There is a real hiatus between the perception we have of orchids, supposedly fragile plants, and reality: they are real sturdy ones that bloom again in the less experienced hands.
Caring for an orchid often worries those who decide to plant it. An orchid, whether epiphytic or lithophytic, needs some care which is essential for its survival and flowering. What are they ?
His light needs
In order to be able to give the plant the necessary light, it is important to choose its location. First of all, for its environment the best is to opt for a humid place, but not too much, and which benefits from a good exposure to light.
The temperature an orchid needs is between 17 and 23 ° C. However, one should always avoid direct contact with the sun.
If you further decide to take your indoor orchid out, it is advisable to put it in a shady place. To know if the plant has enough light, just look at the color of its leaves. If they are light green in color, it means they have the necessary light.
Watering the orchid
The orchid is a plant that needs to be watered. However, it is necessary to avoid that there is an excess of water at the bottom of the pot to prevent the roots from rotting. This plant also does not tolerate too much humidity. There are two ways to hydrate an orchid:
- By immersing the pot in water, until the plant is well moistened.
- If the first option is not feasible, just spray the moss and leaves
To properly maintain an orchid, you need to know if the plant has been sufficiently hydrated, you just need to see its roots. When they are white and very alive while being quite solid, it is because they have had the necessary quantity of water.
The orchid is watered once a week.
The little reminders to maintain an orchid correctly
Do not forget to:
– repot the plant every 2 to 3 years
– cut the branches at the intersection with the stem when flowering ends
– reduce food and hydration intake during the winter so that the orchid can rest.
My orchid is losing its flowers, what should I do?
End of flowering or disease?
Most orchids do not bloom continuously. Phalaenopsis blooms most of the year, but it can take several weeks to reveal a new flower. After giving you several pretty flowers, they eventually wilt. No panic, nothing more normal. The end of flowering occurs around autumn but is different depending on the orchid species. On the other hand, if you also observe symptoms such as spotted leaves, which turn yellow, blacken or become limp, it may be a disease.
What maintenance when the Phalaenopsis orchid has no more flowers?
Once flowering is complete, it’s time to prune. Then cut the flower stalk above the second eye if it was the first bloom, cut it short if it was at least the second flower. This will strengthen the stem and make it bloom again.
