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Keep your orchids happy with these tips
Every type of plant has its own specific needs in order to ensure that they grow and develop as they should. The basic needs of every plant include light, water, and proper soil nutrition. That said, the amount of light and the amount of water will also vary from plant to plant. If you are growing orchids, it’s important to make sure that you understand the needs of this plant.
Light
Orchids need a fair amount of light but they do not need harsh light or it will cause more harm than good. Morning sun is good along with plenty of indirect sunlight throughout the day. During the winter, the days can become considerably shorter which means that you might want to invest in some suitable artificial lighting.
Soil
In their natural environment, orchids are known to attach themselves to various trees. This means that they are not actually rooted in soil. When you visit your nursery, you will notice that they sell a special potting mix designed for orchids. This potting mix is designed to help anchor the roots without holding much water. This is essential when it comes to preventing root rot. If you use regular soil, the soil will hold on to water and the wet soil will cause damage to the roots of your orchid.
Temperatures
Orchids are a lot like most people out there. While they enjoy warmer weather, they do not enjoy excessive heat. Moderate temperatures are ideal for these plants so make sure that they are kept comfortable in summer and winter if you want best results.
Water
Watering regularly is important but, even more so is humidity. Take a moment to think about the natural home of these plants. They are happiest in rainforest environments. This means that they prefer higher levels of humidity. Even if your home is not humid, you can still help your orchid by placing the pot on top of a tray of pebbles and water. The stones prevent the potting mix from soaking up the water. The water evaporates so that the area around the plant has greater humidity.
Pruning
When pruning, it’s important to know where to snip the plant. If you want to re-pot, you should cut off all flowers before doing so. It may take about a year before the orchid blooms again but it will be happier in its new home. When cuting the stem, you should make sure that you do so directly below the last faded flower. Within the following 3 months, new flowers should form.
Fertilizing
You should only use orchid fertilizer for these plants and make sure that you always follow the instructions very carefully. Too little fertilizer will have no effect on the plant. Too much fertilizer can damage the roots and the plant may perish.
Always monitor your orchid to make sure that it is doing well. The plant will let you know if something is wrong. If you notice any problems, immediate action can help you save your orchid.