Orchid: planting and care
Orchids, unfortunately, do not grow naturally in our latitudes; they are tropical inhabitants. Most varieties of this plant are epiphytes. They obtain nutrients for their growth with the help of aerial roots, extracting them from the bark of trees, to which they cling during growth. Growing an orchid at home requires following certain rules.
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Planting an orchid
It is best to choose a container for your orchid made of transparent plastic. This way the plant's roots will receive enough light. Since orchid roots grow in breadth rather than depth, choose wide and shallow containers. For good air flow, the bottom of the pot must be equipped with holes. You can also make holes in the sides of the plastic container. For an orchid, it is very important that the soil dries out evenly throughout the entire volume, since excess dampness will lead to infection with fungus and infections.
Soil To plant an orchid, you need to purchase a special one, as close as possible to the one on which the plant lives in its natural environment. Don't forget to put a drainage layer in the container. Its volume should be at least a third of the total volume.
Inspect the plant carefully before planting. Trim off any damaged roots, dusting the cut with charcoal or cinnamon powder. Place a little soil on the drainage layer, then carefully distribute the roots of the plant and gradually add more soil, filling the space between the roots. Place a layer of moss on top. After planting, the plant does not need to be watered for 2 weeks.
Orchid varieties
There are a huge number of orchids. They all have different shapes and coloring. The most popular are the following:
- Cattleya lipped is the largest representative of orchids, but there are also small cattleyas. The Cattleya flower is distinguished by beautiful petals and a rich range of colors from beige to pinkish.
- Orchids of the Cymbidium variety are particularly resistant to stress. These unpretentious plants produce up to 13 flowers of the most incredible colors on one peduncle - from white to purple or orange. This orchid blooms for up to 10 weeks.
- Golden fragrant lycasta is distinguished by spectacular lemon-colored flowers and a persistent aroma. The flowers of this plant often exceed 15 cm in diameter.
- Darwin's orchid is small in size. These small flowers have elegant inflorescences of small purple flowers.
Home orchid
It is important for delicate orchids to create comfortable living conditions. Almost all orchids prefer direct sunlight. Therefore, you can’t go wrong by choosing the most illuminated area of the apartment for them. In this case, the illumination of the plant should be at least 12 hours a day. Therefore, in winter, additionally illuminate the orchid with artificial light.
Be sure to spray every day and water pet Use only warm water. These plants need moist air, so place pots with orchids on trays with expanded clay filled with water. Fertilize regularly and move plants out onto the balcony during the summer months.
Orchid care
When watering the orchid, make sure that the roots do not end up in the water. Excess water should drain into the pan. Next time, water the plant when the soil is completely dry. The dry walls of the pot without condensation will tell you about the need for the next watering. Do not water from above, otherwise the rosette will rot and the flower will die. It is better to water the flower in the pan rather than pour out the water that has been absorbed.
In order for a plant to begin to bloom, it is necessary to create stressful conditions for it. To do this, reduce watering and move the plant to a room with a lower temperature. After some time, return the orchid to its previous conditions. After the flowering period begins, alternate watering with feeding plants with special fertilizers.
Orchid transplant
It is recommended to replant home orchids once every few years. The ideal time for this manipulation is spring. First, remove the plant from the old container. Proceed carefully to avoid damaging the fragile root system. Remove any remaining soil under running water. Then place the plant in heated, filtered water for several hours to kill any parasites.
Then remove dry and damaged roots by treating the cuts with charcoal. Also remove any dried or yellowed leaves. Then dry the roots well and only then transplant the plant into a new container.
Orchid propagation
The average gardener can use several methods to propagate this plant. The choice of a specific method is determined by the type of orchid. For example, monopodial orchids are usually propagated by cuttings. These orchids include the common phalaenopsis.
Using a sharp knife, cut off a side shoot of the plant no longer than 15 cm. Sprinkle the cut area with activated carbon powder and plant it in a pot so that it takes root. After a month, the plant forms new shoots.
For fast-growing varieties, propagation by peduncles can be used. When the orchid has finished blooming, cut off the flower stalk near the base and cut it into 4 cm pieces. Be sure to leave one bud on each piece. After disinfecting the cuttings, place them on moistened moss and place them in a warm place. After some time, the cuttings will take root successfully.
Orchids: photo
