Orchids are one of the most beautiful and popular indoor plants, but they require special attention and care to keep them in good condition.
One of the main components of successful flowering is proper watering. Incorrect watering regime can lead to lack of flowering or even death of the plant.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, told how to act in such a situation.
The water must be of good quality and at the right temperature.
The best option is to use filtered or rainwater.
It is important to avoid hard water, as too much salt can harm the plant.
How often to water an orchid
The frequency of watering depends on the type of orchid and the conditions of its maintenance. Most orchids prefer moderate watering.
In summer, during the period of active growth, watering should be regular, about once a week.
In winter, during the dormant period, the frequency of watering should be reduced to once every two weeks. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the roots: they should be green and slightly moist, but not wet.
How to water an orchid correctly
There are several methods of watering orchids. One of the most popular is the immersion method. The pot with the plant is lowered into a container with water for 15-20 minutes so that the roots are completely saturated with moisture.
After this, you need to let the water drain to avoid stagnation of moisture. Another way is to water from above, but it is important to avoid getting water on the leaves and the growing point, so as not to cause rotting.
Special solutions for stimulating flowering
In order for the orchid to start blooming, you can use special nutrient solutions. It is important to choose a suitable fertilizer with a high content of phosphorus and potassium. These elements stimulate the formation of buds and contribute to abundant flowering.
Fertilizers should be applied during the period of active growth, approximately once every two weeks.
It is important to follow the instructions on the package so as not to overfeed the plant, which can lead to the opposite effect.
Signs of under- or over-watering
The orchid immediately signals problems with watering. If the roots become brown and soft, it means the plant is getting too much water. In this case, it is necessary to reduce the frequency of watering and let the substrate dry out.
If the leaves lose turgor and wrinkle, this may indicate a lack of moisture. In this case, you should increase the frequency of watering and carefully monitor the condition of the roots.
The influence of air humidity
Air humidity plays an important role in orchid care. The optimal humidity level is about 60–80%.
In dry air conditions, especially during the heating season, it is recommended to use humidifiers or place plants on trays with wet expanded clay. Regular spraying of leaves will also help maintain the necessary humidity level.
The role of lighting in the flowering process
Lighting plays a key role in the process of orchid flowering. To stimulate flowering, it is necessary to provide the plant with bright diffused light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so it is better to place orchids on eastern or western windows. In the autumn-winter period, phytolamps can be used to extend daylight hours to 12-14 hours.
Temperature conditions and their influence on flowering
Temperature fluctuations between day and night promote the formation of flower buds. The optimal temperature range for orchids is 18–25 °C during the day and 15–18 °C at night.
The difference in temperature stimulates the formation of buds and accelerates the flowering process. It is important to avoid sudden temperature changes and drafts so as not to damage the plant.
Earlier we talked about whether it is necessary to trim an orchid after it has finished flowering.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
