- Despite their beauty, orchids can be capricious, and their lush flowering depends on one key element of care that is often overlooked.
- A celebrity florist reveals why you should under no circumstances water these delicate plants with water straight from the tap.
- Discover the secret blend that will make your orchids bloom like crazy, and learn how to precisely recognize the perfect moment to water.
A florist revealed the secret of caring for orchids
Orchids have been delighting Polish homes for years with their colorful flowers and elegant appearance. Although they may seem demanding, proper care will make them bloom profusely and for a long time, decorating our interiors. One of the most important procedures is watering them. What matters here is not only how we do it and with what frequency, but above all the water we use to water the orchids is important. A florist friend of mine revealed the secret to making them bloom beautifully, and this is a very important rule that no orchid owner should break. Well, under no circumstances should you water these delicate plants with water straight from the tap. It is safer to replace it with this liquid.
Watering orchids. Pour it into a pot instead of tap water and they will bloom like crazy
Orchids have their sublime qualities. It’s about the water we pour into the pot. Watering orchids with water straight from the tap is strongly discouraged for two reasons: firstly, it is too cold, and secondly, it is too hard. Choosing the right water is therefore crucial to ensure healthy growth and uninterrupted flowering. It is best to use room temperature water to water orchids. Of course, the ideal solution for orchids is to water them with rainwater, but not all of us have access to it. Therefore, prepare a special water mixture when watering orchids. Pour 200 ml of distilled water into the watering can and add 50 ml of tap water. Then water your orchids with this mixture.
Watering orchids. Rules
As I have already mentioned, it is a very important step in the care of these beautiful potted flowers. And how often should you do it and how so as not to harm the plant?
- Water them rarely but abundantly. It is best to do this by immersing the pot in water for about 15-30 minutes and then straining out the excess water.
- The frequency of watering depends on the temperature and air humidity in the room. Typically, watering once every 1-2 weeks is enough.
- Remember that overwatering is more harmful than overdrying.
- Orchids like high air humidity. You can increase it by placing the pot on a stand with damp expanded clay or by regularly spraying the leaves (avoid spraying the flowers).
- Avoid placing orchids near radiators.
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A comprehensive guide to fertilizing orchids
The secret to lush flowering orchids, in addition to proper irrigation, is regular supply of nutrients. However, it should be remembered that these plants have specific requirements and do not tolerate universal fertilizers for potted flowers. It is crucial to use preparations dedicated to orchids that have a balanced composition. During the period of intensive growth, i.e. from spring to autumn, water the plant approximately every two weeks or every third watering. Look for fertilizers rich in nitrogen (N), which promotes leaf growth, and phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), which are necessary for flower buds to form and roots to strengthen.
It is also worth knowing that there are various forms of supplements available on the market. The most popular are liquid fertilizers, which are diluted with water, but a convenient solution are also special sticks inserted into the soil, which release the ingredients for up to 100 days. An interesting and safe alternative are organic fertilizers based on biohumus, which do not pose the risk of over-fertilization. If you prefer home remedies, you can prepare natural fertilizer from banana peel. Just dry it, grind it into powder and sprinkle one teaspoon onto the substrate once a month. Banana peel is a rich source of phosphorus and potassium, which will stimulate your orchid to bloom.
How to stimulate an orchid to bloom again?
Once your orchid has finished blooming, it doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to it. By providing it with the right conditions, you can encourage it to sprout flower shoots again. The rest period is crucial and should last from 2 to 4 months. During this time, watering should be limited and fertilization should be completely stopped, allowing the plant to regenerate. It is also worth moving it to a slightly cooler place, where the temperature at night drops to about 16-18°C. Such a delicate thermal shock and the temperature difference between day and night are a signal for many varieties, including the popular Phalaenopsis, to create new buds.
It is also important to properly trim the old flower shoot. If the shoot remains green and firm after the flowers fall, shorten it above the second or third “eye” (bulge on the stem). There is a good chance that a new branch with flowers will grow from one of them. However, if the shoot begins to turn yellow and wither, it should be removed completely, cutting it right at the base. Thanks to this, the plant will not waste energy on supporting the dying part and will focus on growing a completely new shoot.
How to recognize when an orchid needs watering?
One of the most common mistakes when caring for orchids is overwatering them, which leads to rotting of the roots. Instead of sticking to a rigid schedule, learn to recognize the signals the plant itself is sending you. The best indicator is the color of its roots, which is why orchids are most often sold in transparent pots. If the roots have an intense green color, it means that they are adequately hydrated and do not need additional water. Wait with the next watering.
A signal that it’s time to water is when the roots change color to silver gray. They become dull and look dry – this is the perfect time for a “bath” or abundant watering. Another way is to assess the weight of the pot – if it is significantly lighter than usual, it is a sign that the substrate has dried out. Remember the fundamental rule: orchids will tolerate short-term dryness much better than excess moisture in the pot.
