Orchids: care and how to make them bloom

Orchids are highly appreciated plants thanks to their beautiful and exotic flowers, which are They are among the most popular houseplants.

Most of the orchids found in flower shops belong to a relatively robust species, the phalaenopsis or butterfly orchid.

In his home, the tropical forest, orchids grow as an epiphytic plant (Refers to any type of plant that grows on another plant or object, using it only as a support, but without nutritionally parasitizing it).

orchids at home

The exotic beauty of orchids is also comfortable on a windowsill. Phalaenopsis orchid it is a relatively easy houseplant to care for and delights with its long flowering period and its great variety of colors.

But be aware that when the last flowers have withered, the plant needs a long rest time to recover.

It is completely normal that it does not flower for a few weeks or months and at first there is no need to worry. However, the fact that your indoor orchid no longer blooms, it can also be due to lack of light, wrong location and some other factors.

Orchids: essential care

Orchid care is not a complicated science. It only takes a few secrets to know to be rewarded with beautiful colorful flowers. With these tips you will make your orchid bloom.

1. Optimal room temperature for orchids

Orchids love heat! A minimum of 18 degrees is perfect throughout the year, although they support much more.

In many houses it can happen that the orchid is placed on the windowsill where it receives a lot of light, but the temperature is too low in winter, especially at the base.

A granulated clay drain and a cork sheet under the pot can help keep the plant warmer.

2. Light, but not direct sun

Orchids that do not bloom are often removed from the most showy area of ​​the dining room and they are relegated to an obscure spot. It is very likely that the orchid will not react well to this change. In fact, in general, orchids do not like to be moved around.

Orchids need enough natural light throughout the year. However, they are very sensitive to the scorching sun, as their leaves can easily burn. Therefore it is better place them in front of a window that faces west or east and that provides afternoon or morning sun.

3. Be careful with water

When it comes to watering, the orchid is a sensitive plant that doesn’t like to be too wet, but it doesn’t like to be too dry either. You must avoid waterlogging and only water when you notice that the root ball is dry.

If the roots look silvery in color, this indicates that there is not enough water. However, if they turn brown, you have overwatered. Green roots are a sign that the orchid is optimally receiving moisture.

As a general rule, water your orchid once a week in summer and every two weeks in winter.

Orchids like soft water. Warm rainwater is ideal. In their original home, they quickly absorb water during a short but heavy downpour.

These needs translated to our home mean that you should give the orchid a short, strong watering, for example, by immersing it in a basin of water or giving it a good shower. Drain all the water before putting it back in place.

4. Optimum orchid care thanks to high humidity

In the countries of origin of orchids, the air is humid and warm. Feel free to spray water on the leaves from time to time. or put bowls of water near them on the windowsill.

5. Fertilize orchids properly

The orchid needs additional nutrients, but only during the flowering period. It is better to use special fertilizers for orchids and salt-sensitive plants. Be sure to choose a low dosage, too much fertilizer does more harm than good to the plant.

6. Do not use universal potting soil

Never plant orchids with common potting soil, use a thick, air-permeable special substrate for orchids.

7. Trim the orchids

After flowering, you must cut the dry shoot above the third eye. If you’re lucky, the plant will sprout again.

9. Orchid care means transplanting

Every two years, the orchid waits for a new home. Remove the old substrate and cut dry or rotten roots generously. The new pot should be larger than the old one to give the plant room to grow. The best time to transplant is after flowering.