- Orchids, although exotic, have won the hearts of Poles – learn the secrets of their care to enjoy blooming all year round.
- Surprising methods of fertilizing orchids are gaining popularity: discover how apples and potatoes can work wonders.
- Potatoes are a wealth of nutrients for your orchids – find out how to use them to stimulate the plants to grow and bloom.
- Learn a simple trick with potatoes that will transform your orchids and make them bloom like never before!
They come from Asia, but the whole world loves them. Orchids, as we are talking about them, are the most popular potted flowers. Thousands of varieties and exotic flowers blooming for years mean that you can find orchids in virtually every home. The varieties most commonly bred in Poland are . Both of these varieties, if properly cared for, can bloom all year round.
Put the potato in the orchid. The effect will exceed your expectations
Unusual ways of feeding flowers are becoming more and more popular. Recently, putting apple slices into orchids has become a real sensation. These fruits contain ethylene. It is a gaseous plant hormone that strongly stimulates flower development. A higher concentration of ethylene causes plants to bloom faster and more abundantly.
Not only apples can help fertilize orchids. Potatoes may be equally useful. These vegetables are a real wealth of vitamins and minerals, which are so necessary for plants at the beginning of the growing season. Potatoes contain starch, as well as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. All these elements are necessary for the proper growth and flowering of orchids. Especially after winter, they should be supplied externally so that the flower quickly begins the process of releasing new buds.
how to use potatoes for ? It’s very simple. Just boil the potatoes in unsalted water. When they cool down, cut them into small cubes and mix them with potting soil. It is important that the potato pieces are not too large because they may start to mold. The potatoes will gradually release vitamins and minerals into the soil and nourish the orchids. You can also use the water after cooking potatoes to water your orchids.
How to repot orchids in spring?
Spring is a time of rebirth and increased growth for many plants, including . If your orchid has just faded and its roots are starting to “escape” from the pot or the soil is already heavily decomposed, it’s a sign that it’s the perfect time to repot. Remember that orchids do not like being repotted too often. This is usually done every 2-3 years unless there is an urgent need.
- Remove the orchid from the old pot: Carefully remove the plant. If the roots are stuck to the walls, you can gently press the pot or even cut it open.
- Remove the old substrate: Thoroughly clean the roots of the remains of the old substrate. You can rinse them gently under lukewarm running water.
- Assess root health: Cut off any rotten, dry or damaged roots. Healthy roots are firm and greenish (after watering) or silvery (dry). Rotten ones are soft and brown, while dry ones are hollow and brittle. You can sprinkle the cut areas with cinnamon or powdered charcoal, which has an antiseptic effect.
- Place the plant in a new pot: Pour some fresh soil into the bottom and then place the orchid. Spread the roots so that they fall freely.
- Fill the pot with new soil: Gently pour the soil between the roots, shaking the pot lightly to fill any gaps. Do not tamp the substrate too hard to keep it airy.
When transplanting orchids, even experienced growers can make a few mistakes. One of the most common is choosing a pot that is too large. Orchids prefer tight containers, and excess soil in a pot that is too large retains moisture longer, which promotes root rot. Another mistake is compacting the soil too much – remember that orchid roots need a lot of air. Also avoid repotting flowering plants; the stress of a change in environment can cause flowers and buds to drop.
Homemade orchid conditioner
A great and cheap way to nourish orchids is gelatin. Just dissolve about 0.5 tablespoon of gelatin in 400 ml of warm water, and after it cools down, pour it over the orchids. Gelatin will act as a natural stimulation. It contains, among other things, nitrogen, which prolongs and stimulates the flowering process. It strengthens the root system and stimulates growth.
