We grow orchids at 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.

One of the most beautiful indoor plants is the orchid. Its bloom is mesmerizing. This plant can become the main decoration of any interior. In order for an orchid to feel good at home, it needs to be properly cared for. Its intricacies will be discussed further.

general description

How to care for an orchid at home? This question is of interest to many flower growers. After all, this beautiful plant is one of the most desirable for growing at home. To understand all the subtleties of this process, you need to know better about the wonderful flower.

The orchid is a member of the orchid family. It includes almost 10% of all plants in the world. This is an ancient plant. Traces of it have been found in Cretaceous sediments. Orchids grow in the wild everywhere, where at least approximately suitable conditions have been created for them. However, tropical forests are a favorite place for this plant to grow.

Most orchid species are epiphytes. These flowers do not have a double fertilization process (which later types of green spaces managed to acquire). At the same time, the species diversity of orchids is enormous. Some of them are very tiny. There are plants that grow up to 2 m in height.

Growing orchids at home requires taking into account some of the features of their growth in the wild. Many of these flowers grow on tropical trees. This helps to receive the light necessary for life. Orchids are also often found on steep cliffs. They are firmly held by their roots for the unevenness of the relief. Water accumulates in such depressions.

Many legends are associated with this flower. Some people still believe that man-eating orchids live in the jungle. However, the largest prey that predatory species feed on are small insects. The orchid was associated in ancient cultures with love and beauty.

Varieties

Today, different types of orchids are grown at home. They can vary in size, color, and flower shape. There are very small plants. Some orchids grow quite large. All of them are united by an indescribably beautiful flowering.

Dendrobium orchid, which does not cause any difficulties in home care and reproduction, is a thermophilic plant. It also needs sufficient lighting. Dendrobium Phalaenopsis is one of the most popular species today. If the temperature cannot be maintained at + 23 ° C in the house, it is better to purchase a different type of this plant. This is Dendrobium Nobile. The plant prefers moderately cold temperatures.

One of the most unusual orchid species is Wanda. It features a completely open root system. Moreover, the plant does not need supports. Its watering consists in constant air humidification. The plant receives moisture in natural conditions from fog, precipitation. The houseplant loves high humidity and bright light.

Growing orchids at home will be easy if you choose the type that matches the existing indoor conditions. So, less demanding than other species (and therefore the most popular) is Phalaenopsis. This type of orchid is distinguished by abundant flowering. She loves warmth and light, but when the temperature drops, she can adapt to the surrounding conditions. Flowering continues for a long time.

Lighting

How to care for an orchid at home? You will need to provide the plant with everything it needs. First of all, you need to pay attention to the lighting. This plant needs a lot of ambient light. However, it must be borne in mind that direct sunlight is contraindicated for her. This rule should be followed when choosing a place for growing an orchid.

The main sign of a lack of sunlight is the lightening of the leaves. They become elongated. If there is enough light for the plant, the flowering of the orchid at home will be long-lasting and bewitchingly beautiful.

In summer, the plant that stands on the windowsill will need to be shaded. If this is not done, the orchid will burn. Also, too bright lighting does not allow the plant to properly adapt to the environment after a long winter period. A special opaque film is used for shading.

In the fall, shading is not required for the plant. At this time, the light intensity decreases. The plant will gradually rebuild, entering a dormant period. Buds will form on it, new shoots will develop.

It is also worth paying attention to the length of daylight hours. It should be at least 12 hours long. If it has become shorter, the orchid will require artificial lighting.

Temperature

Home care and watering of orchids should be carried out depending on the type of plant. It is also important to consider at what temperature a particular species grows. There are orchids that need a high, medium temperature. There are also cold-loving species.

Plants that prefer warmth should grow at a daytime temperature of 23 to 32 ° C. At night, the temperature can drop to 15 ° C. In winter, the temperature can be kept at 15-18 ° C. In this case, the temperature difference should not be more than 3-5 degrees. Its decrease should be gradual.

Plants that prefer medium temperatures should grow between 18-23 ° C in summer and 12-15 ° C in winter. They are most often found in mountainous areas. Such plants are more hardy. However, they do not like the rise in temperature.

Cold-loving orchids are also grown at home. In the wild, these species grow on hills and mountains. They prefer temperatures between 15-18 ° C. In winter, the temperature should not drop below 11 ° C.

Almost all types of orchids feel comfortable at a temperature of 13-27 ° C during the day and 13-24 ° C at night. The difference between day and night temperatures must be maintained in order for the plant to bloom for a long time.

Watering

How to water an orchid at home? It is one of the most important factors that affect growth and flowering. The plant does not tolerate prolonged stagnation of water. To perform this procedure correctly, you need to know the features of the growth of this species in the wild. From this factor, the watering rules can change significantly.

Species such as Cymbidium, Phalaenopsis, Pafiopedilum prefer to grow in a slightly moist substrate. However, the soil should not be wet.If Dendrobium, Oncidium, Cattleya are grown in the house, the soil must dry completely before it is moistened again.

When choosing the frequency and abundance of watering, the room temperature and the amount of light are also taken into account. It is also important to consider the size of the pot the orchid is in and the composition of the substrate. During the growing season, the plant needs more moisture. Since the orchid is an epiphyte, it can tolerate short-term drought. However, if this situation becomes regular, the leaves will begin to wilt.

Excess moisture is also dangerous for the plant. In this case, the roots will rot. A yellow outline forms around the edges. Knowing how to water an orchid at home can help you achieve a chic look.

For irrigation, soft (settled) water is used. It should be a couple of degrees higher than the room temperature. In the summer, orchids are watered on average 2-3 times a week. In this case, you need to monitor the condition of the soil. In winter, the procedure is carried out 1-2 times a week.

Plant propagation

Reproduction and transplanting of an orchid at home is a responsible occupation. The appearance of the plant depends on the correctness of these procedures. Orchids can be propagated in different ways. One possible option is to split the rhizome. To do this, the plant will need to be removed from the pot. The roots are carefully cleaned of soil. The rhizome must be cut between the false bulbs. Charcoal should be poured onto the wound of the plant. Two separate plants are planted in separate pots.

Cuttings on the tops are also suitable for propagation of an orchid. This method is suitable for those species in which the nodes are at a sufficient distance. At the height of half of such a cutting, you will need to cut off the shoot. The cut site must be disinfected with charcoal. The knife must also be sterile. Then the shoot is planted in a pot of soil.

Side shoots can be used for breeding. When it appears on the plant, it needs to be sprayed. This stimulates the emergence of roots. It is separated and the orchid is transplanted. At home, planting a plant in this way is easier.

Seeds are also used to breed orchids. This is a complex method that only specialists use.

Transfer

Particular attention when considering the rules of care is to transplant an orchid at home. Step by step, this procedure needs to be considered in detail. The plant does not respond well to such procedures. Therefore, the work must be done carefully. It is best to leave a root ball of earth. If this is not done, the hairs on the shoots in the ground are damaged. It is through them that the plant receives the nutrients and moisture necessary for life.

Therefore, the lump does not need to be removed. This is done only as a last resort, if the soil no longer contains mineral components, has lost its structure. In other cases, transshipment is done. A larger container is required. A new substrate is poured into it. Next, the orchid needs to be removed from the pot. It is placed in a new container at the same level as before.

Only after the end of the flowering period can an orchid transplant be carried out at home. Step by step, this procedure should be considered in detail before starting work. It is carried out if the pot has become small for a plant or live and dead roots are intertwined in the container. Also, the procedure may be required when the substrate is salinized.

If the substrate needs to be removed, the orchid is removed from the pot. It must be carefully freed from the substrate. Dry, decayed and damaged roots must be pruned. The roots are washed with water. Soil is poured into the prepared container. The plant is placed in a pot. The soil is poured into the container. The growth point should not be covered with earth. They moisturize it a little and put it in the shade for several days.

Transplant substrate

How to transplant an orchid at home? A step-by-step description was provided above.However, it is worth paying attention to the preparation of the substrate. It is purchased in a specialized store. You can also prepare the soil yourself. For this, chopped fern root, peat, tree leaves, pine bark and charcoal are used. Willow leaves cannot be used.

A properly prepared substrate allows you not to fertilize the plant for a long time. Drainage must be installed in the transplant tank. It should make up 25% of the entire pot. There should be holes in the bottom.

If the orchid will be grown in a wicker basket, then the cracks must be processed. They are poked with sphagnum moss. A slide is poured onto the bottom of the pot or basket. A plant is installed on it, carefully spreading the roots. More substrate is poured on top. There is no need to seal it. If necessary, the plant is additionally strengthened on a support made of threads or wire. Watering is not carried out within 4 days. The wounds should dry out and heal.

Flowering period

An orchid at home can bloom for a long time with proper care. During this period, it must be provided with everything necessary. During the period of growth and flowering, the plant requires a lot of light. In summer and spring, the orchid is stocked up with strength. In the fall, it blooms. At this time, watering should be increased. However, stagnation of water in the pot is unacceptable.

You can apply fertilizers that are purchased at a specialized store. The leaves of the plant must be sprayed with warm water from a spray bottle. The humidity around the blooming orchid should be high. In this case, in the room you need to periodically open windows. This will create the right microclimate.

However, drafts should be avoided. Also, sharp changes in temperature should not be allowed. Before the flowering period, watering is reduced to a minimum. If the orchid has managed to stock up on all the necessary substances, it can bloom continuously for up to six months. After that, a number of actions are also required.

Post-flowering care

An orchid at home after flowering requires some care. After drying, the peduncle does not need to be cut off immediately. It will nourish the flower for a while. Only when it turns yellow can the peduncle be removed. The stump should be about 2 cm.

Watering at this time is reduced. Top dressing is also not required. If the plant is then transplanted, it may not bloom for a whole year. To resume the process, it is recommended to move the plant to another location.

Having considered the features of growing an orchid at home, you can achieve its healthy appearance and charming flowering. The plant will delight its owners for a long time.

Hard to believe, but orchids are not much younger than ferns. They existed 130 million years ago. Perhaps no flower has overgrown with so many legends as the orchid. In one of them, it is said that the beautiful Aphrodite, running through the forest, lost her shoe, and in this place an equally beautiful flower, an orchid, grew.

Another tells of a broken rainbow, from the fragments of which orchids grew.

For a long time it was believed that breeding them is possible only in greenhouses. Now indoor plant lovers are proud to showcase the collection of orchids grown on the windowsills of city apartments.

Orchid - flower description

Pseudobulb

It is a seal on the stem that contains a supply of water. It is located almost at the root, it is from there that peduncles and leaves come. In shape, pseudobulbs are spherical, ovoid and cylindrical.

Leaves

Collected in a basal rosette, dense, green, oblong, at the same time wide enough.

Roots

They have a flattened shape, using which they stick to any plant.

Growing features

For a long time, the orchid was considered a difficult flower to grow at home. Now the situation has changed. The orchid is now a completely home flower. For successful cultivation, a little experience and practical knowledge are enough.

Planting an orchid at home

An orchid bought in a store does not always need to be transplanted, but only in a few cases:

• the flower does not keep in the pot, reasons: the leaves have grown on one side - you need not just transplant the orchid, but make the pot heavier or choose a heavy glass pots;
• if there was sphagnum moss in the shipping pot;
• if another pot is prepared for the orchid.
• there is little soil in the container, and the flower sways - fill up the substrate or transplant the orchid;
• root problems are visible through the transparent walls - the orchid must be urgently removed, bad roots removed, the cuts should be sprinkled with charcoal and replanted; if there are few healthy roots left, then the peduncle will have to be cut off, otherwise the plant will die, the roots will not be able to fully provide it with nutrition;

Planting methods

The orchid is planted in a transparent pot, because its roots participate in photosynthesis on a par with leaves. There should be many holes at the bottom for water intake and excess drainage. The orchid pot can be plastic or glass. For step-by-step instructions on how to plant, see the Orchid Transplant section below.

Optimal planting time

The best time to plant is spring.

Soil for planting

Orchids are not suitable for ordinary soil: their roots are used to receiving a lot of air, at home most of them grow on trees. It is better to buy a ready-made orchid substrate. Then the plant is guaranteed normal air permeability. If this is not possible, you can mix pine bark chopped into small pieces (pieces about 1-2 cm in size) with garden soil.

The bark must be boiled within an hour. Crushed charcoal is added to the mixture.

Features of orchid care

There are three main components in the process of caring for a plant: light, watering, temperature.

Location and lighting for the plant

Properly organized lighting is the key to successful orchid breeding. They need a lot of light, but it should be diffused, soft. In summer, sunlight is filtered using curtains or special filters that are glued to the window.

In the fall, you can let the sun's rays into the room: they will no longer be able to burn the delicate leaves of the flower. In winter, it is not only necessary to remove everything that interferes with natural light, but also to supplement it with artificial light. Daylight hours for orchids lasts up to 12 hours.

It is desirable that orchids stand on the southern windowsill, especially from autumn to spring, but they do well in the southeast and southwest, although there will be a problem of additional lighting. With good artificial light, some types of orchids feel comfortable on northern windowsills. Orchids can be taken outside, but do not forget to shade in time and do not expose to a draft.

Air humidity

Plants need high humidity. It is useful to spray regularly, increase the humidity in different ways, but only in a warm room. With cold content and high humidity, the orchid can rot the roots. Under any conditions, care for orchid leaves must be ensured by carefully wiping them with a damp cloth and spraying.

When growing miniature orchids, the problem with moisture is solved simply. It is convenient to grow them in an aquarium. At the same time, watering is minimized: they have enough moisture in the environment for a long time and its supply in pseudobulbs.

Temperature regime for orchids

To choose a temperature for orchids, you need to know that different types of plants prefer different temperatures. You can distinguish:

Heat-loving

They need high temperatures, reaching 30-32 degrees in summer and not falling below 20. In winter, they grow at 15-18 degrees, but the difference between day and night temperatures should not be more than 3-4 degrees. These orchids are native to tropical forests: they are mainly phalaenopsis, dendrobiums, and some varieties of Cattleya.

Growing at medium temperature

In summer they will be satisfied with a temperature of 18-25 degrees, in winter 12-15.These orchids were once brought to Europe from the tropics, but from the mountains and foothills, hence the low growth temperatures. These are miltonia and odontoglossums.

Cool temperature lovers

In the summer, such orchids will grow successfully at a temperature of 18-22 degrees, and in winter, 10-13 is enough. They are from highlands and subtropical regions. Australian dendrobiums, almost all papiopedilums.

But most orchid owners bought them in a store or received them as a gift, again the donor bought them, as a rule, at the nearest flower kiosk. They themselves and their ancestors were raised in Europe, most likely in Holland, and will feel great at temperatures of 20-27 degrees in summer and 15-18 in winter.

Orchids get sick stuffy in rooms: the room should be regularly ventilated. But you can't make drafts.

How to water properly

To organize the correct watering, one must have a good idea of ​​the conditions under which the orchids grew in nature. And bring watering as close to natural as possible:

• all orchid plants are epiphytes, therefore, they can easily endure a short break in watering, but this should not be allowed often: the leaves of the orchid will begin to wrinkle;
• some orchids (phalaenopsis, cymbidium, pafiopedilum) like the substrate to be constantly slightly moist; others (oncidium, dendrobium, cattleya) require the soil to dry out first;
• the water should be soft and warm; ideal rain or melted heated; tap can be boiled;
• it is better not to water the plant from above, but put it directly in a pot in a bowl of water and leave for a few minutes, then take it out, let the water drain.

Fertilizing and fertilizing a flower

Ideally, you don't need to fertilize your orchid. She has enough supply of nutrients available in the substrate. But then the flower should be transplanted regularly every two years.

If there was no transplant, then it is better to add top dressing. You cannot take any fertilizer for flowers. They only need special ones for orchids. It is necessary to strictly observe the proportions named in the instructions. Fertilizers are applied during the flowering period once a week.

Pruning orchids

Orchids are pruned after flowering.

Pruning methods

After the orchid blooms along the main axis, you can cut the peduncle, leaving up to 5 buds from the leaf outlet. Then peduncles from the buds below the cut can develop, and flowering will continue. When the plant has completely faded, all peduncles are cut off.

Orchid transplant

The flower is transplanted every two years to replenish the nutrients in the substrate. If the pot has become small, then it is transplanted more often. The plant is transplanted in the spring, but this cannot be done if the orchid has released a peduncle. It may not bloom.

Transplant methods

Transplantation raises many questions for novice florists. Here you need to follow a certain algorithm:

• carefully separate the walls of the pot and the root ball with a sharp narrow knife (the roots can grow into the pot);
• clean up old soil and cut off dead and rotten roots;
• pour a little soil into a new planter;
• install the plant in a pots, trying to keep it in the middle;
• gently spread the roots, they are brittle;
• first, little by little fill the voids between the roots, then the entire pot to the very edge, shaking it from time to time so that the substrate fills everything evenly;
• lightly crush the soil from above with something flat, for example, a spoon;
• After transplanting, the orchid is placed in a warm place and watered little by little.

Orchid propagation

It is not difficult to reproduce it at home if you have certain knowledge.

Reproduction methods

There are two main ways: by seed and vegetative propagation. When propagating by seeds, you may not get a plant that is the same as the parent.

Division

This method works if the plant is large. Then the rhizome itself disintegrates during transplantation. It can also be divided:

• the orchid is taken out of the container and the roots are thoroughly cleaned from the soil;
• with a knife, which has been previously disinfected over an open fire, divide the rhizome between pseudobulbs;
• the sections are powdered with charcoal;
• flowers are planted in pots according to the method already described.

It is better to do this in the spring.

Propagation by cuttings

Not all species can be divided this way, but some, for example, Vanda, succeed.

The apical shoot is separated with a sterile knife, the cut point is dipped in crushed coal and planted in a pot.

Reproduction by children (stem offspring)

Many flowers, for example, phalaenopsis and dendrobium, give side shoots, babies. If such a baby has formed, then it should be protected, sprayed often and patiently wait for it to give roots. Then it is separated and planted in a container, sprinkling the cut with coal.

The appearance of such a baby can be provoked. This requires: high room temperature and nitrogen fertilization.

Reproduction by layering (pseudobulbs)

The pseudobulb is carefully separated and, after coal treatment, is planted in the ground. Further care is watering.

Seed propagation

Orchid seeds are very small, this is the main difficulty of such reproduction. It is used only by those who are engaged in selection. The seeds are placed in an artificial nutrient medium under sterile conditions so that molds do not develop, and germinate within 3-9 months. Then they are planted in a substrate and wait another 2-3 years until the plant can be transplanted. Orchids grown from seeds bloom only after 3-4 years.

Orchid bloom

The store is buying a blooming orchid. Therefore, each owner faces two acute questions: is it possible to make it bloom for a long time and how to force it to bloom again if it faded quickly.

When the orchid blooms

They bloom when they reach the age of 1.5-2.5 years.

In order for the orchid to please with flowering, it is necessary to create certain conditions for it:

• provide a long daylight hours, the orchid must lay the required number of buds and form peduncles, this is a long process;
• be sure to need drops in day and night temperatures, during this period they can reach 5-7 degrees.

But if the orchid does not want to bloom, you can try to force it by arranging extreme conditions of detention:

• keep it for 15-20 days at a temperature of 15-17 degrees;
• significantly reduce watering during this period.

In different types of orchids, flowers differ markedly both in shape and in shades of color. But there is also something in common: the lower petal resembles a lip in shape, there are two sepals on its sides, two side petals rise above them, and the upper sepal completes all this.

Orchid care during flowering

An orchid, depending on the species and how many buds were laid in preparation for flowering, can bloom from 2 to 10 months. During this period, watering is doubled, the air temperature should be at least 20-25 degrees.

Orchid care after flowering

First of all, the peduncle is cut to give the opportunity to form a new one. The orchid can be fed, followed by the usual care.

Pest disease problems

Diseases:

• anthracnose - manifests itself as brown spots with dots on the leaves; it is treated with preparations containing copper;
• fusarium - rotting spots appear on the leaves, this happens due to excess moisture — they are transferred to a dry room and watering is stopped;
• rust - rust spots on the bottom of the sheet — cannot be treated; the plant is destroyed so that others do not get infected;
• black rot - sprouts and leaves die off, the reason is in a too cold room - it is better to destroy the plant so as not to infect the rest.

Pests:

• aphid - destroyed by a mixture of milk and water in equal proportions;
• soft mite - the affected areas in the form of rosettes are cut out and sprinkled along the edge with ash;
• spider mite - the whole plant, window and windowsill are thoroughly washed with soap;
• scabbards - live in growths and bumps, get rid of them with the help of soap suds;
• thrips - translucent bugs living at the bottom of the leaf, the affected areas are cut out.

If such methods do not help, then they turn to chemicals and process the plant according to the instructions.

Popular species (varieties)

• Phalaenopsis orchid—The most widespread species in indoor floriculture, there are many hybrids on sale that successfully grow in the house;
• Dendrobium nobile orchid - there are many varieties, they all bloom in spring, the most popular is white orchid, such plants, which have a pure white color, come from Thailand;
• Cambria orchid- an artificially bred plant, it blooms for a long time, grows well on the windowsill;
• Ludisia orchid—A plant with very beautiful leaves, grows indoors only with very high humidity;
• Miltonia orchid- Difficult cultivar to breed, but with very beautiful fragrant flowers, similar in shape to pansies;
• Cymbidium orchid—Very large plants, now miniature varieties have been developed that are so easy to care for that they are offered to novice growers;
• Cattleya Orchid- a species with spectacular waxy flowers, hybrids of which grow successfully in rooms;
• Orchid wanda - successfully grows indoors up to a meter;
• Oncidium - flowers resemble butterflies, grows in the house, but with strict adherence to the rules of care.

Useful tips (note to the florist)

• If the bathroom has a large enough window, then this is the optimal place for the orchid.
• It is better to buy orchids in spring or summer.
• If the flower has given aerial roots, then they must be sprayed.
• After the orchid has faded, it must be rearranged to a new place.

Answers to readers' questions

What is the lifespan of a plant?

Each species has its own lifespan. At home, orchids live from 3 to 10 years.

Can this plant be kept at home?

This flower will be a decoration for any home.

Is this flower poisonous?

This houseplant is not poisonous.

Why isn't the orchid blooming?

No preparatory measures were taken.

Why do the leaves turn yellow (dry)?

The reason is most often in excess or lack of moisture.

How does the plant overwinter?

Winters in a cool room with an average temperature of 15 to 18 degrees and limited watering.

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 wide, 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 you do not want to wait, then it is better to take a formed orchid.

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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 pot dweller. 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 the 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 carry out 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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