Read how to properly grow an orchid at home. The article describes several methods of planting a flower, as well as conditions for growing, caring for and watering an orchid. The orchid is probably the only flower that absolutely everyone likes. Walking through the shop windows, where the pots with these marvelous flowers are located, everyone begins to be touched and get incredible pleasure. In fact, orchids can be grown by themselves and at home, although you will need to make the maximum amount of effort, but the result will definitely please.
Choosing flowers
There are about 25,000 species of orchids on the planet, and there are about 90,000 different hybrids. At the same time, you need to know that not all flowers are suitable for home breeding.
Much depends on the room temperature. Varieties such as cattleyas, dendrobiums and phalaenopsis bloom beautifully in warm rooms, but paphiopedilums and celogyny, on the contrary, prefer cold.
If you first decided to grow an orchid at home, then it is best to give preference to Phalaenopsis. This flower is less picky than the rest of its congeners and is ideal for the climate of our country.
Planting the selected orchid flower
In the natural environment, the orchid grows on other plants, and this suggests that at home it also needs to be planted in a special substrate. But at the same time, it is always worth considering the recommendations for choosing the soil, depending on the selected plant subspecies.
1. We plant an orchid on a block
What to choose for the block? A wide variety of options will do. It can be tree bark, fern, and even a variety of driftwood. The choice must be made based on the size of the flower, as well as depending on the recommendations put forward for its subspecies.
The landing itself is not so difficult to make. First you need to take a suitable flowerpot and cover its bottom with high-quality moss. Then place the selected block in it and, using a special thread, tie the plant root to the snag or bark.
Further, it is worth remembering that the plant on the block dries up quickly, and therefore it is advisable to provide it with increased air humidity. Ideally, for the first time the flower can live in a good greenhouse.
2. We plant the orchid in the substrate
Orchid substrate is best purchased ready-made, but if this is not possible, you can prepare the soil at home.
Option number 1
All that is needed is to take pine bark and moss. First you need to pre-process the pine in order to destroy all insects. To do this, the bark needs to be boiled for 10 minutes, then dry well and repeat the procedure several more times. As soon as the bark is ready, it needs to be crushed, mixed with moss and then flowers can be planted.
Option number 2
We take in equal parts fern, moss and earth. Mix well with each other and, if possible, add oak leaves that have already fallen off.
Option number 3
You need to take pine bark and peat, depending on what proportions they are suitable for the selected type of orchid. Mix well and the substrate is ready.
You can use a wide variety of containers for flowers, but now the store has a large selection of flowerpots designed specifically for orchids. Also, flowerpots must necessarily have drainage holes so that excess moisture does not accumulate and the earth does not begin to bloom. And also in advance you need to take care of the perch that can support the flowers.
3. We plant flowers in a pot
We put drainage on the bottom of the peas, it can be either special or the most common broken shards, tiles, etc. We plant the flower itself in a pot and fill everything with a substrate, but so that part of the stem is not sprinkled.
4. We plant flowers in a basket
Orchids can be planted in a basket, such a capacity is considered ideal for a flower. Naturally, for such an area, drainage is not needed, since natural ventilation occurs. It is important to prepare a good block and attach it well to the bottom of the basket. It is also worth choosing a wetter substrate due to increased ventilation. Peat is placed on the sides of the basket.
Conditions for growing orchids
Orchids love light, but only if the sun's rays are not direct, but scattered. If the windows are located on opposite sides of the world, it is best to give preference to the east side. But in winter, it is imperative to create artificial lighting, since the daylight hours of the orchid should be at least 12 hours. Otherwise, the leaves of the flower will simply begin to wither and fall off.
Now about the air temperature that is suitable for plants. The minimum possible temperature can be 12 degrees, but it is better not to bring it up to that. The most optimal temperature should fluctuate around +20 - +25 degrees.
The air humidity should be optimal, approximately 50%. In general, the ideal condition is when the air humidity is 70%, but such figures are possible only in a greenhouse. Therefore, artificially humidifying the air is still at least periodically, but desirable. In addition, it is imperative to ventilate the room so that the air is not stagnant, otherwise the plant can get sick with various infectious diseases. In addition, in no case should drafts be allowed, otherwise the plant will immediately die. Humidify the air by spraying so that water does not fall on the plant flower. It is worth carrying out the procedure at least 3 times a day, especially in the summer. Do not spray orchids at night if they are in a well-ventilated area, so that they do not freeze from temperature changes. In winter, even when the air is humidified, it is not recommended to spray the plant itself.
How to water orchids
It is necessary to water the orchid only with special soft water. It should not contain chlorine or any other chemical compounds. That is why water for irrigation is defended or boiled. But it's best to collect rainwater whenever possible or defrost snow. By the way, defrosted water can be prepared artificially. To do this, you need to freeze ordinary tap water to ice, and then simply defrost it at room temperature.
So that the water is not too hard, it is also softened in an artificial way. To do this, they take peat, wrap it in a bag made of natural fabric and immerse it in water. Peat should be taken at the rate of 1: 1, that is, for 10 liters of water, 10 grams of peat.
As for the irrigation regime, it is individual for each subspecies separately. It is worth remembering one rule that applies to all orchids. You can water them only when the substrate dries out completely, otherwise the root may dry out. If suddenly there is excess water in the flowerpot, it must be able to come out through the holes, otherwise the plant will simply die.
You can water the flowers only in the morning. The water temperature should be no less than +30 and no more than + 40 degrees. In summer, water every two days. In winter, no more than 2 times a week. And if the air humidity is high, then watering can be carried out once a week.
Periodically, you can create hot water showers for the orchid. It should last no more than 2 minutes. It is very effective for the flower, especially during the flowering period.
Of course, it is difficult to carry out all these actions. But if you love orchids and pay due attention to them, they will repay you in kind and delight you with their exquisite flowering for at least 6 months a year.
