How to Keep an Orchid Alive
The Orchid is from the Orchidaceae family with over 21,000 species and is notoriously challenging to grow. Here are a few practical tips on how to keep your orchid from withering to an early grave.
credit: Diganta Talukdar
Some orchids take more maintenance than others so make sure you choose a species that will grow well in your conditions at home. Start with a plant that already has flowers as seedlings can take up to five years to produce flowers.
When growing, orchids generally only need to be watered once a week. Allow the soil to go slightly dry before watering and when watering, ensure there is enough so that some water trickles out of the bottom of the pot.
Despite being able to stand temperatures up to 37°C for small periods of time, orchids ideally like a constant temperature of 18-30°C. Should the temperature be consistently too low, the leaves may begin to turn yellow and eventually drop off. This can be resolved by moving the plant to a warmer location and cutting off the yellow leaves and foliage.
Although orchids like to have their roots protruding from the top of the pot, when they are growing new canes, this can hinder the growth. Make sure that plants are re-potted carefully and allow room for good drainage.
Orchids do not need to be fed during the winter and late spring is when you need to start applying a balanced fertilizer at every other feed. This should encourage the new cane growth, which should ideally be bigger than the mother cane.
Orchids bloom mainly around February or March time and will last anywhere between 4 and 12 weeks. Once the flowers begin the die, cut them ½ inch away from the foliage and this should ensure that the orchid will bloom annually.
Orchids need different growing media to most other household plants. Most orchids are epiphytes, which like to attach themselves to tree roots or bark to absorb nutrients and water. The best way to kill an orchid is to plant it in soil! Specially prepared orchid potting mixes are available which contain a mixture of chopped tree fern fibre, volcanic stone and charcoal.
In order to grow properly and flower, orchids need fertilizer but not too much. Apply soluble fertilizers once a month or dilute fertilizer solution weekly. Most garden centres will stock fertilizer specifically designed for use with orchids.
Ensure that there is maximum space around the orchid as this will help reduce the risk of pest attacks and or fungal contaminations. Should your plant be the recipient of these unwanted guests then the space will also aid its recovery.
The best container to house your orchid is a clay pot due to it porous properties. If using clay, ensure that you make extra drainage holes in the sides at the bottom of the pot or enlarge the existing holes. If not using clay, a plastic pot will suffice but remember that your watering and fertilizing routines may need to be adapted depending on which pot you use.
Article produced by experience days site, Wish.co.uk – if you take an interest in horticulture, then check out the range of gardening deals and other hobby days available on their site.
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