How to water an orchid

Transfer to water from soil

The plant must be adapted to the newly created conditions.

For this:

remove the flower from the soil, clean its roots from adhering elements;
then it is supposed to be immersed in water for about a third of the length of the roots for 2 days, after which the water is poured out, allowed to dry;
in a week, the time for water procedures will increase to 5 days + one day for rest (it is important to let the roots dry out);
after which the roots must be kept in water all the time, while do not forget about the regular change of water, rinse the roots more often too;
whether the flower still needs water, it will be clear from the condition of the roots - they will become silvery.

During this period, there is an intensive growth of young roots, while faded green shoots appear on the old roots. If you see mold or whitish bloom, remove the plant from the flowerpot for a day. Then clean its roots with hydrogen peroxide or fungicidal composition.

Experimental watering of an orchid with garlic: why and how?

The health benefits of this product are undeniable.

• vitamins;
• essential oils;
• micro- and macroelements in an accessible form.

• increases immunity, resistance to various diseases;
• protects against pests;
• stimulates growth and flowering.

Due to all its beneficial qualities, garlic is recommended for the care of orchids. Watering with garlic water will strengthen the tropical beauty, get rid of harmful insects, and serve as an incentive to start flowering.

Watering an orchid with garlic: why and how?

In addition to the above nutrients, garlic contains organic acids, mineral salts, and antioxidants. All of them are in a biologically available form for plants, are easily absorbed by the root system, stems and leaves in any form, regardless of the methods of processing and feeding.

has the following effect on home flowers

• antiviral;
• antifungal;
• disinfecting;
• antimicrobial;
• strengthens the immune system;
• stimulates growth;
• effectively fights harmful insects.

Therefore, the use of garlic is essential when caring for home orchids.

Garlic for orchids can be used periodically, even for preventive purposes. It is all the more necessary to feed the plant with garlic if you notice the following unpleasant phenomena occurring with the flower:

• the orchid does not bloom for a long time. The plant can feel good, not get sick, actively develop, form new leaves, but peduncles do not appear. Watering with a garlic solution will be an excellent incentive to start the emergence of new peduncles;
• unwanted harmful insects and midges appeared in a pot with an orchid. They leave flower pots very quickly and for a long time. Even if one clove of garlic is placed shallowly into the substrate, all midges around the plant will disappear after a few hours;

Treating the orchid with garlic water will rid the orchid of pests.

Irrigation technology

1-2 times a month, alternating with regular watering

The most effective way is to immerse the flowerpot in the solution and spray on top of the leaves.

How to pour garlic water:

1. The container with the orchid must be placed in another container, slightly larger in size;
2. Thoroughly spill the soil (substrate) with warm garlic water (30-35 C), filling the planting container by 2/3;
3. The plant is kept in solution from 30 minutes to 3 hours (depending on the size of the orchid, the pot and the amount of soil). The bark of the substrate must be completely saturated with the garlic solution;
4. Then the pot with the orchid is taken out, the excess liquid is allowed to drain well, and transferred to a permanent place.

If the leaves were processed from a spray bottle, then they must be wiped off with a napkin, making sure that no drops of liquid remain in the sinuses.

Water from the sinuses must be removed.

Preparing the garlic solution

To prepare the infusion, you need warm, settled water t 34-36C and garlic passed through a press at the rate of 1 medium clove per 1 liter of water. The amount of solution depends on the number of flowers (each housewife knows the approximate volume of water for one irrigation).

The prepared solution is thoroughly mixed, insisted at room temperature for several hours - from 1 to 3, you can even leave it overnight - it does not matter in principle.

Immediately before the watering procedure, the infusion must be filtered, reheated to 35C and watering the orchids as described above.

Many orchidists are experimenting with garlic water, the reviews after them are extremely positive, changes for the better are noticeable after a few days.

Literally in a couple of days it was already clearly noticeable how it was saturated with moisture, the leaves became elastic and the roots began to grow! I was very pleased with the watering, I will definitely repeat it again! "

They advised to pour a solution of garlic for a change. Insisted in it for 2-3 hours, even sprinkled the leaves with a solution. A week later I noticed the result - two small new roots cut through and a new tiny sprout appeared on the old peduncle (I did not remove it)! It's just a miracle, I didn't expect such a result! "

Useful videos

Watch a video on how to pour garlic water on orchids:

Conclusion

Top dressing with garlic water gives plants health and strength for further growth and flowering. Regular garlic dressing will protect orchids from pests, saturate with useful minerals, and save you from the extra hassle of exterminating annoying insects. In addition, a not very pleasant smell disappears quickly enough.

Conditions and care in the house

Hoffmania is one of the most capricious indoor plants, since even the smallest mistakes in caring for it, especially when watering, immediately affect the decorative qualities of its foliage.

Lighting

Hoffmania requires highly balanced lighting. On the one hand, being a native of shaded tropical forests, it does not accept direct sunlight, so in summer it should not be placed on windowsills, but rather placed near them, where hot sun rays do not reach. But, on the other hand, its shade tolerance has its limits.

The main thing for her is the stability of lighting throughout the year, therefore, during the short daylight hours, the seasonal lack of lighting should be compensated for by moving the plant to the windowsill and additional artificial lighting.

Temperature regime

In summer, the tropical origin of the flower allows it to withstand any heat in the presence of high humidity. In winter, warmth for gofmania is also desirable, since it is a pronounced heat-loving plant.

Air humidity

Also, this flower has an extremely negative attitude to dry air. The humidity in the room where it grows should not be lower than 75%. Moreover, any increase in temperature must be accompanied by an increase in ambient humidity.

You can increase it using:

• humidifiers;
• placement next to the plant of fountains or an aquarium;
• placing a pot with a flower on wet expanded clay or wet pebbles;
• installation next to the pot of wide containers of water.

Spraying the plant with soft water, the temperature of which should be 5 ° higher than the ambient air temperature, is especially effective. In this case, it is necessary to use only fine spray nozzles.

Watering

Moisture-loving gofmania prefers that the potting medium is constantly moderately moist. Moderation is caused by the fact that excess moisture is just as dangerous for the sensitive root system of the plant, as is overdrying of the soil, so in the summer the flower is watered three times a week, and in winter the watering intensity is reduced to 2 times every 7 days.

Top dressing

The need for fertilizing with fertilizers gofmania experiences only during the growing season from May to September. At this time, she is fed every two weeks. The best organic fertilizer for this plant is in the form of a mullein, which is applied to the substrate as a solution.

Due to the increased predisposition of the delicate root system of gofmania to burns, when using universal mineral-organic fertilizers, it is recommended to take only half of the dose recommended by the manufacturers.

Pruning

During the growing season, gofmania grows rapidly, and then, during the dormant period in winter, it frees itself from the lower foliage, therefore, with the onset of spring, to preserve the decorative qualities of the bush, the bare shoots are cut off, after which new shoots begin to actively germinate from the sinuses of the remaining short stumps. And in order for the green mass of the flower to thicken as much as possible, pinch the tops of young shoots.

Transfer

As the young plant grows in the container and its root system assimilates the entire volume of the substrate, the flower is transplanted. This is usually done every 2 years, and in between, it is limited to replacing the upper part of the soil. The process is most often timed to the end of winter or the beginning of spring.

It proceeds as follows:

1. A new container is selected, the diameter of which exceeds the diameter of the previous one by 5 cm.
2. The tank is equipped with drainage holes for the drainage of excess liquid.
3. A drainage layer of fine pebbles, expanded clay or coarse river sand with a height of at least 2 cm is laid on the bottom.
4. As a substrate, either a slightly acidic loose fraction of purchased soil is used, or a substrate made independently from equal parts of leafy soil, peat and river sand with a slight addition of compost.
5. The plant is transplanted by the transshipment method, trying to keep the earthen lump intact and not expose the roots.
6. The transplanted gofmania is watered abundantly and placed in a shaded place, preferably under a transparent cap.

Possible problems and typical errors

Inexperienced gardeners often face the following mistakes.

The first is improper watering. If you flood the plant with water, moss will cover the roots and neck. If the plant lacks moisture, the roots dry out.

Another problem is the presence of midges. Pests appear only in damp climates. Dry the substrate, and also skip one of the planned waterings. This way, you will notice the insects disappear. Another option is to sprinkle mustard powder on the moss.

As for the green plaque that appears from the inside of the glass container, it is impossible to get rid of it. It does not need to be fought with, since it poses no danger to plant growth.

As you can see, this method of growing flowers is optimal for orchids. Thanks to the closed method, the plant has new roots, and the stem and leaves grow many times faster.

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Orchid growing environment

Caring for a plant in indoor conditions directly depends on its natural growing environment. Soil and soil composition, watering, location and air temperature are all major factors to consider. Most members of the Orchid family are epiphytic plants, but some species common in culture, in particular Fragmipedium and Pafiopedilum, grow on soil. This feature is the answer to the question of how often you need to water the orchid and how to do it. First, determine the species of your plant. Orchids are conventionally divided into three groups:

1. Epiphytic.
2. Terrestrial.
3. Lithophytic.

Terrestrial orchids, as you might guess, grow on the surface of the soil, these include all types of temperate climates.

Representatives of the lithophytic group are found on bare or moss-covered stones and rocks.

Planting orchids in different containers

When you have prepared the soil, you need to decide on the container for planting and directly with the planting material. The stalk must be fresh, free of visible diseases, not wilted. For your attention, the rules for planting a cutting, taking into account the chosen capacity:

Orchid pots are most popular with experienced gardeners. Fill 1/3 of the container with drainage. These can be pieces of brick, shards, foam crumbs. Install a wire mesh and a peg to support the flower. Place the cutting on top. Cover with soil so that the stalk stays on top of the soil.

Basket. Place a wire mesh on the bottom, and spread the roots over the surface. Pour the substrate on top to the desired mark.

Block. At normal humidity, the flower needs a moss backing. Gently attach the flower to the block, cover the roots with moss on top. Secure the handle to the block with fishing line, nylon thread or wire.

Watering the orchid for several days after planting is not recommended. Home care for an orchid will determine the further condition and vitality of the plant.

Growing orchids in water

Using hydroponics

Today it is possible to grow special semi-hydro crops without using a substrate. For this, special pots are used, in which a solution is placed containing all the necessary substances and trace elements necessary for the normal growth of the orchid.

Wanda grown in water.

Hydroponics for orchids is a new modern method of growing plants in water. It has several advantages over other methods:

• the process of decay of the root system or the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms in it is prevented;
• a flower that grows using hydroponics does not need constant transplants;
• the solution in which the plant is contained has a balanced composition of nutrients and trace elements. Thus, the risk of overfeeding or underfeeding of the orchid is reduced;
• the root system does not dry out;
• a plant grown in this way grows for a long time and remains strong.

Among the varieties of ways to grow orchids in nutrient solutions, it is worth highlighting:

• hydroponics - water use;
• aeroponics - the use of air;
• hydroculture - the use of a substrate.

The most commonly used method of growing a semi-hydroculture. In this case, the root system of the plant is placed in an absolutely inert material or material devoid of the possibility of decomposition.

In addition, it is imperative to ensure good access to water and mineral fertilizers.

Landing features

The first step is to select the correct container. It could be a plastic pot with holes in the bottom. They are necessary for the normal flow of moisture and fertilizer to the root system of the orchid. In addition, such holes should be on the walls of the pot up to half its height.

Among the components of the substrate are:

• expanded clay (more than 1.4 cm in size). Before planting, it is recommended to wash it well and dry it;
• perlite. It has a capillary-like effect;
• diatomite of various diameters. Before planting a plant, it must be placed in water for at least 60 minutes;
• mixtures based on the above components.

Planting orchids in expanded clay.

If only expanded clay is used as a substrate, then before planting the root system of the plant must be thoroughly cleaned of the remnants of the previous substrate. This is best done under running water, then it is recommended to air dry them well.

Then pour half of its volume of expanded clay into the container for transplanting, place a flower there (in no case ram it so as not to harm the roots) and add the rest of the substrate to the end.

Advice! Diatomite and green mix with a lack of moisture will pull it out of the root system. This is very detrimental to the plant.Therefore, it is recommended to constantly maintain the required moisture level of the roots.

When using a mixture of perlite with expanded clay, you need to fill the second component up to the holes on the walls of the pot, place the plant there and sprinkle it with perlite on top.

To strengthen such a system, it is recommended to put the pot in water for a while. You can also sprinkle small stones on top with a small layer, which are used for aquarium fish.

When using a mixture of expanded clay with diatomite, it is necessary to fill in the second component at the bottom of the pot, place the plant and cover the roots with expanded clay.

If a mixture of all components is used for transplanting, then first a small amount of expanded clay is poured onto the bottom of the container, after placing the orchid, they are poured to the top with a mixture of green mix. In order for all this to be compacted, it is recommended to lower it for a while in a container of water.

Care features

Watering for plants in hydroponics plays a very important role, so the owner of such a flower needs to be very careful about this condition. Water for irrigation should be of high quality: it is better to purify it with the help of special filters, sometimes it is allowed to use rainwater.

The frequency of watering depends on the nature of the substrate used:

• if there is only expanded clay at the very beginning, it is recommended to spray it a little and only then fully moisturize the roots;
• when using diatomite, perlite or green mix, it is recommended to spray regularly. When watering, the water should flow down the sides of the pot.

Hydroponic orchids are recommended to be regularly sprayed.

Advice! In the winter season, it is recommended to reduce the amount of watering to prevent decay of the root system.

For feeding, you need to use only special mineral fertilizers for orchids. You should definitely pay attention to the life cycle of the plant. In general, the fertilization scheme does not differ from the top dressing for conventional orchid varieties.

Growing an orchid in a closed system

The method of growing an orchid in a closed system works well for the care of the crop. Taking care of your culture just got easier. Subject to all the established rules, flower growers noticed the rapid development of roots, abundant and long flowering. With this method, a small amount of time for watering and maintaining moisture is affected, the flower stalks are brighter.

Pay attention! But there are also disadvantages of this growing method. This is the risk of decay of the roots and neck, which leads to the death of the phalaenopsis .. There may be a possibility of the death of the lower leaves of the flower

Such consequences also arise with improper watering. It is necessary to find a balance and then growing orchids in a closed system will bring results.

There may be a possibility of dying off the lower leaves of the flower. Such consequences also arise with improper watering. It is necessary to find a balance and then growing orchids in a closed system will bring results.

It is necessary to select the conditions, to comply with the humidity rate, to reduce the influence of negative factors.

Landing

For planting, you need a plastic or glass pot without holes. A closed system needs to be extended to the roots. Phalaenopsis in a pot will grow for a long time.

Only strong phalaenopsis with a developed root part and healthy leaves are suitable for planting. They are less likely to get sick and the conditions for caring for them are minimal. Florists love a plastic pot because at any time you can make the necessary holes in it if the flower does not like the system for the orchid.

The glass pot is decorative. The stores sell flowerpots of different shapes. When choosing, it is necessary to stop at a flat container with extended edges. In narrow vessels, the evaporation of water is slowed down. At high indoor temperatures, moisture in the soil can cause fungal growth.

The substrate for planting orchids in a closed system does not differ from the soil for conventional cultivation. The peculiarity is that the components should not be mixed, but you need to lay them in several layers.

The main components of the substrate:

• expanded clay;
• sphagnum;
• small diameter pine bark;
• some charcoal.

Don't be afraid to grow phalaenopsis in a closed system. The procedure is not difficult and does not require skills and adaptation:

1. You need to prepare and disinfect the planting pot.
2. At the bottom of the flowerpot at ¼ of its height, a thin layer of expanded clay should be put. If desired, it can also be disinfected.
3. Then lay the sphagnum moss in a small layer up to 0.5 cm.
4. The remaining space must be covered with a small amount of coal. Use large, coarse pieces to facilitate air permeability.
5. Pour everything over with warm water and leave to infuse for about 1 hour.
6. Drain the water completely and plant the orchid. Moss should be moistened, wrung out and spread on the substrate as mulch.

Leave space near the roots to avoid decay. The pot must be installed in the place of cultivation, observing the temperature and light conditions.

Aphids on an orchid: causes of occurrence, methods of control, prevention

Care

For full development, it is necessary to organize proper care that will accompany him throughout his life.

If, before planting, the substrate and all available components were soaked in water, then you do not need to water for 10 days. This can also be seen in the capacity. If there are drops of water on it, then there is enough moisture in the pot. In the absence of condensation and a change in the color of the roots (from green to light gray), the plant needs watering.

There are 2 types of watering an orchid in a closed system:

1. Immersion in water. Water is poured into the pot so that the neck of the roots does not touch the liquid. Phalaenopsis is immersed in water for several minutes, then the water must be drained, supporting the soil so that it does not fall out.
2. Water must be poured into a container at the level of expanded clay. There is no need to drain the water. The water level should be monitored. When evaporation occurs, the liquid must be added.

Please note: When choosing a watering method, you should be guided by the ambient temperature. At low temperatures, the crop can rot .. Top dressing must be correctly selected

They are carried out in small doses, since they are in the container for a long time during application. Fertilize in small doses and after a certain period of time

Top dressing must be correctly selected. They are carried out in small doses, since they are in the container for a long time during application. Fertilize in small doses and after a certain period of time.

Ways to water orchids

In addition to addressing key issues related to watering orchids at home, it is equally important to know how to do it right. Although several watering methods are known
of this houseplant, however, it is possible to provide the orchid with the necessary amount of moisture only by soldering

Although it is known multiple watering methods
This houseplant, however, can only provide the orchid with the necessary amount of moisture by soldering.

"Hot shower"
... This method is most often used by gardeners when caring for an orchid. This is due to the fact that it is as close as possible to the effect that warm tropical rains create.

The use of this method of irrigation accelerates the process of plants gaining green mass, which has a positive effect on their flowering. Also useful regularly flush the leaves of the plant
, since this allows you to prevent the appearance of various pests.

However, it should be borne in mind that this method of watering an orchid can only be used by owners of apartments where soft water flows in the water pipes. To briefly describe the essence of this irrigation method, it consists in the following:

The flower needs to be transferred to the bathroom, where they begin to water it with a weak stream of warm water using a shower head.

In this case, it is important to set the appropriate water temperature, which should be 40-52 degrees.
When determining the duration of watering, it is necessary to proceed from how long it will take for the soil to absorb water. After finishing watering, you need to let the plant stand for 10-15 minutes in the bathroom

This will allow excess fluid to drain.
After an hour, it is necessary to remove the moisture droplets from the leaves using a dry cotton cloth or paper napkin for this purpose. This is done so that there is no excess liquid left on the leaf axils.

For example, the leaves began to become covered with salt deposits, forming white spots or streaks. You can deal with them by wiping the leaves with a cloth
, which must first be soaked in beer or lemon juice in a 1: 1 ratio.

Submerging the orchid in water and watering with a watering can

Perhaps some gardeners who grow an orchid at home will be interested in full immersion method
a flowerpot with a flower in the water. After the end of watering, you need to remove the pot from the water and let it stand so that excess liquid can drain.

Usually, if the orchid has been in the water for 30 seconds, then it is necessary to let it stand for the same amount of time for the water to drain completely.

By using this irrigation method, water overruns can be avoided. But it can be used in relation to only those flowers in which the substrate and the flower itself does not show signs of damage and disease.

Watering with a watering can
... For this method of irrigation, you will need a watering can, which is filled with prepared water, and then they begin to pour it in a thin stream over the entire area of ​​the substrate. Care must be taken that the water does not touch the points of growth of the orchid and the axils of the leaves.

Watering is stopped at the moment when liquid begins to flow out of the lower holes of the pot. After waiting for a certain time required for the excess liquid to drain off, one more watering should be carried out.

Finally, all excess water is drained from the pallet. Watering the orchid in this way is recommended in the morning.

Spraying roots
... This method can be used to water plants that are grown using blocks instead of soil. Since the roots of such plants lose moisture much faster, they need to be watered more often.

Spraying is recommended in the first half of the day
... This gives the roots plenty of time to dry. The best effect when using a spray gun is achieved if watering is carried out with the fog mode turned on.