How to grow orchids: a simple and effective guide
There is nothing better than decorating your home with plants and, among the most popular in this sense, undoubtedly orchids stand out. With its unmistakably shaped flowers, bright yet delicate colors and leaves luxuriant, the orchid lends itself perfectly to living rooms and bedrooms, giving that touch of class and refinement that never ceases to enchant. Furthermore, its cultivation is not reserved only for green-fingered gardeners: growing this plant in the home is easier than you might think.
So, today we will find out how to grow orchids, what their characteristics are and we will give you some advice to keep them healthy and take care of them better!
Main characteristics of orchids
Before choosing and buying an orchid, it is good to know the general characteristics of this type of plant. First of all, there are many varieties from different areas of the world, in particular from Asia, from countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and the Indies. To date, the best-selling species present in most cases on the market is Phalaenopsis, which comes from the area between Indonesia and the Philippines. As you can guess, these plants are born in a tropical climate and are therefore , accustomed to a high level of humidity, with medium-high temperatures and almost constant rainwater.
Over the years, the orchid has become one of the most loved floral species thanks to its unique and special conformation, with its leaves - ranging from a minimum of two to a maximum of five or six - dark green in stark contrast to the stem and the color of its flower. The latter can be of multiple shades: from white to light pink, from purple to intense yellow with shades of pink towards the center. All of this has made orchids popular all over the world, but their elegance is not to be confused with delicacy: growing this plant can be easier than expected.
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Where to grow orchids
As we have already mentioned, there are many varieties of orchids and today we will especially consider Phalaenopsis, which can be found in most shops. This plant is generally grown in pots: you can use all types of containers, from classic terracotta ones to plastic ones, even including those in fabric. The material of the orchid pot is indifferent, but experts recommend preferring transparent glass or even plastic pots, because they allow the roots to take light and develop at their best. In fact, the roots of orchids perform a similar function to that of their leaves, or they contribute to the process of chlorophyll photosynthesis.
Most orchids prefer cultivation in contact with the air rather than the ground. This is because their roots are covered with a white layer, which allows the plant to absorb the water it needs. For the choice of soil, a type of substrate suitable for this plant is commercially available with pine bark inside. , pieces of polystyrene and cork, charcoal and clay balls.
The ideal lighting and the right temperature
Given its tropical origin, the orchid is not a floral species resistant to cold and outdoor life throughout the year, so it is recommended to cultivate it in the home environment. Its ideal climate is around 17-25 degrees, although, with the right amount of water and the correct level of ventilation, it can survive and be healthy even beyond 30 degrees. When orchids are grown in areas that are too cold, dark spots begin to appear on the leaves and flowers, leading to the deterioration of the plant.
All this makes us understand how important it is to choose the right place to place your vase. The living conditions of this species foresee two important precautions: never expose an "orchid to air currents" and, in the same way, to direct sunlight. In fact, this plant does need light but filtered by a curtain or another type of protection: in summer, the sun's rays could burn its leaves, while in winter the absence of light would block its growth and flowering.
When to water the orchid
As with all plants - including succulents -, water and its correct administration are also essential for the cultivation of orchids. In general, orchid soil should always be moist and drained, limiting watering to only when needed. This is because, if it is wetted too often, there is a risk of creating stagnation inside the pot which causes the roots of the plant to rot.
In summer or during the winter season when the domestic heating is on, the orchid should be wetted regularly, even 3 or 4 times a week, always checking the conditions of the soil first. In spring and autumn, however, the amount of water must be reduced to once or twice a week. The best time of day to water the orchid is early in the morning so that the water has plenty of time to evaporate during the day avoiding the risk of stagnation.
The flowering period
However, the absence of flowers is not always synonymous with poor orchid health.As with most plants, this too has a limited flowering period that varies depending on the country in which it is located. In Italy, normally, the winter season is when Phalaenopsis and the like rest, and then return to bloom with milder outdoor temperatures, at the beginning or in the middle of spring.
Diseases and pests of orchids
It is possible to see when orchids get sick because they show obvious external signs. Among the most frequent causes, c "is the incorrect lighting, which can be either excessive with the sun's rays directed on the plant or too scarce and which therefore prevents flowering and the growth of the leaves. In the same way, it must be taken into consideration the humidity of the substrate and the surrounding environment: for its ideal living conditions, an orchid would need high humidity levels, which are around 70%. A very simple technique to ensure the right humidity is to place its pot inside another larger container, on the bottom of which expanded clay and water must be placed.
Moving on, instead, to the parasites that most affect these plants, there are the scale insects, one of the most harmful types of insects for domestic floral species and beyond. To eliminate them, you can pass a cotton swab soaked in alcohol on leaves. , stem and flower of the plant. Other pests that can cause damage to the plant are mites and the red spider.
