Orchid is a beautiful tropical flower that can decorate any interior.
However, in order for an orchid to bloom continuously, it needs special care and suitable conditions.
In this article, you will learn where an orchid should be placed in the house and how to care for it.
Light
Orchids require bright but diffused light, without direct sunlight. The optimal location for an orchid would be an eastern or western window, where the plant will receive the necessary amount of light in the morning or evening.
On a southern window, the orchid needs to be shaded from the sun with a curtain or parchment paper to avoid burns on the leaves and flowers.
On a north-facing window, the orchid will not have enough light to bloom, so it will need to be provided with additional lighting using a phytolamp or fluorescent lamp.
Temperature
Orchids love warmth and do not tolerate cold. The optimal temperature for orchids is 18-25 degrees Celsius during the day and 15-18 degrees at night.
Avoid sudden temperature changes and drafts, which can harm the plant. Also avoid placing the orchid near radiators or air conditioners.
Humidity
Orchids require high air humidity, about 60-80%. To maintain humidity, you can use special humidifiers or spray water from a spray bottle onto the leaves and roots of the orchid several times a day.
You can also place the orchid pot on a tray with wet expanded clay or moss, but so that the bottom of the pot does not touch the water.
Watering
Orchids need moderate watering when the substrate is almost completely dry. The frequency of watering depends on the type of substrate, the size of the pot, the temperature and humidity.
As a rule, orchids are watered once a week in winter and two to three times a week in summer.
For watering, use soft water at room temperature, such as rain, melted or settled water. Water the orchid so that the water seeps through the drainage holes in the pot.
Do not allow water to stagnate in the tray or in the rosette of leaves, so as not to cause rotting of the roots or stem.
Top dressing
Orchids need to be fertilized regularly to stimulate growth and flowering. For orchids, use special fertilizers with low nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content.
Fertilize the orchid once every two weeks during the growth period and once a month during the resting period.
Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and do not exceed the recommended dose to avoid burning the roots or leaves.
Trimming
Orchids require pruning to remove faded flowers, dead leaves, and damaged roots. Pruning can be done at any time of year when needed.
Use a sharp and disinfected tool, such as pruning shears or scissors, to prune. Treat cuts with garden pitch or activated carbon to prevent infection.
With these simple rules you can provide your orchid with comfortable conditions and enjoy its beauty all year round.
