Orchid is a delicate and capricious plant that requires the creation of certain conditions for itself. Taking care of an orchid at home is sometimes difficult even for an experienced florist. However, if you follow all the rules and recommendations, the plant will "thank" its owner with magnificent flowers.
The place for the orchid is chosen in accordance with certain rules. Since the daily light period that the plant needs is 10-15 hours, the window sill of the western or eastern window would be the best option for placing it. The pot must be rotated periodically. It is worth considering that direct sunlight on the orchid is highly undesirable. In addition, if a breath of cold air is felt from the window at night, the plant should be removed to a warm place.
The orchid can also be placed in the room. To do this, you only need a fluorescent lamp, which will illuminate the plant with the necessary white light. With the help of such a lamp, you can solve the problem of lighting in the winter.
A plant can develop fully only in a humid environment. This is especially true of its stem, leaves and flowers. Ideally, the humidity for an orchid growing at home is 60 to 80%. Below this threshold, its indicators should not fall. You should know that drafts are contraindicated for this delicate plant, however, the orchid also does not like stagnant air. There should be good natural ventilation in the room. If there is no such ventilation in the room with the orchid, then you can use the household fan in the operating mode with the lowest power. The comfort temperature of the plant ranges from 10 to 25 ° C.
The orchid constantly needs spraying. She especially needs it in the hot summer and during the heating season. Experienced growers advise to spray the plant only during daylight hours.
Virtually all orchid species in a moist soil environment are likely to prefer an arid one. In a critical situation, they can almost safely survive for several weeks without watering. If, during the same time, literally flood the orchid with water, the plant will die. The most optimal watering in the warm season is considered to be watering every 3-4 days. In the cold period, it is recommended to increase the intervals between watering to 7-10 days.
During the period of active growth and flowering of the orchid, it is recommended to water it more intensively. During the dormant period, the plant's need for watering decreases.
No less than other indoor plants, orchids need additional feeding. Especially this need increases in them during the period of bud formation and, in fact, flowering. The orchid is a very selective plant: it can only be fed with special fertilizers intended for the orchid family. Otherwise, you can cause serious damage to its roots. Actively growing and flowering plants should be fertilized once every two weeks, and during the dormant period - once a month.
It is categorically impossible to transplant an orchid during its flowering period. This should be done only during the period when the plant has faded. Before transplanting, it is necessary to cut off the dried peduncle. It should be borne in mind that an orchid is transplanted only if it is impossible for its further growth, i.e. then, when its roots become cramped in its pot. It is advisable to transplant the orchid into a pot with a special potting soil. It should include components important for the plant - moss, pine bark, charcoal.
