
- there is little soil in the container, and the flower sways - add a substrate or transplant an orchid;
- problems with roots are visible through the transparent walls - the orchid must be urgently removed, removed bad roots, sprinkle the places of cuts with charcoal and replant; if there are few healthy roots left, then the peduncle will have to be cut off, otherwise the plant will die, the roots will not be able to fully provide it with nutrition;
Landing methods
The orchid is planted in a transparent pot, because its roots participate in photosynthesis along with the leaves. At the bottom there should be many holes for water to enter and drain excess. The orchid pot can be plastic or glass. Step-by-step instruction according to the method of planting is given below in the section "Orchid transplant".
Optimal landing time
Best time for planting - spring.
Soil for planting
Normal soil is not suitable for orchids: their roots are used to getting a lot of air; in their homeland, most of them grow on trees. It is better to buy ready-made substrate for orchids. Then the plant is guaranteed normal air permeability. If this is not possible, you can mix pine bark chopped into small pieces (pieces about 1-2 cm in size) with garden soil.
The bark must be boiled for an hour. Crushed charcoal is added to the mixture.
In the process of caring for a plant, there are three main components: light, watering, temperature.
Location and lighting for the plant
Right organized lighting- the key to successful cultivation of orchids. They need a lot of light, but it should be diffused, soft. In the summer, sunlight is filtered using curtains or special filters glued to the window.
In autumn, you can let the sun's rays into the room: they can no longer burn the delicate leaves of the flower. In winter, not only do you need to remove everything that interferes with natural light, but also supplement it with artificial light. Light day for orchids lasts up to 12 hours.
It is desirable that orchids stand on the southern windowsill, especially from autumn to spring, but they feel good on the southeast and southwest, although there will be a problem of additional lighting. With good artificial light, some types of orchids feel comfortable on northern windowsills. Orchids can be taken out into the street, but do not forget to shade in time and not expose them to a draft.
Air humidity
Plants need high humidity. It is useful to spray regularly, increase humidity different ways but only in a warm room. With a cold content and high humidity, the orchid's roots can rot. Under any conditions, it is necessary to ensure the care of orchid leaves by carefully wiping them with a damp cloth and spraying.
When growing miniature orchids, the moisture problem is easily solved. They are easy to grow in an aquarium. At the same time, watering should be minimized: they have enough moisture for a long time. environment and stock it in pseudobulbs.
To choose a temperature for orchids, you need to know that different types plants prefer different temperature. Can be distinguished:
thermophilic
They need a high temperature, reaching up to 30-32 degrees in summer and not falling below 20. In winter, they grow at 15-18 degrees, but the difference between day and night temperatures should not be more than 3-4 degrees. These orchids come from tropical forests: they are mainly phalaenopsis, dendrobiums, some varieties of cattleyas.
Growing at medium temperature
In summer they will be satisfied with a temperature of 18-25 degrees, in winter 12-15. These orchids were once brought to Europe from the tropics, but from the mountains and foothills, hence such low growth temperatures. These are Miltonia and Odontoglossums.
Cool temperature lovers
In summer, such orchids will successfully grow at a temperature of 18-22 degrees, and in winter 10-13 is enough. They are from the highlands and subtropical regions. Australian Dendrobiums, almost all Paphiopedilums.
But most orchid owners bought them in a store or received them as a gift, again, the donor purchased them, as a rule, at the nearest flower stall. They themselves and their ancestors were grown in Europe, most likely in Holland, and will feel great at a temperature of 20-27 degrees in summer and 15-18 in winter.
Orchids get sick stuffy in rooms: the room must be regularly ventilated. But you can not arrange drafts.
How to water correctly
For organization proper watering one must have a good idea of the conditions under which orchids grew in nature. And bring watering as close to natural as possible:
- all orchid plants are epiphytes, so they can easily endure a short break in watering, but this should not be allowed often: the orchid will begin to wrinkle the leaves;
- some orchids (phalaenopsis, cymbidium, paphiopedilum) they like the substrate to be constantly slightly moist; others (oncidium, dendrobium, cattleya) require the soil to dry out first;
- water should be soft and warm; ideal rain or thaw heated; tap water can be boiled;
- it is better not to water the plant from above, but to put it directly in a pot in a bowl of water and leave for a few minutes, then take it out, let the water drain.
Ideally, you do not need to fertilize the orchid. She has enough supply of nutrients available in the substrate. But then the flower should be transplanted regularly every two years.
If there was no transplant, then it is better to feed. You can not take any fertilizer for flowers. They only need special ones for orchids. It is necessary to strictly observe the proportions named in the instructions. Fertilizers are applied during the flowering period once a week.
orchid pruning
In orchids, flower stalks are cut off after flowering.
Trimming methods
After the orchid blooms along the main axis, you can cut the peduncle, leaving up to 5 buds from the leaf rosette. Then flower stalks can develop from buds that are below the cut, and flowering will continue. When the plant has finished blooming, cut off all flower stalks.
Orchid transplant
The flower is transplanted every two years to replenish the nutrients in the substrate. If the pot has become small, then transplant more often. The plant is transplanted in the spring, but this cannot be done if the orchid has released a peduncle. She may not bloom.
Transplant methods
Transplanting raises many questions for beginner flower growers. Here you need to follow a certain algorithm:
- carefully separate the walls of the pot and the root ball with a sharp narrow knife (the roots can grow into the pot);
- clean the old soil and cut off dead and rotten roots;
- pour a little soil into a new planter;
- install the plant in a pot, trying to keep it in the middle;
- gently straighten the roots, they are brittle;
- first, gradually fill the voids between the roots, then the entire pot to the very edge, shaking it from time to time so that the substrate fills everything evenly;
- from above, slightly crush the soil with something flat, for example, with a spoon;
- after transplanting, the orchid is placed in a warm place and they begin to water a little.
It is not difficult to propagate it at home, if you have certain knowledge.
Reproduction methods
There are two main ways: seeds and vegetative reproduction. When propagated by seeds, you can not get a plant that is the same as the parent.
Division
This method is suitable if the plant is large. Then the rhizome itself breaks into pieces during transplantation. It can also be divided:
- the orchid is taken out of the container and the roots are thoroughly cleaned of the soil;
- with a knife, which has been disinfected in advance on an open fire, the rhizome is divided between pseudobulbs;
- slices are powdered with charcoal;
- flowers are planted in a flower pot according to the method already described.
Doing so better in spring.
Reproduction by cuttings
Not all species can be divided in this way, but some, for example, vanda, succeed.
The apical shoot is separated with a sterile knife, the cut point is dipped in crushed coal and planted in a pot.
Reproduction by children (stem offspring)
Many flowers, such as phalaenopsis and dendrobium, give side shoots, kids. If such a baby has formed, then it should be protected, often sprayed and patiently wait for it to give roots. Then it is separated and planted in a container, sprinkled with charcoal cut.
The appearance of such a baby can be provoked. This requires: high room temperature and nitrogen fertilizer.
Reproduction by layering (pseudobulbs)
The pseudobulb is carefully separated and, after charcoal treatment, is planted in the ground. Further care is watering.
Reproduction by seeds
Orchid seeds are very small, this is the main difficulty of such reproduction. It is used only by those who are engaged in selection. Seeds are placed in an artificial nutrient medium under sterile conditions so that molds do not develop, and germinate for 3-9 months. Then they are planted in the substrate and wait another 2-3 years until the plant can be transplanted. Orchids grown from seeds bloom only after 3-4 years.
In the store they buy a blooming orchid. Therefore, each owner is acutely faced with two questions: is it possible to make it bloom for a long time and how to force it to bloom again if it has faded quickly.
When the orchid blooms
They bloom, reaching the age of 1.5-2.5 years.
In order for an orchid to please with flowering, it is necessary to create certain conditions for it:
- provide a long daylight hours, the orchid must lay the right amount of buds and form flower stalks, this is a long process;
- Differences in day and night temperatures are required, during this period they can reach 5-7 degrees.
But if the orchid does not want to bloom, you can try to force it by arranging extreme conditions of detention:
- withstand it for 15-20 days at a temperature of 15-17 degrees;
- significantly reduce watering during this period.
In different types of orchids, flowers differ markedly both in shape and in shades of color. But there is one thing in common: the lower petal is shaped like a lip, there are two sepals on its sides, two lateral petals rise above them, and the upper sepal completes all this.
Orchid care during flowering
An orchid, depending on the species and on how many buds were laid in preparation for flowering, can bloom from 2 to 10 months. During this period, watering is doubled, the air temperature should be at least 20-25 degrees.
Orchid care after flowering
First of all, the peduncle is cut off to allow a new one to form. You can feed the orchid. Then there is the usual care.
Diseases:
- anthracnose- manifested by brown spots with dots on the leaves - treated with preparations containing copper;
- fusarium- rotting spots appear on the leaves, this happens due to excess moisture - they are transferred to dry room and stop watering;
- rust- rust stains from the bottom of the sheet - not amenable to treatment; the plant is destroyed so that others do not become infected;
- black rot- sprouts and leaves die off, the reason is in a too cold room - it is better to destroy the plant so as not to infect the rest.
Pests:
- aphid- destroyed by a mixture of milk and water in equal proportions;
- soft-bodied mite- the affected areas in the form of rosettes are cut out and sprinkled with ash along the edge;
- spider mite- the whole plant, window and window sill are thoroughly washed with soap;
- scale insects- live in growths and tubercles, get rid of them with the help of soap suds;
- thrips- translucent bugs that live at the bottom of the sheet, the affected areas are cut out.
If these methods do not help, then turn to chemicals and process the plant according to the instructions.
Popular species (varieties)
- phalaenopsis orchid- the most common species in indoor floriculture, there are many hybrids on sale that successfully grow in the house;
- orchid dendrobium nobile- there are many varieties, they all bloom in spring, the most popular White orchid, such plants having pure White color, come from Thailand;
- cumbria orchid- artificially bred plant, it blooms for a long time, grows well on the windowsill;
- orchid ludisia- a plant with very beautiful leaves, grows indoors only with very high humidity;
- orchid miltonia- a difficult variety to breed, but with very beautiful fragrant flowers, similar in shape to pansies;
- cymbidium orchid-very large plants, now bred miniature varieties, which are so easy to care for that they are offered to beginner gardeners;
- cattleya orchid- species with spectacular wax flowers, hybrids of which grow successfully in rooms;
- orchid vanda- successfully grows indoors up to a meter;
- Oncidium- flowers resemble butterflies, grows in the house, but with strict observance of the rules of care.
- If the bathroom has enough big window, then this is the best place for an orchid.
- It is better to buy orchids in spring or summer.
- If the flower has given aerial roots, then they must be sprayed.
- After the orchid blooms, it must be rearranged to a new place.
Answers to questions from readers
Each species has its own lifespan. At home, orchids live from 3 to 10 years.
Can this plant be kept at home?
This flower will decorate any home.
Is this flower poisonous?
This houseplant is not poisonous.
Why is the orchid not blooming?
No preparations were made.
Why do the leaves turn yellow (dry)?
The reason is most often an excess of moisture or its lack.
How does the plant overwinter?
Winters in a cool room at an average temperature of 15 to 18 degrees and limited watering.
Phalaenopsis will become a real decoration for your home. Growing orchids at home is carried out according to specific rules, which will be described in detail in this article.
You can grow orchids at home in a variety of ways. However, it is important to choose the right variety so that in the future you do not have problems caring for the flower. After all, each type of plant has its own set of requirements for growing conditions. If everything is organized correctly, then caring for orchids in flower pot will be simple.
For growing orchids at home, the following varieties are suitable:
- Phalaenopsis. It is Phalaenopsis at home that is grown more often than other types of plants. This flower is characterized by long flowering, and its flowers can have a wide variety of colors. Growing any phalaenopsis at home will be possible even for a beginner;
- Dendrobium. Orchids of this species grow in coolness. The duration of flowering is more than one month;
- Cattleya. Growing conditions for this variety require a warm but not hot microclimate. The formation of rather large flowers is characteristic;
- Wanda. This is a heat-loving plant that has a powerful root system. As they develop, the flowers become brighter;
- Zygopetalum. This variety is characterized by the formation of fragrant inflorescences.
With the orchids listed above at home, there should be no problems. However, in order to achieve long-term flowering from them, you need to know the types of orchids and the secrets of growing each individual variety.
Soil and capacity
To understand how to grow your favorite orchid in a house or apartment, you need to know the features of choosing a container and soil for planting a flower.
Plants are grown in a pot, which must meet the following requirements:
- able to support the flower in an upright position;
- provides access to the roots of oxygen and moisture;
- contributes to the effective drying of the substrate.
Plastic pots, wire planters and nets have the necessary characteristics. The Phalaenopsis orchid and its other varieties are most often planted in pots with transparent walls so that the roots can participate in the process of photosynthesis.
In order to grow orchids at home, you need to choose the right substrate. These indoor flowers are planted on a special substrate, in which there is no earth at all. It may include the following components:
- pine bark;
- peat;
- fern;
- charcoal;
- leaf land;
- pine bark;
- sphagnum.
The ratio of the components of the substrate is determined depending on which plant variety is planned to be grown in houses or apartments. The substrate can be prepared by hand. But many growers go to buy soil in specialized stores. In the same place, the seller will tell you how to grow 100 or more specimens from one orchid by buying only one flower. To do this, you just need to know how this or that orchid is grown.
Comfortable conditions
Home care for Phalaenopsis involves compliance with certain parameters of temperature, humidity and light. Let us consider in more detail what kind of care, and what parameters should be observed when growing these flowers. The secrets of growing orchids will be available to you.
Lighting and temperature
Phalaenopsis loves partial shade. When placing a flower pot on a windowsill, direct sunlight should be avoided. Artificial lighting for orchids is allowed. To do this, you can use special phytolamps, which are designed for additional illumination of indoor plants. Such a lamp for indoor orchids is sold in specialized stores.
Additional illumination should give white light. It is this kind of light that is necessary for the indoor variety to grow and bloom. Backlighting is often used in winter, when daylight hours are the shortest. In the cold season, flowers should be illuminated for at least 12 hours. For this, a phytolamp for indoor orchids is placed above the pot.
In addition to the light regime, a certain temperature is needed for orchids. These houseplants are characterized by better tolerance to elevated temperatures. Optimum temperature color content is in the range of + 28–30 degrees.
For any gardener who has grown Phalaenopsis at home, it will be useful to know that the plant must be at a temperature of + 12-15 degrees for several weeks to stimulate flowering.
Watering
An important point on how to grow orchids in an apartment is compliance with the water regime. Watering the flower is carried out only when the substrate dries. Regarding how to correctly determine the degree of dryness of the substrate, there are several ways (poke into the soil with a finger or stick, etc.). You need to water the plant only with settled warm water.
Humidity
These plants should grow at 60-80% humidity. In order to achieve this level, the plant is periodically sprayed with water, and also ventilated. Ventilation is important for cold hardy varieties.
How to care for a particular species, you can find out from the seller, who will tell you all the wisdom of its breeding. Also, experienced flower growers can give advice on breeding.
Pests and diseases
Like a child, but my efforts were in vain - the plant began to wilt, the buds fell off one by one ... I live in a small town, it’s not easy to find orchid growers, so I typed in the library and from my acquaintances special literature, stocked up on patience and created miracle - saved my orchid.
Today in my collection there are already three phalaenopsis - Horse Phalaenopsis, Stewart's Phalaenopsis and Schiller's Phalaenopsis. All of them are distinguished by long flowering and healthy appearance, and the problems with the first orchid gave me an invaluable lesson: now I have my own secrets in growing these exotic flowers.
So, my advice to all orchid lovers:
- Make sure that in the saucer in which there is a pot with a blooming orchid, there is always clean boiled water.
- In no case do not transplant the orchid during flowering!
- Put a clove of garlic in each orchid pot: garlic repels flower midges.
- At night I turn on for my orchids table lamp- in the places where they come from, daylight hours are much longer than ours.
- Orchid roots are involved in photosynthesis, so it is best to plant an orchid in a transparent plastic pot.
- Orchids need to be watered on top of the substrate. Water should freely pass through the soil, like through a sieve. In this case, the soil is enriched with oxygen.
Separately, I want to dwell on the problems that most often arise when growing orchids at home.
Difficulties in growing orchids at home
Orchids are dropping buds and leaves.
Your orchid may not be getting enough light or moisture. Humidify the air in the room, move the pot closer to the window, eliminate drafts. And the reason for the fall of the leaves of an orchid may be the proximity to ripe fruits: some of them, for example, apples, emit ethylene, and it is very harmful to flowers. My friend had such a case: the children ate in the bedroom, where there are orchids, plums, and in the morning the plant dropped a few buds. Although it happens that orchids grow in the kitchen, where there are a lot of all sorts of products, and they feel great. In a word, it’s up to you how lucky you are, but it’s better to play it safe and don’t leave fruits next to them.
Orchid leaves rippled
or their edges are wrinkled. Perhaps the room is too hot, the orchid should feel a temperature difference between day and night of about 8 degrees.
Orchid roots peep out of the flowerpot.
It's okay, it's just time for the flower to move to a larger flowerpot. But if the roots of the orchid dry or rot, then you need to urgently take action.
The leaves of the orchid are sluggish,
despite regular watering. Most likely, you watered the orchid beyond measure! Or the pot is too narrow, and the root system of the flower is squeezed. Another likely reason is too generous watering with long breaks.
The orchid is not blooming.
Despite all your efforts, the orchid does not want to bloom. Most likely, the orchid needs the so-called "heat stress", that is, the same temperature difference between day and night, which should be 8-10 degrees difference. Or maybe your flower just needs a rest.
And finally, a few more words in favor of these graceful and beautiful houseplants. Orchids on the windowsill are also aromatherapy. Orchid Pleione maculata smells like apples, Bulbophyllum pictuatum smells like watermelon, and Orchid Cychnoches pentadactylon smells like chocolate!
In addition, according to Feng Shui, orchids stimulate creative work brain and help get rid of depression. And dark red orchids allegedly cure their owner of laziness and apathy.
Transplanting a home orchid
Transplanting an orchid is not at all as complicated as it seems to novice growers, but still it has rules and you need to know them. The orchid is transplanted when the old pot becomes small or when the substrate is "eaten" by the plant. Half an hour before transplanting an orchid into a new pot, it must be well watered so that the roots can be more easily removed from the pot. Then the plastic pot needs to be rumpled a little in your hands so that it is easier to remove the clod of earth with roots. Insert a knife into a clay pot between the earthen clod and the wall and move it so that the earthen clod easily comes out of the container. Then try to remove the old substrate from the roots of the orchid: to do this, it is enough to shake off what falls off by itself, the remaining substrate will help the orchid adapt faster in the new soil. Now, with a sharp sterile instrument, remove dead, rotten and damaged roots, and treat the cut points with charcoal powder. Take a pot with large drainage holes, put a few large pebbles in it for a counterweight, pour drainage, a little bark of a large fraction, then lower the orchid roots into the pot, carefully straighten them and cover them with the substrate on top, distributing it evenly in the pot. You can water the transplanted orchid the next day, if by that time the substrate is already dry.
One of the most beautiful indoor plants is the orchid. Her blooms are mesmerizing. This plant can become the main decoration of any interior. In order for an orchid to feel good at home, it needs to be properly cared for. Its subtleties will be discussed later.
general description
How to care for an orchid at home? This question interests many flower growers. After all, this beautiful plant is one of the most desirable for growing at home. To understand all the subtleties of this process, you need to learn more about the wonderful flower.
The orchid is a member of the orchid family. It includes almost 10% of all plants in the world. This ancient plant. Its traces have been found in the sediments of the Cretaceous period. Orchids grow in the wild everywhere, where at least approximately suitable conditions are created for them. However, tropical forests are the favorite place for this plant to grow.
Most orchid species are epiphytes. These flowers do not have a double fertilization process (which later types of green spaces managed to acquire). At the same time, the species diversity of orchids is huge. Some of them are quite tiny. There are plants that grow up to 2 m in height.
Growing orchids at home requires taking into account some features of their growth in the wild. Many of these flowers grow on tropical trees. This helps to receive the light necessary for life. Orchids are also often found on sheer cliffs. They are firmly held by their roots for uneven terrain. Water accumulates in such recesses.
Many legends are associated with this flower. Some people still believe that man-eating orchids live in the jungle. However, the largest prey that they feed on predatory species, are small insects. The orchid was associated in ancient cultures with love and beauty.
Varieties
Today, various types of orchids are grown at home. They may have different size, color and shape of flowers. There are very small plants. Some orchids grow quite large. All of them are united by an indescribably beautiful flowering.
The Dendrobium orchid, home care and reproduction of which does not cause any particular difficulties, is a heat-loving plant. It also needs adequate lighting. One of the most popular species today is Dendrobium Phalaenopsis. If it is impossible to provide a temperature of +23 ° C in the house, it is better to purchase a different type of this plant. This is the Dendrobium Nobile. The plant prefers moderately cold temperatures.
One of the most unusual species orchid is Wanda. It has a completely open root system. In this case, the plant does not need supports. Its watering consists in constant humidification of the air. The plant receives moisture in natural conditions from fog, precipitation. Indoor plant loves high humidity and bright light.
Growing orchids at home will be easy if you choose a species that will match the existing conditions in the room. So, less demanding than other species (and therefore the most popular) is Phalaenopsis. This type of orchid is different abundant flowering. She loves heat and light, but when the temperature drops, she can adapt to environmental conditions. Flowering continues long time.
Lighting
How to care for an orchid at home? It will be necessary to provide the plant with everything necessary. First of all, you need to pay attention to lighting. This plant needs in large numbers scattered light. However, it should be noted that direct sunlight is contraindicated for her. This rule should be followed when choosing a place for growing orchids.
The main sign of deficiency sunlight is the lightening of the leaves. They become stretched out. If there is enough light for the plant, the flowering of the orchid at home will be long and bewitchingly beautiful.
In summer, a plant that stands on a windowsill will need to be shaded. If this is not done, the orchid will get burned. Also, too bright lighting does not allow the plant to properly adapt to environmental conditions after a long winter period. For shading, a special opaque film is used.
In autumn, shading is not required for the plant. At this time, the light intensity is reduced. The plant will gradually rebuild, entering a dormant period. Buds will form on it, new shoots will develop.
It is also worth paying attention to the length of daylight hours. It must be at least 12 hours. If it has become shorter, the orchid will require artificial lighting.
Temperature
Care and watering of orchids at home should be carried out depending on the type of plant. It is also important to consider at what temperature a particular species grows. There are orchids that need a high, medium temperature. There are also cold-loving species.
Plants that prefer warmth should grow at daytime temperatures between 23 and 32°C. Temperatures can drop to 15°C at night. In winter, the temperature can stay at the level of 15-18 °C. In this case, the temperature difference should not be more than 3-5 degrees. Its decline should be gradual.
Plants that prefer medium temperatures should grow in conditions of 18-23°C in summer and 12-15°C in winter. They are most often found in mountainous areas. Such plants are more hardy. However, they do not like rising temperatures.
Cold-loving orchids are also grown at home. In the wild, such species grow on hills and in the mountains. They prefer a temperature of 15-18 °C. In winter, the temperature should not fall below 11 °C.
Almost all types of orchids feel comfortable at a temperature of 13-27 ° C during the day, and 13-24 ° C at night. The difference between day and night temperatures must be maintained in order for the plant to bloom for a long time.
Watering
How to water an orchid at home? This is one of the most important factors that affect growth and flowering. The plant does not tolerate prolonged stagnation of water. To properly perform this procedure, you need to know the characteristics of the growth of this species in the wild. From this factor, irrigation rules can vary significantly.
Species such as Cymbidium, Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum prefer to grow in a slightly moist substrate. However, the soil should not be wet. If Dendrobium, Oncidium, Cattleya are grown in the house, the soil must dry completely before it is moistened again.
When choosing the frequency and abundance of watering, the temperature in the room and the amount of light are also taken into account. It is also important to consider the size of the pot in which the orchid is located and the composition of the substrate. During the growing season, the plant needs more moisture. Since the orchid is an epiphyte, it can tolerate short-term drought. However, if this situation becomes regular, the leaves will begin to wilt.
Excess moisture is also dangerous for the plant. The roots in this case will rot. A yellow outline forms around the edges. Knowing how to water an orchid at home, you can achieve its chic appearance.
Soft (settled) water is used for irrigation. It should be a couple of degrees higher than the room temperature. In the summer, orchids are watered on average 2-3 times a week. In this case, you need to monitor the condition of the soil. In winter, the procedure is carried out 1-2 times a week.
Plant propagation
Reproduction and transplantation of orchids at home is a responsible occupation. The appearance of the plant depends on the correctness of these procedures. Orchids can be propagated in many ways. One of options is the division of the rhizome. To do this, the plant will need to be removed from the pot. The roots are carefully cleaned from the ground. Between the false bulbs you need to cut the rhizome. Charcoal should be poured onto the wound of the plant. Two separate plants are planted in separate pots.
For propagation of an orchid, its cuttings on the tops are also suitable. This method is suitable for those species in which the nodes are at a sufficient distance. At the height of half of such a cutting, you will need to cut off the shoot. The cut site must be disinfected with charcoal. The knife must also be sterile. Then the shoot is planted in a pot with soil.
Can be used for breeding side shoots. When it appears on the plant, it must be sprayed. This stimulates the appearance of roots. It is separated and the orchid is transplanted. At home, it is easier to breed a plant in this way.
Also used for breeding orchids seeds. This is a complex method that only specialists use.
Transfer
special attention when considering the rules of care is transplanting orchids at home. Step by step, this procedure needs to be considered in detail. The plant does not respond well to such procedures. Therefore, the work must be done carefully. It is best to leave the root ball of the earth. If this is not done, the hairs on the shoots in the ground are damaged. It is through them that the plant receives the nutrients and moisture necessary for life.
Therefore, the lump does not need to be removed. This is only done in last resort if the soil no longer contains mineral components, it has lost its structure. In other cases, they do transshipment. Capacity required bigger size. A new substrate is poured into it. Next, you need to get the orchid out of the pot. It is installed in a new container at the same level where it was before.
Only after the end of the flowering period can an orchid transplant be carried out at home. Step by step, this procedure should be considered in detail before starting work. It is carried out if the pot has become small for the plant or living and dead roots are intertwined in the container. Also, the procedure may be required when the substrate is salinized.
If the substrate needs to be removed, the orchid is removed from the pot. It must be carefully freed from the substrate. Dry, rotten and damaged roots must be cut off. The roots are washed with water. Soil is poured into the prepared container. The plant is placed in a pot. Soil is poured into the container. The growth point should not be covered with earth. It is slightly moisturized and put in the shade for several days.
substrate for transplant
How to transplant an orchid at home? Step by step description has been presented above. However, it is worth paying attention to the preparation of the substrate. It is purchased in a specialized store. You can also prepare the soil yourself. For this, chopped fern root, peat, tree leaves, pine bark and charcoal are used. Willow leaves cannot be used.
Properly prepared substrate allows you to not fertilize the plant for a long time. Drainage must be provided in the transplant tank. It should be 25% of the entire pot. There should be holes in the bottom.
If the orchid will be grown in a wicker basket, then the gaps need to be processed. They are poked with sphagnum moss. Soil is poured into the bottom of the pot or basket. A plant is installed on it, gently straightening the roots. More substrate is poured on top. It doesn't need to be sealed. If necessary, the plant is additionally strengthened on a support made of threads or wire. Watering is not carried out for 4 days. The wounds should dry out and heal.
flowering period
Orchid at home can bloom with proper care for a long time. During this period, it must be provided with everything necessary. During the period of growth and flowering, the plant requires a lot of light. In summer and spring, the orchid stocks up with strength. In autumn it blooms. At this time, watering should be increased. However, stagnant water in the pot is unacceptable.
You can apply fertilizers that are purchased in a specialized store. The leaves of the plant should be sprayed with warm water from a spray bottle. Humidity around a blooming orchid should be high. At the same time, windows should be opened periodically in the room. This will create the right microclimate.
However, drafts should be avoided. Also, sudden changes in temperature should not be allowed. Before the flowering period, watering is reduced to a minimum. If the orchid has managed to stock up on all the necessary substances, it can bloom continuously for up to six months. After that, a number of actions are also required.
Care after flowering
An orchid at home after flowering requires some care. The peduncle after drying does not need to be cut off immediately. It will nourish the flower for a while. Only when it turns yellow can the peduncle be removed. The stump should be about 2 cm.
Watering at this time is reduced. Feeding is also not required. If the plant is then transplanted, it may not bloom for a whole year. To resume the process, it is recommended to move the plant to another place.
Having considered the features of growing orchids at home, you can achieve its healthy appearance and charming flowering. The plant will delight its owners for a long time.
Paphiopedilium - the most suitable species for room conditions.
Growing orchids at home is still intimidating for beginner flower lovers. Since it is believed that she is extremely capricious, demanding, and will not take root in every home. For some amateur flower growers, it grows without problems, and does not take much time to care, for others it requires constant attention. What does an orchid need in order for it to endow the house with flowering for many years? Read the details in this article.
Orchid pot
It is necessary to take care of the pot in which the flower will grow. For those who have just decided to purchase an orchid, you should know that it will not grow in an ordinary flower pot. This means that it is necessary to create the appropriate conditions for growth.
The pot should be made of transparent plastic. It is necessary to make holes on the sides and bottom. It is desirable that small legs from 0.5 mm be present. This is done so that air enters the roots of the plant. Some types of orchids prefer to grow in baskets that are hung from the wall.
Note: The orchid is sold in a transparent pot with air holes.
Soil preparation
An orchid will not grow in the ground. No matter how high quality and nutritious it is. In the wild, this flower (orchids - epiphytes) grows on trees high from the soil. The same conditions must be created at home.
You don't need to worry too much about this. Ready-made substrates for orchids are sold in stores. This is a mixture of sphagnum moss, pine bark, high-moor peat, a small amount of charcoal. Additional components are added to these main components. So the substrates are different.
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Where to put the flower
Orchid is a plant that makes you admire yourself. Each hostess is proud of her pet, and wants to put it in a conspicuous place. In doing so, the following points should be taken into account:
- the orchid loves a lot of light, but it should be diffused;
- it is better to put the flower not on the windowsill, but to allocate a special stand for it, which should be placed on the side of the plant;
- after winter, the orchid weans from bright sunlight, for a while it needs to be shaded.
Note: if the leaves turn pale, turn yellow, the roots are drawn out, then the orchid does not have enough light.
Temperature regime
Orchid is a thermophilic flower. The room temperature must be at least 15 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, the flower may simply freeze. At high temperature the flower feels much more comfortable. But there are some nuances.
If the air temperature is above 25 degrees, the so-called "kids" will begin to appear on the orchid. These are small shoots on shoots, roots. As they develop, they can be detached from the main flower, and transplanted into a separate pot. Sometimes these conditions are created on purpose.
Note: You can take the orchid to fresh air in the warm season in the morning and evening. The scorching sun can burn the leaves, and the plant will dry out.
Watering an orchid
In the case of an orchid, the rule applies: it is better to underfill than overdo it. In the warm season, it is enough to water the flower once a week. In winter, 1 time in 14 days. There are 3 methods:
- Pour water into a pot - the liquid is poured around the edges. Watering should be plentiful. Residual moisture flows out through the holes.
- Lower the pot into water - immerse the entire pot to the brim for 30 minutes. Then they put it so that the water is glass.
- Spraying - the whole plant is treated, except for the inflorescences. From the presence of water, they fade, fade, spots appear. It is necessary to ensure that water does not stagnate in the leaves.
Very important: water should be room temperature or slightly warm.
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Soft water can be used from the tap. Before that, she insists for a day. Rigid - boil, and then also defend. If the orchid loves acidic soil, add a few drops of vinegar, citric acid or juice.
Plant transplant
The orchid does not like frequent transplant procedures. The optimal period of time is 2 years. This should be taken into account when choosing the size of the pot. The best time of the year for this is spring and early summer.
The orchid should feel care, warmth, calm atmosphere in the house. Then she will delight with excellent flowers and become a good luck talisman for her mistress or master. Caring for an orchid is no different from other flowers, it's just special.
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