Orchids are considered capricious and demanding plants.
In order for them to delight you with their flowering, you need to follow certain care rules and avoid common mistakes.
Mistake #1: Choosing the wrong pot
Orchids are epiphytic plants, meaning they grow on trees, attaching themselves to them with their roots.
Therefore, they do not like deep and dark pots in which the roots do not receive enough light and air.
It is better to choose transparent plastic or glass pots with a large number of holes for drainage. You can also use special baskets or blocks for orchids.
Mistake #2: Inappropriate substrate
Orchids do not grow in ordinary soil, but require a special substrate that provides good ventilation of the roots and retains moisture.
Orchid substrate can consist of pieces of charcoal, pine bark, coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, and other materials. The substrate should be changed periodically, as it deteriorates and becomes dirty over time.
Mistake #3: Over- or Under-watering
Orchids are very sensitive to the amount of moisture in the substrate and air. If they receive too much or too little water, they can become sick or even die.
Orchids need to be watered as the substrate dries out, checking it by touch or by the color of the roots (light - dry, dark - wet).
It is better to water orchids in the morning so that the water has time to evaporate before evening. You can also spray the leaves and roots of orchids with soft water at room temperature.
Mistake #4: Wrong lighting
Orchids love light, but do not tolerate direct sunlight, which can cause burns on leaves and flowers.
The optimal place for orchids is an eastern or western window, where they receive sufficiently bright but diffused light. In winter, artificial lighting can be used, such as phytolamps.
Mistake #5: Low or high temperature
Orchids are tropical plants that do not like cold and drafts. However, they also do not tolerate very high temperatures, which can lead to wilting and loss of buds.
The ideal temperature for most orchids is between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. It is also important to ensure a daily temperature difference of 5-7 degrees, which promotes the formation of buds.
By following these simple rules, you can enjoy the beauty and aroma of orchids in your home.
