- Do you have orchids that refuse to bloom despite your best efforts? The problem may lie in the simplest element of their care – the water you use.
- Instead of traditional, settled water, try using a popular drink that can be found in every kitchen to stimulate orchids.
- Discover how carbon dioxide affects your plants and how you can make them bloom with lush flowers!
Instead of standing water, water your orchids with it. You will force it to flower
For many people, these are flowers that must be in every home. These Asian plants delight not only with their beautiful, exotic flowers, but also with their durability and simple care. The secret to growing orchids in pots is proper soil, watering and fertilizing when necessary. In Poland, one of the most frequently chosen varieties of orchids is Phalaenopsis. This species may bloom several times a year, including in autumn and winter.
The basis for orchid care is a substrate with an appropriate drainage layer. , because in their natural environment they are usually epiphytes or lithophytes, which means that they grow on trees or rocks, and their roots are adapted to dry quickly and have constant access to air. Lack of proper drainage and remaining water in the pot leads to root rot. To ensure proper drainage for orchids, you should use a special substrate that is not soil, but a mixture of pieces of pine bark, perlite, and sometimes charcoal or expanded clay, which ensure excellent permeability and aeration.
It happens that orchids stop blooming for some reason. In such a situation, experts recommend doing two things. First, you need to check whether the orchid roots are not rotting and need rescuing. When the rot actually appears, take sharp, disinfected scissors and remove the damaged roots. Then sprinkle the healthy roots with cinnamon and transplant the orchid into a new pot.
The next step is fertilization. You can use store-bought mixtures. You can find ready-made orchid nutrients in gardening stores. However, many people recommend fertilizing orchids with home methods. However, before you start searching nervously for the best nutrients, take a closer look at the water you use for watering. It is recommended that water for flowers be boiled and allowed to stand. It contains less calcium and magnesium minerals, which are responsible for the formation of scale. However, it turns out that you can also use regular carbonated water for orchids.
Carbonated water contains dissolved carbon dioxide. When CO₂ reacts with water, it produces mild carbonic acid, which slightly lowers its pH. Such a subtle change in acidity may be beneficial for plant species that prefer a slightly acidic environment, such as ferns, orchids or heather. It is also worth remembering that some carbonated waters contain added minerals, such as calcium, magnesium or sodium. Although small amounts of these nutrients are necessary for proper plant development, excess of them – especially sodium – can negatively affect root health. For this reason, if we decide to use carbonated water for watering, the safest choice will be natural mineral water, free of additional salt and any artificial aromas and flavors.
