Despite the fact that the vast majority of people would like to have these graceful flowers at home, caring for orchids seems very difficult to many, which makes them refuse to purchase. In fact, the normal development and long life of these beautiful representatives of the plant world can be ensured by observing a few rules for their cultivation.
Orchid care consists in strict compliance with the growing and watering conditions of the natural conditions in which these plants grow. All actions of the grower should be aimed at meeting the needs of the flower. These plants belong to the epiphytic class, which do well without a nutrient substrate.
Caring for orchids of various species and varieties is not that difficult, but beginner growers are better off gaining experience on such less whimsical species as phalaenopsis, miltonia, dendrobium, cattleya, cymbidium. Do not forget that some species like cooler rooms (paphiopedilums, dendrobiums, cologinia), others - moderate (lelia), others - warm (cattleyas, vandas,phalaenopsis).
If you decide to grow orchids at home, buy them in summer or spring. At the same time, there is no need for emergency transplanting of plants into a fresh substrate. Normally, these flowers can grow and develop on a substrate from the bark without a transplant for 2 years. At this time, they need regular feeding. Transplants require only those plants that grow in a substrate consisting of sphagnum moss. With a long stay in such conditions, the flower may die. Successful orchid care is possible only if the grower knows the species and varieties of his plants, since some of them require an individual approach to themselves. When buying, you need to carefully check the roots of the plant, therefore, if the orchid is sold in a clay pot, you must definitely remove it from there and check the condition of the roots. Plants that do not sit well in pots are likely to have an underdeveloped root system. You can determine what kind of roots a flower has by gently shaking the stem near the substrate.
Orchid care is very different from growing 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. To do this, they develop aerial roots. Plants with many aerial roots should not be planted in large pots, while embedding them in the substrate. They must capture moisture from the air, while receiving nutrients dissolved inwater running down the leaves. They also cannot be cropped.
With the advent of spring, orchids are placed in a sunny place. During this period, you need to regularly water the plants (the substrate should always be slightly damp). They are watered as the substrate dries in the morning or afternoon with rain or boiled water, the temperature of which should be slightly higher than the air temperature. There should always be a humid atmosphere around the flowers, which is achieved by regularly spraying the leaves and roots with soft and slightly warm water. In summer, they are watered 2-3 times a week, and in winter - once a week or even less often. Pots can be placed on expanded clay or gravel, filled with water. Do not allow moisture to get on the flowers. Moisture that has not dried during the day and remains on the leaves and roots overnight can lead to rotting. The optimum air humidity for orchids is 60-70%.
Plants need air circulation while avoiding drafts. In summer, orchids can be placed outdoors. The application of special fertilizers is carried out 1 time in 2-3 weeks. Top dressings should not be abused, as they reduce the immunity of the plant, which leads to an attack by pests and infections. At the end of the growing season (in autumn) and the onset of the so-called "dry" period, a reduction in irrigation and daily temperature drops within 5 ° C are required. Such actions contribute to abundant flowering. To stimulate flowering, the following preparations are used: "Ovary", "Bud", "Pollen".
Orchids require long daylight hours (up to 14 hours),therefore, in winter they need additional lighting. They should be grown in transparent pots. A sign of insufficient lighting is dark leaves, and excessive lighting is yellowing of the leaves and the appearance of dry brown spots on them.
