An orchid is able to transform any space around it. This flower is one of the ten most beautiful plants in the world. Despite the sophistication, the orchid feels good at home if it receives quality care.
Orchid benefits
Orchids grow on almost every continent. The notable exceptions are the Arctic and Antarctic. There are over 35 thousand varieties of orchids. Almost all of them can be found in the tropics, because the plant loves warmth and high humidity.
The orchid has a wide range of colors, far beyond the range of colors of the rainbow. You can find flowering in both classic shades and black, purple, blue. These plants are underground, above ground, and even tree-living.
Among some peoples of Asia, it is generally accepted that the orchid drives away evil spirits from the dwelling. It is often used in medicine.
Orchid care
Many are afraid to start orchids, considering them very capricious, demanding. In fact, things are not so bad. You just need to learn some of the nuances of caring for them.
Most often, you can find phalaenopsis in stores. They are brought from hot countries with a humid climate. Therefore, in order for the flowers to feel comfortable, you just need to create conditions that resemble their usual environment.
The orchid needs support. To do this, each pot must have a tall, stable, long stick. You can make it yourself or find it at any flower shop. On sale there are elementary supports and graceful, twisted ones.
Lighting
The orchid loves light, while it does not favor direct sunlight. It is important to take into account this whim, otherwise the leaves of the plant will be scorched. Window sills facing east or west are great.
In autumn and winter, the flower will lack natural light, so you will have to take care of additional lighting. Otherwise, it will negatively affect the duration of flowering, as well as the health of the plant.
Temperature
There is no need to create a specific temperature for the orchid. It adapts to the conditions familiar to a person. The only thing he does not like is air conditioners, since this technique can dry out the air. Drafts are also important to avoid. During the period of airing the room, the plants must be removed from the windowsill.
By varying the temperature regime, you can achieve the onset of orchid flowering. If the plant has arranged for itself a long rest, not pleasing the owner with flowers, you can lower the temperature of the content to 12 degrees Celsius. After a few days, the green beauty will begin to lay the buds. It will be necessary to return to the usual room temperature smoothly, avoiding a sharp drop.
Humidity
Achieving a tropical climate in an apartment is difficult and unnecessary. Irrigation with settled water from a spray bottle will help to maintain a pleasant microclimate for a flower. This should be done 4 times a week. Moisturize the stem and leaves, but not the inflorescences.
If the apartment has a humidifier, this will remove the issue of additional spraying of the plant.
Watering
The flower can be planted in any pot, but it is better to give preference to a transparent one. Then it will be possible to avoid watering in the upper part of the soil, which the plant does not really like. It will be enough just to put the pot in a container of water for 5-6 minutes. During this time, the roots will draw in as much liquid as they need.
If the orchid lives in a clay pot, then it will need to be watered after the topsoil has dried out. It is important not to pour over the "southern beauty", otherwise the root system will rot, the leaves will turn yellow, and the flowers will fall off. If this happens, then the plant must be removed from the pot, cut off the dead roots, and change the soil.
In winter, watering is reduced, in summer it is increased. Thinning leaves are the consequences of a lack of moisture.
The soil
Universal soil will definitely not work for orchids. He will destroy the plant in a week. A special base will be required. It is important to select the soil based on the type of orchid. The ideal option is to purchase orchid soil at a retail outlet and enrich it with pieces of expanded clay, sphagnum moss, pine or oak bark, and charcoal. This will create an airy soil.
All additives must undergo heat treatment so as not to introduce harmful bacteria into the soil.
Orchids are not suitable for classic plant food. They prefer soluble mineral fertilizers with phosphorus, nitrogen and iron. These substances accelerate the growth of leaves, the development of flowering.
