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Orchid maintenance: water, lighting, reuse and more part-2

Orchids Maintenance



In their own habitat, orchids grow like weeds, but they are susceptible to house disease as houseplants. For best results, provide the conditions they want. Some species have individual preferences, but all need light, air, water, food, rest, and, from time to time, a new pot to thrive.


Orchid flowers


Of course, orchids are famous for their beautiful flowers, which will last forever. However, jasmines will choose to bloom. Here are answers to some common orchid flower questions:



How Often Do Orchids Bloom?



It depends on the type of orchid. Phalaenopsis orchids bloom every few months, other varieties only once or twice a year.

How Long Do Orchid Flowers Last? Depending on the species, orchid flowers can last from several days to several weeks. Usually, orchids are kept in a cool place, watered enough, and they will last a long time if not pressed.



When should I cut the flower spike?


 Once the flowers wither and the stem begins to fall off (called a "spike"), it can be cut. Prune the spikes at the base and be careful not to accidentally pluck any leaves or roots. Phalaenopsis orchids are an exception: they often produce more flowers from the same flower spike, so do not pluck it as soon as the flowers have faded. In fact, leaving the flower spike in Phalaenopsis orchids will speed up the time between blooms.


Why doesn't my orchid bloom?


 Your orchid often does not get enough light. Read more about lighting below!


Lighting

Without enough light, lush growth can be expected but no flowers. Adequate light is a common cause of flower failure.

These plants thrive in strong light, but direct sunlight can burn orchids. Bright, indirect light from the east or south window is best.


Leaf color is a good indicator of the light an orchid receives:


The bright green leaves represent a happy, healthy plant.

Dark green leaves indicate that a plant is not getting enough light.

Yellow-green or red leaves indicate that a plant is receiving too much light.


If you suspect your orchid is in too much light, feel the leaves. If they feel warmer than the surrounding air, move the plant to a place with less intense brightness.


Air circulation



Jasmines should also have fresh, circulating air. In the wild, a continuous gentle breeze is essential for their survival. The moving air helps to evaporate the stagnant water, which is the breeding ground for fungi and bacteria trapped during irrigation.

Ventilation helps the jasmine leaves to tolerate the intense light that burns them. Create a gentle breeze: Open the windows in the summer and use a swing fan in the winter. Without ventilation, orchids may eventually die from rot, carbon dioxide deficiency, or disease.


Water


Experts say that more orchids are killed by improper irrigation than for any other reason. Water as soon as the orchids are dry. Excessive watering can lead to rot, which can kill orchid roots.

Do not water the orchids with ice cubes! Most orchid houseplants are tropical species and do not appreciate the direct cold of an ice cube. (Imagine how you would feel if someone on the beach dropped a bucket of snow on you!)


To find out when to water, take a potted orchid and inspect it: Is the potting mixture dry? Does the pot feel light? This probably means you need a drink.


Another way to tell if an orchid is thirsty is to look at its roots:

The plump white roots indicate a healthy orchid that is properly watered. When watered, healthy roots should turn bright green.

Sylvester gray roots signal that the orchid needs more water.

Compressed or fluffy brown and black roots are a sign of rot, so watering should be reduced.


Generally, once a week in warm weather in winter, crush the plants in warm water once a week. Water until the water comes out of the pot freely; It expels salts naturally. Once the indoor air is dry, spray the orchids with warm water to maintain moisture. Landslides prefer to keep slightly moister than epiphytes.


Fertilization


As a general rule, fertilize the jasmine once every 2 weeks during peak growth (spring and summer) once a month during the dull (autumn and winter) months. 30-10-10 Apply compost or orchid food, half strength Dilute.

Approach the flowers and play safely with a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20.

Many experienced growers fertilize “weekly, weakly”.


Inactivity


Many orchids generally need dormancy or rest during the winter. During this time, when you reduce or stop fertilizing, plants strengthen their root systems, grow leaves, and store energy to stimulate their next growth and flowering. Generally, an orchid will bloom again every 8 to 12 months.

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