How to properly grow and care for orchids?

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, you can 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 down while it is 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 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 beyond 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

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, 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

In the process of caring for a plant, there are three main components: 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 it is necessary to provide care for orchid leaves by carefully wiping them with a damp cloth and spraying them.

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 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, you need to 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 thawed warmed up; 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 from 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

They buy a blooming orchid in the store. 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.

In this article, we will tell you about how to properly care for an orchid at homehow to choose the best specimen in a flower shop and transplant it into a suitable pot, how to propagate an orchid, as well as what mistakes beginner growers make and what problems they face.
 
You will find in this material photos of different species of this wonderful flower, as well as detailed tips for caring for the popular varieties of phalaenopsis and dendrobium nobile.

♦ HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ORCHID FOR GROWING IN HOME CONDITIONS►  roots. First of all, it is necessary to assess the condition of the roots. Many flower shops sell phalaenopsis, dendrobiums and other types of orchids in transparent pots so that the buyer can see the root system of the selected flower. If the roots are not visible through the pot and they are not allowed to remove the orchid from the pot, then it is best to refuse to purchase. It is desirable that the root system is strong, well-branched, filling the entire capacity of the pot.The color of healthy wet roots should be greenish, and healthy dry roots should be white with a barely noticeable pearlescent tint. Deformed brownish or dark gray roots are most likely rotten. Air roots make their way through the stem of the orchid and nearby in the form of thin greenish tips.

►  peduncle. If the stem is mounted on a wooden support, check for mold stains. Very carefully check the peduncle for the presence of small pests (spider mites, thrips, aphids, mealybugs, scale insects). It is advisable to choose an orchid with large intact buds and with several flowers already in full bloom (to appreciate the pattern on the petals).

►  tops. The plant should not dangle in the pot. The appearance must be aesthetically presentable and the leaves must be firm and free from defects. Carefully inspect each leaf from the outside and inside - you should be alerted by blackened tips, yellowed or deformed leaves, as well as weeping, yellowish, black spots on the leaf blades.

♦ HOW TO CARE FOR ORCHID IN HOME CONDITIONS• quarantine for a new flower.

It is advisable to isolate the purchased flower from your entire collection of indoor plants for a couple of weeks (quarantine) in order to observe it and exclude the spread of possible diseases and pests. During quarantine, wash the orchid thoroughly with warm running water and transplant it into a suitable pot with new soil. Some sellers add various growth stimulants to the substrate, and pest eggs or fungal spores (conidia) may be there.

•  choose a pot for an orchid.

When choosing a container for an epiphytic plant, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the growth and development of an orchid in natural conditions. Ceramic pots are not suitable for phalaenopsis, dendrobium nobile and many other epiphytic species, as their roots easily grow into the clay walls and during the next flower transplant, you can severely damage the root system. Your best bet is to find a dainty glass pot (although a clear plastic one will do) with drainage holes. The diameter of the selected pot should not be large so that the roots fill the entire container. Check the edge of the pot - it shouldn't be too sharp to damage the delicate aerial roots of the orchid. For vertical gardening of phytowalls, it is advisable to choose plain pots in pastel colors.

•  how to transplant an orchid.

In nature, the orchid receives nutrients not from the soil, but from the plants on which it parasitizes. Therefore, we have to transplant the orchid not into an ordinary soil mixture for flowering plants, but into a substrate consisting of pieces of pine bark (it is possible with the addition of sphagnum moss). It is not necessary to grind the bark to a fine fraction, since the substrate should turn out to be loose (not compressed after watering), with good air and water permeability. The collected pine bark must be boiled for 40 minutes, and then chopped to a medium fraction so that the pieces are bulky. not flat. Then you need to dry these pieces properly in the oven at a temperature of about 100ºC.

orchid transplant. If you want to transplant your orchid taking all precautions to prevent damage to the root system (especially important for rare and whimsical species), then we will prepare for the procedure a small pruner, sharp scissors, alcohol (70%), charcoal (activated) and sterilized pieces of pine bark.

how to transplant an orchid - click on the photo and expand the step-by-step instructions♦ HOW TO CARE FOR ORCHID IN A POT AFTER TRANSFER AND QUARANTINESo you've transplanted your new ‘green pet’ into a suitable pot of bark and placed next to the other flowers in your collection.The rules for caring for indoor orchids are quite simple and if you strictly follow them, the orchid will grow, develop and delight you with its luxurious flowers.

• Location.

Most indoor species will do great on the east or west side of the room. The orchid loves diffused lighting and therefore do not forget to shade the flower in late spring and summer if direct sunlight hits the flower. It should be noted that for the normal growth and development of these epiphytic tropical plants, it is necessary to provide a sufficiently long period of daylight (12-14 hours). Therefore, in the fall and winter, install additional artificial lighting (although for unpretentious varieties of phalaenopsis and dendrobium, many growers do not install backlighting).

• How to water an orchid.

Unpretentious varieties can be watered with warm tap water that has been settled for several days (carefully drain the settled water into another container, otherwise you do not need to use it for the day). For watering rare and whimsical orchid species, it is advisable to use water passed through a filter to remove salts and make the water less hard. If you don't have a jug with a filter at hand, you can boil and cool the water, thereby making it soft. Some growers mix standing tap water with distilled water in a 1: 1 ratio to water rare orchid species.

The frequency of watering an orchid depends on the periods of rest and vegetation (growth, flowering). But such an unpretentious flower like phalaenopsis does not have a pronounced division into these periods and it is quite possible to water this orchid once a week. There are species in which the dormant period can be divided into conditional (1 watering per week), pronounced (2-3 waterings per month) and dry (no watering for a month or more).

How to water properly. It is advisable to water with a small jug with a spout or with a small watering can. Avoid getting water into the outlet as it may leave unsightly stains or rot. Some houseplant lovers gently submerge the pot in warm water, then lift it up and wait for all excess water to drain through the drainage holes.

In summer, you can additionally spray the plant with a fine spray, and once a month wash and clean with a soft sponge under warm running water.

♦ REPRODUCTION OF ORCHIDS IN HOME CONDITIONS•  reproduction by the lateral processes of the peduncle (orchid babies).

This method is good because the orchid can be propagated even in winter and is quite suitable for such popular indoor varieties as phalaenopsis and dendrobium nobile. When a baby appears on the peduncle, wait until the roots grow about 4 cm and 3-4 leaves appear. Now you can separate the baby from the mother plant. It is best to perform the procedure with a small secateurs or wire cutters (the instrument must be thoroughly sterilized with alcohol).

Separate the process from the peduncle so that about 1 cm remains on each side of the growing point. Treat the cut sites with activated carbon powder. An orchid baby can be planted in a substrate of chopped pine bark with the addition of a small amount of sphagnum. For the growth and development of the lateral shoot, it is necessary to create a microclimate with a high level of humidity and provide constant care throughout the year (for example, cover the top with a dense transparent plastic bag, water and spray regularly). A year later, you can transplant the grown shoot into a transparent pot and take care of it already like an adult orchid.

how to propagate an orchid with children - click on the photo and expand the step-by-step instructions • reproduction of sympodial orchids by dividing the bush.

Sympodial orchids easily reproduce by dividing the bush, since they have several growth points from which pseudobulbs develop. The procedure should be performed at the beginning of the growing season (in spring) using a long and sharp knife disinfected with alcohol. We remove the rhizome from the pot and carefully cut it so that at least a few pseudobulbs remain on each part. Sprinkle the slices with activated carbon powder immediately and after a few hours you can plant the individual parts in different pots.

•  grafting of monopodial orchid species.

Propagation by cuttings is best done in early spring. But 2-3 weeks before cutting off the top of the stem, you can stimulate the awakening of the dormant buds. For this procedure, it is necessary to cut off the leaves under the axillary buds, sprinkle the slices with activated charcoal and then treat the buds with Kinetin solution (a hormonal dew stimulator) with an interval of 4-5 days. After that, we cut off the top of the stem with air roots, process the cut with activated carbon and plant it in a substrate from pieces of pine bark. We take care of the cuttings as for an adult plant.

♦ ORCHID BLOSSOMING IN HOME CONDITIONS•  the beginning of the flowering period.

If your orchid has already fully formed the buds and the flowering time is coming, then it is important to do the following - very carefully (so as not to pierce the roots) immerse a wooden or plastic support in the substrate next to the flower and tie it with a silk thread or satin ribbon to the peduncle. Phalaenopsis, dendrobium and many other varieties of orchids have rather large flowers in the inflorescence, under the weight of which the thin peduncle will quickly break.

•  flowering time.

Orchids differ in the length of the flowering period and the number of re-emergence of flowers during the year. The flowers of some varieties of phalaenopsis or dendrobium nobile bloom in the spring and continue to delight with bright petals for 3-4 months (and even up to 8 months for experienced flower growers) in a row. And there are species that, subject to proper care at home, bloom two or even three times a year.

Never move the flowering plant pot to another place and do not turn the pot in relation to the light source. Be especially careful with all growing conditions appropriate for the species. If the orchid looks healthy and the flowering period is not abruptly interrupted ahead of time, then in no case make any changes to the home care regime (watering, lighting, humidity level, temperature). But do not forget that a flowering plant expends a lot of energy and resources. Therefore, the frequency of fertilizing with complex fertilizers increases to about once a week.

click on the photo and expand: conditions for a long period of flowering of orchids • leaving after flowering.

After the first flowering, you can try to stimulate another one. To do this, over the third knot of the already bare peduncle, make an incision and remove the upper part. The orchid will release a new peduncle, on which flowers may appear after a few months.

After the flowering period has come to an end, then the bare and completely dried peduncle must be carefully removed (but wait if at least the top is still green). The hole formed after cutting a dried and hollow peduncle must be hermetically sealed with soft beeswax.

With the onset of the dormant period, the home care regime for the orchid changes (except for phalaenopsis, which care during the rest and development period is approximately the same). At this time, the frequency of fertilizing and fertilization changes, which should include useful substances that contribute to the growth of leaves and the development of the root system. During the dormant period, a transplant can be performed if the root system has completely filled the entire volume of the pot.But choose a pot that is half a size larger, not too wide.

- orchid flowers: photo♦ PESTS AND ORCHID DISEASESWaterlogging of the substrate, watering with cold water and low temperatures have a detrimental effect on most types of domestic orchids. On the leaves of the flower, edema may appear in the form of weeping dark spots, yellowish or gray spots.

- The most common orchid diseases include mosaic spotting (viral infection), bacterial spotting or bacteriosis, various fungal infections (powdery mildew, anthracnose, gray mold, fusarium, late blight or late blight).

- The most common pests parasitizing on orchids include spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips, whitefly, and various types of aphids.

click and expand the photo with diseases and pests.♦ ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS OF BEGINNERS FLOWER GROWERS✿  Why does the orchid not bloom at home?

This problem is faced not only by novice flower growers, but also by experienced owners of rare, whimsical orchid species. There can be quite a few reasons why the orchid does not bloom, and the leaves grow very well at the same time, and they are often associated with mistakes in home care. But if you are confident that you are caring for your ‘green pet’ properly, then you can stimulate the flowering with specially created stress conditions. For example, the flowering of dendrobium nobile can be stimulated by abrupt cessation of watering. Some phalaenopsis will begin to bloom if the pot is placed in a warm room during the day and placed in a cool place at night (15-17 ° C).

✿  Can an orchid be transplanted during flowering?

It is highly undesirable to transplant (even unpretentious phalaenopsis varieties) orchids when they bloom. As we noted above, the plant can abruptly drop all flowers and at this point the flowering period will end. But in an emergency, when it is necessary to save the orchid from death (roots rot, all leaves turn yellow and wither, there are obvious signs of a dangerous disease), the plant is treated with special means and transplanted into a new substrate.

✿  Why do orchid leaves turn yellow?

Common reasons for the appearance of yellow spots or yellowing of the entire leaf blade: natural causes - aging leaves gradually turn yellow and fall off; waterlogging of the substrate - keep in mind that the upper pieces of pine bark dry out rather quickly, and the lower layers dry for a long time, as a result of which the roots rot and the leaves turn yellow; burn from direct sunlight - yellowish spots appear on the leaves; damage by pests or pathogens (usually fungal diseases).

✿  Why do orchids drop buds?

The most common reason is a change of location, turns of the pot. In addition, the buds begin to fall off for the following reasons: cold air currents (drafts, air conditioning), low lighting or short light conditions, abundant or improper feeding during flowering, too dry air in the room, abundant watering with stagnant water in the roots.

✿  Why did the orchid dry up?

The first reason: if only the peduncle turns yellow and dries, and the faded inflorescences have long crumbled, then the flowering period has ended and the plant is preparing for a dormant period.

Reason two: if the flowers dry, and the flowering period should not end, then the problem may be caused by mistakes in home care - low humidity (less than 60%), high temperature (more than 28 ° C), too little watering, poor air circulation.

The second reason: the fungal disease anthracnose. First, the tips of the leaves begin to dry and a yellowish edging appears next to the dried tip of the leaf. The solution to the problem is to treat the plant with a suitable fungicide.

✿  Can the roots of an orchid be pruned?

You can (and should) trim only roots with signs of necrosis.Each root should be elastic to the touch - if even a small section of the root is easily squeezed, then the process of decay has begun and the entire root must be completely removed with a sharp disinfected knife. The rest of the roots also need to be carefully checked and all problematic ones should be cut off. After that, it is imperative to identify the cause of root rot (violation of the irrigation regime, bacterial or fungal disease, pest activity) and eliminate.

♦ VIDEO ORCHID CARE MATERIALS  

Choosing an orchid pot:

How can you save an orchid with black roots:

Learning to distinguish aerial roots from a piercing peduncle:

Orchid transplant:

How to quickly transplant an orchid at home:

Orchid babies - how to separate the offshoot from the mother plant and plant it in a pot:

How to make an orchid bloom at home:

How to properly water an orchid:

How to save an orchid with small roots:

Dear friends ! Ask questions in the Comments, please share your tips and experiences on caring for these beautiful flowers. If you have materials, photos, videos on growing home flowers, we will gladly publish your materials on the site - email: This email address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Home

INTERESTING FOR WOMEN:

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 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.