Orchid Care

Despite the fact that the vast majority of people would like to have these elegant flowers at home, care for orchids seems very difficult for many, which makes it necessary to refuse to purchase. In fact, the normal development and long life of these beautiful representatives of the plant world can be achieved by observing several rules for their cultivation.

Care for orchids is in strict accordance with the conditions of growing and watering the natural conditions in which these plants grow. All actions of the flower grower should be directed to the satisfaction of the needs of the flower. These plants belong to the class of epiphytic ones, which are perfectly manage without a nutrient substrate.

Care for orchids of various species and varieties is not so complicated, but it is better for novice growers to gain experience on such less whimsical species as phalaenopsis, miltonia, dendrobium, cattleya, cimbidium. Do not forget that some species like cooler rooms (pafiodipelums, dendrobiums, celogonies), others - moderate (lelias), others - warm (cattleya, vandas, phalaenopsis).

If you decide to plant orchids at home, buy them in summer or spring. In this case, there is no need for an emergency transplantation of plants in a fresh substrate. It is normal to grow and develop on the substrate from the bark without transplanting these flowers can 2 years. At this time they need regular top dressing. Transplantation requires only those plants that grow in a substrate consisting of sphagnum moss. With prolonged exposure to such conditions, the flower may die. Successful care for orchids is possible only if the florist knows the species and varieties of their plants, since some of them require an individual approach to themselves. When buying, you need to carefully check the roots of the plant, so if an orchid is sold in clay pots, you must necessarily remove it from there and check the condition of the roots. Poorly sitting in pots, plants, most likely, have an insufficiently developed root system. Determine what kind of flower roots can be, gently shaking the stem near the substrate.

Care for the orchid is significantly different from the cultivation of other flowers. They perfectly tolerate high humidity and lack of moisture in the substrate. Their roots are arranged in such a way that they quickly absorb and retain moisture from the air. For this, they develop air roots. Do not plant in large pots plants that have many air roots, while sealing them in the substrate. They must catch moisture from the air, while receiving nutrients dissolved in water, flowing down the leaves. You can not trim them.

With the advent of spring orchids are placed on a sunny place. During this period, you should regularly water the plants (the substrate must always be slightly moist). Water them as the substrate dries out in the morning or in the afternoon with rain or boiled water, the temperature of which should be slightly above the air temperature. Around the flowers there should always be a humid atmosphere, which is achieved by regularly sprinkling the leaves and roots with soft and slightly warm water. Summer water 2-3 times a week, and in the winter - once a week or even less. Pots can be put on clay or gravel, flooded with water. Do not allow moisture to enter the flowers. Moisture that has not dried over a day and remains on leaves and roots at night can lead to decay. The optimal humidity for orchids is 60-70%.

Plants need to provide air circulation, while avoiding drafts. Summer allowed the placement of orchids in the fresh air. Special fertilizers are applied once every 2-3 weeks. You can not overuse top dressing, as they reduce the immunity of the plant, which leads to the attack of pests and infections. At the end of the growing season (autumn) and the onset of the so-called "dry" period, watering cuts and diurnal temperature changes within 5 ° C are required. Such actions contribute to abundant flowering. To stimulate flowering, the following preparations are used: "Ovary", "Bud", "Cveten".

Orchids require a long light day (up to 14 hours), so in winter they need additional lighting. Grow them should be in transparent pots. A sign of insufficient illumination is dark leaves, and excess - yellowing of leaves and appearance of dry brown spots on them.