How to plant an orchid at home in a pot

Substrate preparation

Despite growing a flower at home, the soil should still be close in composition to natural natural conditions. Typically, orchids live in the tropics, where they cling to trees with aerial roots. This means that moss and bark must be included in the home soil.

Experienced gardeners believe that using store mixes is not worth it, as they are too chopped. In general, the composition of the substrate may be the same for all types of orchids, but should differ in proportion and in the size of the components. Epiphytes like fractions of large and medium sizes, moisture-loving ones - smaller ones.

When working with a plant, you need to take into account the acidity of the soil, moisture permeability and the ability to circulate air.

The soil can be made with your own hands, knowing its composition.

Bark. Chopped pieces of coniferous and deciduous trees (in a ratio of 70 to 30, while deciduous should be of only one type), you can add a couple of pieces of willow, which has antiseptic properties.
Charcoal or ordinary charcoal - pharmacy.
If possible, coconut fiber.
Swamp moss, available from any flower shop.
Humus, expanded clay, spruce cones, and other similar materials, if available.

The number and size of the soil kit will depend on the moisture capacity required. For strong use a mixture of peat and bark in a ratio of 1: 1. Medium - increase the amount of bark in proportion to the peat and add coal. For drainage, crushed stone is used, as well as foam or expanded clay.

Further care

The rooting period after transplantation in orchids takes 15 to 30 days. The adaptation period is influenced by the size of the orchid and the conditions in which it is kept. To speed up rooting, the orchid is sprayed with a solution containing stimulants. Then create greenhouse conditions by covering the plant with a plastic bag.

Further care is to provide the plant with diffused lighting and long daylight hours. For active growth, the temperature in the room should be from +23 to +28 degrees. Proper watering is also important. Only warm, soft water is taken for irrigation. Spraying is carried out regularly to maintain air humidity.

Several methods have been developed for planting orchids. When choosing a planting method, the peculiarities of the type of epiphytes are taken into account. If the procedure is carried out correctly, the orchid soon takes root, begins to actively grow and bloom.

How to properly move a flower to a new container at home?

Consider how to transplant an orchid from one in which it grew, a pot to another. There are several options for transplanting a flower.

From small to larger

Prepare a substrate, a pot, expanded clay, activated carbon, scissors or pruning shears. All subject to antiseptic treatment.
The plant itself should be prepared by taking it out of the old pot.
When the roots of the plant are fully visible, it is necessary, after carefully examining them, to remove all rotten areas with scissors or pruning shears. Powder the cut points with crushed activated carbon.
The bottom of the pot must be covered with expanded clay about 5 cm so that the water can drain, and with a small layer of substrate. Put a plant on the resulting "pillow", spread the root system, put too long aerial roots in a pot, and fill all the free places with a substrate. It should be evenly distributed between the roots, periodically crushing it slightly, the growth point of the orchid should not be covered with bark.
It is necessary to ensure that the plant does not dangle in a larger container.

We recommend watching a video about transplanting an orchid into a large pot:

From large to smaller

Some orchid varieties like to be cramped. Therefore, pots 1 -3 cm less than the volume of the root system should be chosen for such plants. Also, if the orchid has suffered a lot when pruning rotten roots, and their volume has decreased significantly, then a smaller pot will be needed for transplanting. The preparatory work will be the same as in the previous subtitle.

Prepare everything you need for planting, after pretreating with an antiseptic: a pot, scissors, substrate, expanded clay, activated carbon.
The plant itself should be prepared.When the roots of the plant are visible, it is necessary, after carefully examining them, to remove all rotten areas with scissors or pruning shears. Powder the cut points with crushed activated carbon.
Place expanded clay on the bottom of the pot, sprinkle it with substrate. The orchid must be planted so that there is room for subsequent new shoots, and the old part must be moved closer to the edge of the pot.

Into opaque

You will need a pot, pruner, substrate, expanded clay. Everything must be disinfected before transplanting.
At the bottom of the pot treated with an antiseptic, expanded clay and the substrate are poured in thin layers, the plant is placed in a container, the roots are straightened, and the free places are covered with the substrate. The flower grower should focus on the appearance of the root system through the open part of the pot, which somewhat complicates the planting process.

We recommend watching a video about transplanting an orchid into an opaque pot:

Planting methods

There are many ways to grow an orchid: from seeds, shoots, bulbs or babies. How to plant an orchid, you choose. The most laborious process is the seed planting method.

What do orchid seeds look like?

To get orchid seeds, you need to pollinate it yourself. Using tweezers or a brush, pollen is gently transferred from the flower of one plant to the flower of another.

After which the seed capsule will begin to form. After a while, the seeds in the box will ripen and you can start sowing.

Orchid seeds are very small, similar to fine yellow dust and are almost impossible to see with the naked eye. But if you follow the germination technology, then you can try to grow flowers from seeds at home.

You can see how orchid seeds look in the video:

Orchid from seeds at home

How to plant orchid seeds? First of all, they must be germinated.

For seed germination, it is necessary to create a special nutrient medium. It is made from a solution of agar-agar, glucose or fructose with distilled water.

A variety of orchid hydrogels can be used. The hot nutrient medium is poured into sterile glass jars with lids and left for 5 days. If after that the substrate remains clean, without mold, seeds are planted in it.

Before germinating and planting an orchid with seeds, they need to be prepared. Before germination, the seeds must be disinfected in a pale pink solution of manganese or a weak solution of calcium hypochlorite for 10-15 minutes.

After that, using a pipette, gently move the seeds into the substrate. All this should be done over steam, in a water bath, to ensure disinfection. Then the jar is tightly closed and left for germination at t 18-25 C in a well-lit place.

It is possible to sow seedlings in the ground only a year after the emergence of seedlings. Seedlings are carefully washed out of the substrate and transferred to prepared soil, consisting of bark, moss and turf.

They are kept under glass, in a warm room, preventing the formation of condensation. After the appearance of the first leaves, the seedlings are moved into separate containers and looked after as if they were adult plants. Such an orchid will bloom only in 5-6 years.

Now that you know how to plant an orchid with seeds at home, let's look at other ways to plant an orchid at home.

What is needed for sowing orchid seeds, you will learn from the video:

Fastening and care

Fixing in a pot

It happens that the seedling does not hold well in the pot. Then you can give it stability with tights. The material is cut into ribbons and the orchid is tied to the container so as to prevent the sprout from moving or falling. When it is firm and deeply rooted, the ribbons can be removed.

Care

Immediately after transplanting, the plant should be placed in such a place in the dwelling, in which it would be possible to provide it with a content temperature within the range of 22-24 degrees.

The first watering after planting is best done only after five days. The water that needs to be watered directly to the plant should be medium soft and have a temperature within 40 degrees. Watering is done with a shower or by immersing the orchid in liquid for 30 seconds.

Top dressing is done only a month after planting, when the plant is fully adapted.

You can recreate greenhouse conditions (for example, cover with a bag, creating a greenhouse effect).

Top dressing

The substrate for such plants is such that it contains an insignificant amount of useful substances for a flower, or they may not be found in principle. Therefore, feeding is done regularly throughout the year. It is best to use a liquid fertilizer that is appropriate for the growing period of the plant.

When flowering, once every two weeks, feed with a high phosphorus content is used. After the flowers have fallen off and new ones are formed, they switch to nitrogen fertilization. It is good to use minerals at any time. Fertilize flowers after every fourth watering.

After flowering

It is necessary to cut the peduncle, which in some plants can bloom several more times (for example, in phalaenopsis), after which the orchid is moved to a place with a lower air temperature (the minimum recommended for a certain species). Reduce watering, leaving the substrate dry at a depth of two centimeters.

Diseases

These plants, as a rule, are resistant to various diseases, and they arise only in case of improper care of the orchid: little light, too frequent watering, lack of fertilizers, and more.

Due to the fact that the orchid is a tropical plant, ticks or scale insects adore them. A mite can be detected by the presence of a silvery coating, resembling a cobweb, on the inside of the leaves. In this case, you need to rinse them with water, but it is better not when the orchid is blooming. And then there is a treatment with anti-parasites.

It is more difficult to catch the scale insect, because they like to hide in the scales of the plant. They are extremely dangerous for the flower, you can get rid of a small amount with the help of toothbrushes and see if the pest returns. In severe cases, an insecticidal agent is used.

Aphids can attack young buds or shoots. If she did not have time to cause much harm, then she can simply be washed off in the shower. But if the flower buds managed to open, then insecticides are used again.

The plant can pick up viruses that will change the appearance of the flower and the color of the leaves. Unfortunately, there is no cure for such diseases.

In addition, the pseudobulb and root may begin to rot in the orchid. This is usually due to excess moisture.

The latter is a fungal disease that attacks the leaves, making them black and blocking the access of air and light. It is also treated with a fungicide.

Disease prevention consists of the following measures.

Make sure there is no excess moisture. Do not allow water to stagnate.
Remove faded and yellowed parts in time.
Remove drying or decaying roots.
Use a spray bottle regularly in hot weather.
Do not water for three days after treatment.

You can buy special granules that you need to scatter over the substrate and around the entire pot. If it rained, then they need to be replaced. It is worth checking the bottom of the pot periodically, as slugs like to hide from sunlight.

Flower propagation

The main flowering occurs in the spring, after which you can start reproduction of the orchid with the help of shoots. It is necessary to make sure that the bush is already ripe and developed. The previous peduncle is cut 3 cm under the second bud. This approach will increase the chances of flower reproduction.

When a shoot appears, they are waiting for the leaves on it to reach 2.5 cm and begin to moisturize the future separate orchid. Later, when it acquires more developed independent roots, it is cut off by about 5 cm and planted separately.

Is it possible to plant several orchids in one pot

The orchid is common among people who love home flowers. Plant sizes can be from a few centimeters to 35 meters. Such giants are found in their natural habitat. The leaves of the orchid are alternate in a simple form. Certain species have a trap for pollinating insects in the flower stalk of the plant.

On a note! To support the flower, use third-party representatives of the flora. But it is better, when breeding at home, for plants to acquire special props.

In a natural environment, nothing prevents plants from growing in different conditions, both individually and in close groups. Therefore, color matching in one container is quite possible. The main rule is to organize optimal conditions for growth and monitor the hygiene of the pot.

Main arguments:

visual splendor of the planted group of plants;
natural appearance;
application of unification to facilitate maintenance.

The picturesque planting is obtained due to the large number of plants and their flowers in a single place. Orchids of one subspecies, for example, Phalaenopsis, bloom in about the same period of time, flowering continues for 6 months. This helps to achieve unusual decorative pieces. With the right combination of color, shape and quality design, the resulting composition will become the dominant decoration of both apartments and other premises.

Advantages and disadvantages of joint landing

Among the advantages of group planting, they distinguish - saving the area occupied by plants. Some amateur gardeners, due to the larger number of peduncles in one pot, achieve a rich decor. It is impossible not to note the savings on the materials spent (pots, substrate, soil, etc.). Another plus is that two orchids in one pot can support each other.

The disadvantages of group landing include:

The dimensions of the landing container are much larger than usual and heavier, which will make it difficult to move.
There is an increased risk of losing multiple plants due to diseases or pests. All flowers in the pot fall into the infected zone.

Disease can be avoided by proper care and careful supervision of the collection.

Possible problems when planting in 1 pot

Trouble can arise when transplanting orchids into one pot only due to mistakes made by the florist. Difficulties arise in the case of inappropriate care and conditions of detention. One of the reasons is a disease of one of the orchids. All growers are faced with this problem, it is only a matter of time. It is solved by excluding a diseased flower from the group. The rest are treated to prevent possible infection.

Decay of the root system. When rot forms on the roots, this is one of the signs of improper care. Therefore, this is not a problem with the planting method, but with the maintenance of the flower. It is quite easy to fix the error, you need to do the following:

remove the orchid from the pot;
carefully examine for rot;
cut off dead areas;
treat the plant with fungicides;
transplant a flower.

Watering mode.Watering the plants is necessary as the substrate dries out or the roots of the orchid need moisture. It is easier to keep track of the watering of flowers planted in the same pot. This results in significant time savings.

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Incorrect transplant. It is difficult to call this a complex problem, because the need to transplant orchids is extremely rare. When moving, usually the transshipment method is used. Transplanting requires careful attention to cleaning and pruning dry, decaying rhizomes. If you do this correctly, then there will be no problems.

Watering the orchid after planting

Orchids are not watered like usual flowers, but are soaked: a pot of flowers is placed in a container of cool water for 20-30 minutes, while the pot should be almost completely immersed in liquid. At the same time, you need to look very carefully at the leaf axils: the presence of water there can cause rotting of the flower stem.

It is convenient to wipe off moisture with a cotton swab. After planting (transplanting), the flower and the substrate are sprayed with warm water, trying not to overmoisten the plant itself and the soil.

To root and reduce the stress caused by planting, orchids are removed to a shaded place with a temperature of no more than 20-25 degrees, trying not to disturb: they do not water, do not feed, do not change position.

The "cure" period lasts 10-14 days, after which the orchid is moved to a permanent place and care is performed according to the type of flower.

Orchids are a symbol of grandeur, wealth, elegance. With proper care, they will delight with flowering for a very long period, up to 8-10 weeks. Give yourself this pleasure!

Orchid planting video:

How to tell if it's time to replant an orchid

Contrary to popular belief that orchids are delicate creatures and require complex labor-intensive care, these plants are quite unpretentious. It is enough for them to create the right conditions for existence and to carry out minimal care. Frequent transplants of flowers are not needed.

Orchids are routinely transplanted once every few years. External signs that the plant needs to change the soil and pot ahead of schedule:

the bark in the composition of the substrate has turned into dust, the soil has compacted (rotted organic matter becomes moisture-absorbing and poorly permeates oxygen);
the root system of the orchid is affected by rot (healthy roots are whitish-green, elastic);
pests have started in the substrate;
the roots do not have enough space in the container, they protrude outward.

The depressed state of the plant itself, yellowing of the foliage and the dropping of buds signal about improper care or illness, the appearance of harmful insects. Sometimes, to find out the reason for the poor condition of the flower, a detailed examination of the root system is required (transplant).

Where to buy planting material?

Can I buy from websites? At the moment, the Internet is replete with a variety of online stores that offer to buy not only seeds, but also plant seedlings.

China

On Chinese sites, you can order seeds, bulbs, cuttings and orchid seedlings, with free shipping. In some cities there are specialty shops for Chinese goods, where you can find this plant.

If someone you know is going to China on vacation, then you can order plant seedlings. An orchid will tolerate transportation well if it has at least a minimum of light.

Vietnam

If you want to grow an orchid from Vietnam, you can order the bulbs in a specialized online store. It is worth warning right away that you need to order 30 percent more than you plan to grow plants, since some specimens may dry out during delivery.

Vietnamese, bulbous orchids are much larger than those that we are used to seeing on the shelves of flower shops.They are extraordinarily beautiful and effective.

Thailand

In Thailand, the cultivation of orchids from seeds is put on stream. In numerous stores, you can see on the shelves a huge number of cones with a nutritional composition in which Thai orchids are already ready for planting.

But you cannot order such containers by mail, since they will die during delivery without light. If you only ask someone to bring them in hand luggage.

As for seeds, bulbs or cuttings, they can be ordered on a special resource. True, no one will give you a guarantee that the exact variety of plant that you liked will come.

Other places

Do not discount specialized orchid nurseries, which can be found in any exotic species, while already rooted.

There are many benefits to this purchase, as experienced sellers will give you detailed instructions on how to grow the plant and provide it with proper care.

What if the cut is without roots?

For different types of orchids, there are rules for separating and planting children at home.

Phalaenopsis babies rarely give roots, so they are separated without waiting for the roots to appear.

If the baby on the peduncle does not grow roots, then you can help her, this is done as follows:

prepare sphagnum moss, any thread and cellophane film;
moss needs to be soaked, for this it is placed in warm water for half an hour;
as soon as the sphagnum gets wet, an impromptu nest is made of it, which is wrapped around the base of the baby and fixed with a thread;
during this process, the peduncle becomes heavier, and it is necessary to prevent the breakage of the children, for this they use an additional support;
to create a mini-greenhouse, additionally cover the peduncle with a baby and moss with a film.

It should be remembered that the moss must be sprayed every day, as well as the airing of the baby. Kornevin can be added to the spray water in order to stimulate the formation and growth of the root system.

But there is a technology for growing roots in an orchid baby, which is already separated from the mother plant:

Rooting with a small mini greenhouse.
1. To do this, take a plastic cup, make holes in the bottom and two holes in the walls opposite each other.
2. Put drainage and sphagnum moss on the bottom of the glass, which should be moistened beforehand.
3. Install a small stick in the side holes - this will be a support for the baby.
4. Place the baby on a stick so that the growth point does not touch the substrate.
5. Cover the cup with a plastic bag or a cut off plastic bottle. Under the bottle, the baby will begin to build up the root system very quickly, just remember to spray the plant and ventilate.
Extension of roots on a piece of styrofoam.
1. Take a small piece of material and punch a hole in it.
2. Insert the base of the baby into it.
3. Take a glass jar, pour some water on the bottom, and place a piece of foam plastic in it so that it does not come into contact with the liquid. In this case, the roots appear very quickly.

We transplant the plant correctly

First you need to carefully remove the plant from the pot. Often this has to be done together with the ground.

Take a long, flat object (such as a kitchen butter knife) and carefully peel the soil away from the sides of the pot, loosening it a little to make it more crumbly. If the ground is dry enough, then there will be no problems here. Then, lifting the ground from different sides with the same knife, carefully remove the orchid from the pot. You need to proceed with surgical caution so as not to damage the roots.

Now you need to thoroughly rinse the root system - for example, use cool water from the shower. This will cause a lot of problems for other plants, but orchids tolerate such washing without harm to themselves.

Place it gently on a paper towel and examine the roots. They should be green

Pay special attention to brown and gray

Carefully feel them along their entire length - there is a high probability that they have already died and are completely unnecessary. In this case, carefully trim them with sharp scissors or pruning shears.

It is desirable to process the cut - crushed activated carbon is suitable

If this is the case, carefully trim them off with sharp scissors or pruning shears. It is desirable to process the cut - crushed activated carbon is suitable.

Now carefully spread the roots so that they are facing in different directions and set the plant in a new pot. Fill up the rest of the substrate - as a result, they should not reach the edges of about 2-3 centimeters

Tamp the soil a little with your hand. At the same time, remember - only the roots themselves should be buried. You do not need to bury the base of the plant - on the contrary, it should be slightly raised above ground level.

The main work is over! But do not think that you have finally figured out how to plant an orchid in a pot. There are additional nuances that you definitely need to know about.

Are there any difficulties and problems for beginners?

When planting an orchid at home, a number of unforeseen difficulties and problems may arise:

Purchase of low-quality planting material or an ailing plant. This problem can be prevented by purchasing seeds and plants from greenhouses or specialized stores.
Improper watering, which often leads to root rot and plant death. For orchids, it is carried out by immersing the pot with the plant in water for 15–20 minutes.
Lethargy and dryness of the flower. This problem can be caused by: lack of moisture in the air, which can be replenished with a room fountain and a humidifier;
high ambient temperature, which can be reduced by turning on the air conditioner or by ventilating the room.

Slowing down of flower growth, lack of flowering, painful appearance. These signs are caused by the use of a substrate of poor quality or not intended for the orchid. The solution to the problem is simple - to replace the unsuitable substrate with its suitable analogue.
Sunburn

They are caused by prolonged exposure of the flower to direct sunlight, so it is important to keep it in a shaded place.
Lack of flowering. To prevent this trouble, you should provide the plant with the correct microclimate in the room, regular feeding and create conditions for the temperature difference between day and night.
Pests

When the first visible signs of a plant disease appear, it is necessary to immediately process the plant with special preparations.