Orchids capture the imagination of just about all flower lovers. Nevertheless, these exotic beautiful bloomers have a bad reputation for being extremely difficult and demanding, both in terms of care and maintenance. How do we pamper and take care of these beautiful house plants, so that we can enjoy their exceptional flowers to the full every year? But how do we get flowered orchids back into flower next year?
Warm place
The majority of orchids, such as the one particularly popular with us Phalaenopsis are native to the tropical rain forests. They often grow on tree trunks or in the armpits of branches. Orchids prefer one warm and draft-free location with as much light as possible. However, these tropical flowers don’t like full sun. After all, they run the risk that their leaves will burn. It temperature difference between day and night is allowed never exceed eight degrees.
Airy potting soil against root rot
The roots of our orchids are very sensitive to root rot. After all, roots of orchids are particularly weak and delicate. They grow exclusively in one airy and well-drained potting soil. Quality potting soil, supplemented with pieces of pine bark and peat cubes, is absolutely preferable. Pine bark and peat cubes make the potting soil of our orchids particularly airy. This ensures optimal health for their brittle roots. These are very subject to root rot, usually the death knell for this beautiful houseplant.
New substrate after flowering period
Our orchids do not really need classic pore soil. After all, in tropical rainforests they grow between branches or on tree trunks, with their roots in the air. In many cases they are placed in an orchid with us specially designed substrate. That substrate is usually one mixture of tree bark, pieces of peat and / or coconut. We keep our orchids in excellent condition by giving them a new substrate every two years, preferably after a flowering period.
Humid atmosphere
When caring for our orchids, we certainly take into account that these flowers only thrive in a humid atmosphere. However, a moist environment certainly does not mean that they are allowed to stand with their roots in the water, on the contrary. The delicate roots of our orchids cannot withstand standing water. The water we administer must therefore be able to flow back as quickly as possible. We prefer to use for casting our orchids rain or bottled water at room temperature. Tap water is out of the question. After all, this contains too great concentrations lime and all kinds of harmful salts. We give our orchids a real boost by regularly spraying their roots, which grow outside the pot, with rainwater.
Liquid fertilizer with slow action
In principle, orchids survive without additional nutrition. However, extra nutrients promote their growth and their exceptional floral splendor. During the spring and summer months we give them extra nutrition every three weeks. In the winter a little food every four weeks is sufficient. Then in fact they don’t need extra food, because then their growth comes to a standstill. Orchids are choosy when it comes to their nutrition. For long-lasting and healthy growth, they prefer a slow and gentle fertilizer. Always use a type of fertilizer that has been specially formulated for these beautiful indoor plants. It contains extra nutritional and trace elements, necessary for the development of strong and healthy roots, shiny leaves and long flowers. Even easier are the special ones nutrition bars, with enough nutrients for a period of no less than eight weeks.
Do not cut off the faded stems completely
Many have a lot of problems getting their orchids into flower every year, especially the popular ones with us. Phalaenopsis. Yet that is not that difficult. Orchids are easy to get back into bloom by not cutting off their dead, and completely withered flower stalk. We leave that three eyes on stem. We recognize these eyes easily by the thickening on the flower stem of the orchid. New flower stems will eventually grow from one and a maximum of two of these eyes. After a second flowering period, we do well to cut the flower stem completely away and repot the orchid. After removing its flower stem and / or repotting it, we give it a place where it is on average about three degrees cooler than usual. A place on the windowsill is his favorite spot. We leave our orchid there until it blooms again. We certainly keep her away from heaters, radiators, stoves or fireplaces.
Phalaenopsis very popular
The Phalaenopsis is undoubtedly the most popular orchid species for us. It produces remarkably large and very colorful flowers on a long, short and fleshy stem. With regular and adapted maintenance, it flowers for two months, sometimes several times a year. One of the least demanding orchids is undoubtedly the Cymbidium which we easily recognize by its voluminous and elongated bunch of leaves and large branches full of flowers.
