Most of the species that are popular in our country grow by clinging to the surface of the tree. Other species grow in the ground, but their roots are only in the surface layer and in places where water drains well. We also use these natural conditions when growing orchids.
What they cannot be without
No matter which type we choose, the basic rule is that the water should drain well from the flowerpot and should not remain in the bowl under the flowerpot. We water the plants either early in the morning or in the evening. We do not keep them moist, but let them dry out, even for several days. The roots of orchids need air so that they are not attacked by fungal diseases. That’s why we don’t try to squeeze them into pots by force, but let them imitate the conditions they have in their natural environment. There, too, the water immediately flows from the roots and the plant absorbs atmospheric moisture through its roots. That’s why it works very well in apartments, especially in the kitchen.
How about the dew
Since the roots serve the plant to capture moisture from the air, we do not cut them under any circumstances. Be careful with dew, especially on hot days. The plant has closed stomata during the day and does not receive water, so drops of water can burn it. Plants will rather benefit from an increase in air humidity in the room where they are located. There is no need to soak the roots for half an hour in the sink, as they say. Just water the plant well or soak it briefly and let it drain immediately. Water is well received not only by the roots that are in the air, but also those that are under the surface of the substrate.
No need to soak the roots for half an hour in the sink, as they say. Just water the plant well or soak it briefly and let it drain immediately.
With enforcement slowly
Orchids need only be transplanted when the substrate breaks down, which is usually after two or even three years. Therefore, there is no need to hurry with implementation. We will transplant the plants we just bought as soon as possible after flowering. The size of the container should be the same or only slightly larger than the original container. The day before transplanting, pour boiling water over the new substrate to destroy the germs of pests and diseases. Use pieces of pine or poplar bark as a substrate. It is good if you leave the bark soaked in a bucket of water for several weeks. You can mix pieces of charcoal, or perlite, moss, peat into the bark – it depends on the specific species and genus. We do not fertilize orchids in winter.
