How to grow orchids-beginner orchid tips

2021-11-16 18:44:51 By : Ms. Amy Zhang

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These exotic flowers are easy to grow!

Orchids may look delicate, but they are actually tough little easy-care plants. Orchids have glossy green leaves and complex flowers, ranging in color from white to dark pink, and grow on every continent except Antarctica. They are not difficult to grow indoor plants and require the same conditions as many other indoor plants such as African violets. Kaylyn Hewitt, chief floral designer at The Bouqs Company, said: "There are many types, but the most popular and widely used is Phalaenopsis, also known as Phalaenopsis." "Their intricate, eye-catching flowers can last for months. It is a reliable peruviana when you keep up with light, water and feed.” Although Phalaenopsis can bloom all year round, the main season is from late winter to spring, which makes them the coldest in winter. Especially popular in the darkest days.

Here is other information you need to know about how to take care of orchids in your home.

Your orchid needs the right light conditions to bloom, so choosing the right place in your house is a key decision. Provide bright indirect light for your orchids, preferably in east or south facing windows. The light from the west-facing windows may be too strong, especially in summer, while the north-facing windows are not well lit, especially in the northern climate in winter. "Make sure that the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight, otherwise it will burn," Hewitt said. In addition, do not let it touch the cold glass in winter, otherwise the leaves will freeze. If you don't have bright windows, please consider using LED grow lights.

Although orchids are tropical plants, they don't like getting wet. "Usually, it's not underwatering that kills orchids, but overwatering," Hewitt said. Give your orchid a good glass of water, and then stop watering it until it is almost dry. If you are not sure whether you need to water, put your fingers in the planting medium, which is usually a bark-based potting mix. If it feels wet, please wait another day or two and check again. They usually need to be watered every 7 to 10 days. Also, make sure to pour out the excess water in the pot or saucer, because orchids don't like wet feet, and don't get water on the crown or top of the plant.

Hewitt said that it is best to fertilize your orchids regularly. During the growing season from mid-spring to early autumn, use a quarter to half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Hewitt says that orchid fertilizer is ideal, but you can also use any ordinary liquid houseplant fertilizer. But don't overdo it; under-fertilizing orchids is better than fertilizing them.

After the plant blooms, the stem can be cut to the base where the leaves grow. If the stems are heavy when full of flowers, use metal or wooden sticks with small plant clips to provide support.

Orchids are usually housed in a plastic flowerpot with holes and hidden in a larger decorative flowerpot. You can leave them in the pot for years, because they actually like comfort. But if you want to encourage your plant to grow bigger, put it in a container about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, and be sure to use orchid soil, Hewitt said. But be aware that your plants may not bloom for a year when they re-adapt to a new home.

Fortunately, according to ASPCA, orchids are non-toxic to pets. However, any plant that is consumed in large amounts can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and vomiting, so if you know you have small eaters on your hands, please keep orchids out of the reach of pets!