How to properly grow orchids at home?

Watching television programs about tropical flora, we are always amazed at the riot of colors and forms of plants growing in those latitudes. Did you know that there are many plants from tropical latitudes that can be quite successfully kept at home, and they will delight you no less than those on the TV screen? In order to prove this, take, for example, an orchid, a flower - which is striking in its originality and at the same time, ease of cultivation.

How to grow an orchid at home

Although they are considered capricious plants, many flower lovers, both professionals and amateurs, they grow on windowsills without any difficulty. To successfully grow orchids at home, you need to prepare well from the beginning, and then everything will go “knurled” and will be simple and easy. It is necessary to prepare several things: soil, containers for a flower, fertilizer. All this is in abundance in most flower shops. You also need to study information about watering, lighting, transplanting. It is not necessary to delve into the details, but it is necessary to study the general information.

What should be the lighting

What always attracts us in any color is, of course, the bloom itself. So how to grow an orchid at home, and even so that it blooms? This requires a lot of light. Moreover, lighting has a major role here. The most important thing is to find a middle ground, because if there is too much light, the flower will just burn, and with a lack of light, the plant will not bloom at all. The question immediately arises, how to determine this golden mean. Here the flower itself will tell you. With a lack of light, the leaves will be dark green (should be light), and if you overdo it with lighting, the leaves will begin to turn yellow.

Features of watering a plant

Along with lighting, watering is also important. In nature, orchids never grow in water, their roots cannot tolerate an excess of moisture and standing water, so extreme care must be taken with watering. Factors affect the frequency of watering:

• the duration of daylight hours;
• the size of the container in which the plant is located;
• watering and feeding;
• other external factors such as dry air and ambient temperature.

The plant will immediately react to a lack of moisture with dark green leaves, and to waterlogging yellow leaves and rotten roots.

Increased watering is required only during rapid growth or flowering. Watering should be done as follows. It is necessary to water the plant under the shower with warm water so that the soil is completely wet and the water completely drains out through the drainage holes. Only after the water has completely drained can the plant be put back into the pots.

Selection of soil and capacity

The choice of a pot is very important for the favorable growth of the flower. Mainly used:

• transparent plastic containers;
• clay pots;
• baskets.

Some types of orchids from the epiphytic family are planted on a block. The block can be a piece of bark, and in order to prevent the roots from drying out, moss is used to retain moisture. Mostly miniature species or seedlings are planted on the block.

Now let's look at the soil. The selection of the substrate depends on what kind of variety you want to grow. If it is an orchid from the epiphyte family, then the soil will mainly play the role of supporting the plant in an upright position, protect the roots from excess moisture and provide them with the required amount of air. The substrate should consist of pieces of tree bark, coal, cork, moss, clay in granules and absolutely no garden soil, in general, from those components that do not retain moisture. It is also possible addition of coarse sand.

Any container capable of holding the substrate of the required composition is suitable as a flower pot. To grow terrestrial species, we need a substrate of the same composition as for epiphytes, but with the addition of a small amount of garden soil and dried leaves. All components must be finely ground. It is best to use plastic transparent containers with drainage as a pot. To hide the untidiness of the containers, you can always place the flower in a decorative planter. It is both beautiful and practical.

For beginners, it is advisable to buy ready-made soil in stores, rather than prepare it yourself. Sometimes they even write on the packages for what kind of this or that substrate. After gaining some experience, you can try to prepare soil for terrestrial orchids yourself from a soil mixture for epiphytes, moss and garden soil.

Optimum temperature for the plant

Most plants require daytime temperatures from +18 to +27 degrees, and at night from +13 to +24 degrees. One of the most important conditions for flowering is the difference between night and day temperatures. With central heating, transferring a plant accustomed to heat to a cooler area overnight can produce good results. The plant can sprout. Orchids prefer air humidity of 60–80%.

If these figures are lower, then they can be achieved by placing a pallet with a grate under the pot. Such pallets can be purchased either in garden stores, or you can make it yourself by pouring water onto the bottom and placing a large layer of gravel on top. The main thing is to make sure that the roots do not touch the water.

In dry weather, spraying with a spray bottle will be helpful. Only it is worth calculating the time so that the plant has time to dry out by night. Plants are very air movement is also important... Especially for cold-loving species. An electric fan can be used for this. But it is worth protecting the plant from strong drafts. While blowing the plant, it is worth increasing the frequency of watering the flower.

Fertilizer selection

For abundant flowering, regular, balanced feeding is necessary. It is best to do it once every two weeks. It is best to use specialized fertilizers for orchids, which can always be purchased at flower shops. The rules for preparing top dressing are usually written on the package.

In no case should you use fertilizers that are intended for other plants. This can lead to illness or even death of the flower. It is also worth remembering that during the rest period one should reduce the frequency of feeding... Sooner or later, the plant will need to be transplanted into a new pot. This is best done after the plant has bloomed and rested a little. The signal for this is the green part of the plant that has grown outside the pot. It is important to remember that you do not need to transplant if the root system just protruded above the surface of the container.

Plant transplant recommendations:

1. Sometimes, in order to carefully remove the plant from the pot without damaging the root system, you have to cut the pot.
2. After that, you must carefully shake the plant from the old soil, cut off the old dried or decayed roots.
3. Then you need to take a container a couple of sizes larger than the old one, pour some new soil on the bottom, put the orchid in a new pot and fill the space between the roots with a suitable substrate.
4. After that, lightly press down on the soil, but do not over-compact. It is also necessary to ensure that the top of the flower (growth point) is above the surface of the soil.

Not everyone decides to reproduce orchids at home, since this is associated with a number of difficulties. There are two ways to propagate a flower - this is division during transplantation and seeds... Reproduction by seeds is considered impossible, since in a plant they are the size of pollen and require absolutely sterile conditions for germination, since even the smallest microbes can destroy them. Therefore, if you do not have a mini-laboratory at home, then you should not try. Reproduction by division is also difficult, but still quite real. And if a new plant develops a system of roots and leaves, then in a year it will delight you with flowers and become a wonderful decoration for your home.

Phalaenopsis will become a real decoration for your home. Growing orchids at home is carried out according to specific rules, which will be described in detail in this article.

What type to choose for the house

You can grow a variety of orchids at home. However, it is important to choose the right variety so that you do not have problems with flower care in the future. After all, each type of plant has its own set of requirements for growing conditions. If everything is organized correctly, then caring for orchids in a flowerpot will be simple.

For growing orchids at home, the following varieties are suitable:

• Phalaenopsis. It is Phalaenopsis that is grown more often at home than other types of plants. This flower is distinguished by long flowering, and its flowers can have a wide variety of colors. Growing any phalaenopsis at home will be within the power of even a beginner;
• Dendrobium. Orchids of this species grow in the cool. The flowering period is more than one month;
• Cattleya. Growing conditions for this variety require a warm, but not hot, microclimate. The formation of rather large flowers is characteristic;
• Wanda. It is a heat-loving plant that has a powerful root system. As they develop, the flowers become brighter;
• Zygopetalum. This variety is characterized by the formation of fragrant inflorescences.

There should be no problems with the orchids listed above at home. However, in order to get them to bloom for a long time, you need to know the types of orchids and the secrets of growing each individual variety.

Soil and capacity

To understand how to grow your favorite orchid in a house or apartment, you need to know the specifics of choosing a container and soil for planting a flower.

Growing plants is carried out in a pot, which must meet the following requirements:

• able to support the flower in an upright position;
• provides oxygen and moisture to the roots;
• promotes effective drying of the substrate.

Plastic pots, wire pots and nets have the right characteristics. The Phalaenopsis orchid and its other varieties are most often planted in pots with transparent walls so that the roots can participate in the process of photosynthesis.

In order to grow orchids at home, you need to choose the right substrate. These indoor flowers are planted on a special substrate, in which there is no earth at all. It may include the following components:

• pine bark;
• peat;
• fern;
• charcoal;
• leafy land;
• pine bark;
• sphagnum.

The ratio of the components of the substrate is determined depending on which plant variety is planned to be grown in houses or apartments. The substrate can be prepared by hand. But many growers go to specialized stores to buy soil. There, the seller will tell you how to grow 100 or more specimens from one orchid by buying only one flower. To do this, you just need to know how a particular orchid is grown.

Comfortable conditions

Caring for Phalaenopsis at home involves observing certain parameters of temperature, humidity and illumination. Let's consider in more detail what kind of care and what parameters should be observed when growing these flowers. The secrets of growing orchids will be available to you too.

Lighting and temperature

Phalaenopsis loves partial shade. When placing a flowerpot on a windowsill, avoid direct sunlight. Artificial lighting for orchids is allowed. To do this, you can use special phytolamps, which are designed for additional illumination of indoor plants. This indoor orchid lamp is sold in specialized stores.

Additional illumination should give white light. It is this kind of light that is needed in order for the indoor species to grow and bloom. The backlight is often used in winter, when the daylight hours are the shortest. In the cold season, flowers should be illuminated for at least 12 hours. For this, a phytolamp for indoor orchids is placed above the pot.

In addition to the light regime, a certain temperature is needed for orchids. These indoor plants are better tolerated at elevated temperatures. The optimum temperature for keeping colors is in the range of + 28-30 degrees.

For any gardener who has grown Phalaenopsis at home, it will be useful to know that to stimulate flowering, the plant must be at a temperature of + 12-15 degrees for several weeks.

Watering

An important point in how to grow orchids in an apartment is compliance with the water regime. Watering the flower is carried out only when the substrate dries up. Regarding how to correctly determine the degree of dryness of the substrate, there are several ways (poke into the ground with your finger or stick, etc.). You need to water the plant only with settled warm water.

Humidity

These plants should grow in a humidity range of 60–80%. In order to achieve this level, the plant is periodically sprayed with water and also ventilated. Ventilation is important for cold-hardy species.

How to care for a particular species, you can find out from the seller, who will tell you all the wisdom of its breeding. Experienced growers can also give advice on breeding.

Pests and diseases

For many flower lovers who grew in the conditions of the Phalaenopsis apartment, the flowers were often invaded by parasites or pathogens. Such a situation is possible if planting and care were improperly organized for them (plants).

Plants most often suffer from the following parasites:

• shield. When it appears on the plant, mucus and dark spots are formed;
• worm. When infected, the leaves turn yellow, which then fall off;
• whitefly. The insect feeds on plant sap. As a result, the flower may die.

These indoor flowers most often affect the following ailments:

• anthracnose. The appearance of brown spots is characteristic;
• powdery mildew. A white bloom forms on the flower.

How to grow Phalaenopsis without diseases and pests? You just need to properly organize the care for the plant. This is easy to do, because you only need to create the correct water and temperature conditions, as well as lighting.

Transplant secrets

An orchid in its cultivation includes a mandatory transplant, which is carried out every two years.More frequent transplants are carried out only when necessary (for example, a large number of parasites in a pot).

The transplant should be done in the spring or summer. This procedure consists of the following steps:

• the plant is well watered in a day;
• then the flower is taken out of the pot and placed in water to soak off the roots of the substrate;
• further all rotten roots are removed;
• the plant is placed in a selected pot and covered with new soil;
• watering is carried out after 1-2 days.

The secret of a successful flower transplant lies in the fulfillment of these points.

Now you know the secrets of growing and caring for indoor orchids.

Video "Growing an orchid at home"

This video will show you how to grow a blooming orchid at home.

The exotic beauty and sophistication of orchids amazes people even far from floriculture. Is it difficult to tame a tropical beauty, and how to care for an orchid so that it delights with both luscious greenery and luxurious inflorescences?

Many indoor florists who have not previously grown these unusual plants may get the wrong idea about caring for an orchid as overly painstaking and time-consuming. But getting to know the flowers better, it turns out that keeping an orchid of one of the common types in the room is not so difficult.

How to care for an orchid at home, what conditions are required for an exotic culture that has fallen into a room pot?

Orchid keeping conditions

Properly organized care implies the creation of conditions close to natural. An orchid will preserve health and decorativeness for a long time if:

• all the flower's needs for food, lighting and watering are taken into account and provided;
• the plant is satisfied with the temperature and humidity conditions, the composition of the soil and the applied top dressing.

When choosing a flower for home growing, you need to remember that orchids have many varieties that differ in appearance, conditions of natural growth, and needs.

Without disregarding this fact, it is possible to significantly simplify the care of orchids for beginners and for those who already know a lot about the maintenance of this culture of flower growers.

Most of the plants found in interiors are epiphytes that came from the tropics. They are easy to recognize by their juicy airy rhizomes, which not only provide the flower with moisture and nutrition, but also take part in the process of photosynthesis. There are orchids that are used to living on rocks, where the soil layer, like on trees, is extremely small.

For such plants, air humidity and looseness of the substrate are important. But soil species, in addition to the usual care of the orchid, also need nutrient soil.

Lighting features

See also: how to properly care for the Phalaenopsis orchid

In the tropics, where the vast majority of indoor species come from, orchids grow in conditions of long daylight hours and moderately bright, diffused lighting. The same conditions are recreated in a situation when the orchid is looked after at home.

The optimal duration of daylight hours for actively growing and flowering orchids is 13-15 hours, practically not decreasing in winter. Therefore, additional lighting will not be superfluous when caring for an orchid.

You should not put pots on the southern windows without pre-thought out shading. Bright sunlight can leave brown or yellow marks on the foliage, and the buds will completely fall off under direct hot rays. The best location is the east or west side. On the northern windows, illumination will be required even in the summer.

If the place for the plant is chosen incorrectly, even with proper home care, orchids, as in the photo, turn yellow, their leaves lose their elasticity, dry, flowering becomes rare or does not occur at all.

Moisture in the air: the key to successful home orchid care

High humidity is extremely important for the successful cultivation of a tropical plant.And if in the summer it is quite possible to reach the desired 60-70%, then in the winter the grower will have to try.

How to properly care for an orchid with heating devices running, mercilessly drying the air in the room? To maintain such air humidity, electric humidifiers and household products are used.

The container in which the flowers are grown can be placed on the moist moss placed in a shallow pan. If there is no sphagnum at hand that retains moisture for a long time, expanded clay is used in the same way. Plants feel best in a florarium or room greenhouse, separated from the rest of the room by plastic or glass.

When a florist in care uses foliar spraying, this should be done regularly and carefully, trying not to get on the flowers. It is highly undesirable to allow the orchid to cool while still wet, as this will lead to the development of fungus on succulent leaves and aerial roots.

It is necessary to irrigate the flower in the morning with water at room temperature, until the foliage has dried out, the pot is protected in every possible way from cold air and drafts.

Watering when caring for an orchid in a pot

Studying information on how to care for an orchid at home, a novice florist should not ignore such a question as watering these natives of the tropics.

The appearance of a plant alone can tell a lot about its preferences and needs. Powerful aerial and underground rhizomes are designed to extract and store moisture. In addition, the flower can save some amount of nutrients and water in the leaves, which are noticeably thickened in some species.

All orchids are moisture-loving and require abundant watering, in which the soil clod or loose coarse-grained substrate poured into a pot is completely wet.

But how to care for an orchid at different times of the year? Does the frequency of watering change, and how do you know about the "thirst" of a flower in a mixture of bark, expanded clay, pieces of foam plastic and other materials that have little resemblance to traditional soil?

The watering schedule, like other orchid care procedures, must be adjusted when the season changes. During the warmer months, the potted orchid receives water more often than in the winter. But it is better to underfill the plant than to fill it.

Thick leaves and roots will help the orchid survive a short-term drought, but excess moisture, and especially its stagnation, is a sure step towards root decay.

Tropical guests at home are planted in transparent plastic pots or containers with special slots. This makes it possible to monitor the state of the root system, the rhizomes themselves participate in photosynthesis and more easily consume nutrients and moisture. But how to care for an orchid in a pot of such an unusual design?

There are no peculiarities of caring for an orchid here, except that you have to water the flower in a solid container from above, and it is convenient to immerse the pots with slots in prepared water for 4-6 minutes. During this time, the substrate will be saturated with moisture, and the excess will drain freely.

In summer, the substrate is moistened 2-3 times a week, when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch. In the cold season, the frequency of watering is sharply reduced.

The need for water is recognized by the rhizomes that have lost their elasticity, slightly wrinkled and drooping leaves. A healthy plant recovers quickly after moistening the soil.

But the sluggish foliage of regularly watered orchids should alert the grower. Perhaps the roots were once flooded and are now in need of reorganization.

Feeding indoor orchids

Like other indoor crops forced to grow in a limited amount of substrate, orchids need regular feeding. But you shouldn't fertilize these plants too often. It is optimal if specialized liquid formulations are applied no more than twice a month and only during the period of active growth and flowering.

The increased salt content in the soil negatively affects the condition of the plant. How to care for an orchid if traces of salinity appear on the surface of the filler in the pot? It is better not to fight this phenomenon, but to prevent its occurrence. Therefore, feeding is alternated with rinsing the root system, for which the pot is immersed in warm soft water for several minutes.

If the fertilizing included in the care of the orchid is excessive, the flower tolerates temperature changes worse, and is also more often affected by pests and fungi.

Orchid care after flowering

The wilting of flowers on an orchid is a sure sign that the plant is preparing for a dormant period. It will not lose foliage, but there will be much less development and nutrition until the future appearance of buds. How to care for an orchid at this time?

First of all, it is worth paying attention to the peduncle left without bright corollas. As long as it retains its green color and juiciness, it is left.

In some cases, on the same peduncle, the buds are re-formed, and daughter plants, tiny rosettes are also formed, which, when their own roots are formed, are cut and planted in a separate pot, in a loose substrate for orchids. But signs of wilting of the peduncle suggest that it is time to cut it out.

If the indoor orchid has bloomed for a long time and abundantly, it is not correct to allow the re-emergence of buds, as is the case with certain plant varieties. This will only further weaken the flower.

In order for the culture to quickly and well restore its strength, after flowering, the care of the orchid includes feeding or transplanting a flower. However, the latter procedure can be stressful for the plant, since the roots not only tightly wrap around the substrate, but also penetrate the holes and go outside the pot.

A video about caring for an orchid at home will explain all the intricacies of handling a spectacular tropical flower. Subject to the rules that are simple, even for a beginner, the indoor collection will be replenished with an amazingly beautiful plant, which, feeling cared for, will respond with a long bright flowering.

Proper care of an orchid - video

Gardening in Russia is a hobby that stops with the onset of cold weather. And only the cultivation of indoor flowers can be done year-round. One of the most spectacular and popular is the orchid. Few plants can compare with her beauty, graceful forms and variety of colors. But growing a tropical beauty is a rather complicated process, which should be taken up only after a thorough study of the theory.

Choosing a flower

The easiest way to get a plant is to buy it from a specialty store. Today, the assortment in them is the widest, so it is not surprising to get confused. When choosing, one should focus not only on the beauty of the flower, but also on a number of other signs.

The health of the orchid will also depend on the condition of the roots. They should be developed, gray or green. The growing flower has a bright green root tip. The leaves are dense, without signs of lethargy. If they have a sticky coating, white or yellow spots, then you should refrain from buying.

To check how healthy the roots are, you can simply shake the plant pot.

Orchids do not use ordinary garden soil. The soil should consist of a mixture of moss, bark, perlite, sand, cork.

An adult plant that can multiply and bloom will cost more. The young seedling has few leaves and does not yet have a peduncle. He will release the flower only after a few years. If there is no desire to wait, then it is better to take a formed orchid.

Also

The necessary conditions

In order to properly grow an orchid, a number of prerequisites must be observed: properly prepare the soil, maintain the light regime, humidity, and transplant the flower on time.

Since the orchid has a very long stem, the pot should provide her with reliable support... The soil consists of a mixture of moisture-retaining components, tree bark, a mineral-rich substrate (vermiculite), and literally a handful of earth is added. The soil retains moisture for a long time, supplies the plant with minerals.

The pot should be elongated, not too wide, with a lot of holes. It can be replaced by an ordinary plastic container, which is placed in a decorative planter. But it is desirable to have a transparent pot itself - this will allow you to control the degree of soil moisture, monitor the development of roots.

A container with a growing seedling should not be placed on the south window! The leaves will get sunburn. Better to move it to the center of the room, place it on a table or stand. But you can place an orchid on the north or east window.

Temperature and watering

Under natural conditions, the orchid has managed to spread throughout the globe and feels great in different climatic zones, up to the Arctic Circle. But most of the varieties still come from warm countries: Australia, South America, Malaysia, Brazil. To grow this delicate flower better, you should find out which climatic zone it comes from.

The optimum temperature is considered to be 18-27 ° С during the daytime, at night - up to 24 ° С. Ideally, in the dark, you should transfer the plant to a cooler room. This will allow him to develop faster. By the way, it perfectly tolerates small temperature changes. Only in the event of a cold snap, it is necessary to reduce watering (and vice versa).

There is original way of watering... A larger container is taken, water with fertilizer is poured into it. Then a pot of orchid is immersed there. Within 15 min. the soil must be saturated with moisture, after which the plant is taken out.

• Like many other flowers, the orchid does not tolerate direct sunlight, it needs diffused lighting.
• There is no need to fill the pot, this can lead to irreversible consequences - wilting. The amount of water should be slightly increased during the onset of the growth phase. But after flowering and in winter, watering is reduced.

It is necessary to fertilize orchids constantly - it is better to do this with the help of specially created fertilizers. They should be diluted and applied according to the instructions. Tough, durable leaves, gray-green roots indicate that watering is not required yet. But if the container is small, moisture will evaporate from it faster. Therefore, the frequency of watering is determined by the situation.

Reproduction and transplantation

If growth is proceeding correctly, it is time for a transplant. Often it is not recommended to carry out it, as it is a stressful situation for the gentle inhabitant of the pot. After a change of residence, growth may stop for a short time. But once every 3 years it is necessary to do this, the best time is spring. You will need a pruner, a new soil mixture. The instrument must be disinfected so as not to infect.

• The pot should be slightly crumpled in your hands - this way the rhizomes are easier to separate from the walls. They must be cleaned of old soil.
• After careful examination, remove insects, damaged areas of the root system, lower leaves.
• The flower must be dried for several hours.
• Before planting an orchid in a new pot, it must be treated with an antiseptic. The growth point is left on the surface.
• It is not necessary to tamp it too tightly - the soil should be airy.

Anyone who has managed to achieve flowering from a young flower will want to have a few more. In order to grow an orchid at home, there are several options.

Some species reproduce in only one way - side shoots, or bulbs... But the simplest method is division... Therefore, beginners should choose a variety for which it is suitable. Distributed and grafting.

It is better to cut off the shoots that were closer to the base - the plants that will appear from them will be the most powerful.On each separated piece, 2-3 buds are left, no more needed. Sections must be processed with crushed coal... Then the planting material is placed in tree bark or sphagnum moss (they must first be moistened). They are looked after as for an ordinary orchid. The first roots will appear in a month.

By dividing the bush, only those specimens that have reached the age of several years and are sufficiently strong are propagated at home. Necessarily air roots are required, at least three, and it is better if there are also new ovaries. The sections are treated with crushed coal, then planted in new pots, the soil is changed. After a while, the flower will grow.

Rarely, some species produce additional shoots. Small outgrowths appear slightly away from the main root. The shoot is carefully removed after abundant watering, planted in a separate container. Grown as usual.

Growing orchids from seeds at home is an impossible task! Many novice florists take it up, but to no avail. It is much safer to plant cuttings or divide an already matured plant. These are proven methods that many hobbyists use successfully.

By starting with just one flower, you can gradually expand your collection. If home conditions are favorable, the orchid will bloom for a long time and reproduction will be successful.

Orchid diseases

They are divided into several types. Treatment is usually long and not always effective, so it is better to strictly follow all the requirements so that the plant grows healthy.

• Fungal diseases... Small brown spots indicate anthracnose. They gradually increase, becoming covered with mucus. The reason is excessive moisture. The affected areas will have to be removed, the sections processed.
• Powdery mildew recognizable by whitish bloom. The affected area dries up and dies. The reason also lies in the excessive moisture content of the soil. Sulfur solution is used as a medicine.
• Bacterial infections... Poorly treatable. They appear as spots on the leaves, which become ulcers. Infected parts are cut off, capturing healthy tissue.
• Viruses... The first sign is the appearance of spots that resemble a mosaic, forming circles and stripes. The diseased flower will have to be destroyed, because the treatment will not give results. Fortunately, viruses are rare.

Orchids captivate many lovers with their delicate beauty. Many believe that only experienced gardeners can grow them at home, but this is not the case. If you take the necessary measures on time, following the rules, it will be possible not only to grow an orchid and achieve its flowering, but also to propagate the plant.

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