How To Care For Orchids In South Africa
Even though they typically don’t have a delightful aroma, orchids are a terrific addition to any home thanks to their stunning aesthetics, vivid colors, and unique bloom forms.
Instead of the customary bouquet of flowers, they are frequently presented as gifts because they are more exquisite and stay a lot longer.
Here are some suggestions for maintaining your orchids’ finest appearance:
Taking Care of Orchids
Because most orchids are epiphytic, or tree-growing plants, they need a growth medium that allows for good drainage. Since smaller pots dry out more quickly, they prefer them. Don’t move an orchid you just bought into a bigger container.
- Put the plant and pot into a larger decorative container instead. Grass can be used.. The smaller container can be covered with moss or bark chips. The plant can then be removed from the container, watered, and then returned when the extra water has been drained.
- Light is essential. Put your orchid in a spot that will give it plenty of bright light, but not direct sunshine.
- Humidity is ideal for the growth of orchids. Put the pot on a saucer that is filled with water, sand, or gravel to assist increase humidity. A plant’s roots do not benefit from being constantly wet, so make sure the pot on the gravel is not touching any water. To water the plant, you might alternatively use a spray bottle.
- Depending on the growing medium, you may need to water the plant. The majority of orchids are raised in greenhouses.In a bark mixture that can receive watering once a week during the winter and every second or third day during the summer. Water your plant less frequently if it is covered in moss.
- If you make sure the plant is thoroughly moistened, you can water less frequently. The simplest technique is to put the pot in the sink or a big pot filled to the brim with water. Permit the excess water to drain out after letting the pot soak for at least 10 to 20 minutes. This will guarantee that the plant gets enough water.
- You must give your orchid food. A plant will endure longer if it is stronger and produces more blossoms. In the spring and summer, it is advisable to feed the plants once per week with a fertilizer that is water soluble. When soaking the plant, add it to the water.
- Dust tends to accumulate on indoor plants. When this occurs, take them outside and thoroughly rinse them with a garden hose. When the leaves are clean, they perform significantly better.
How should a beginner care for an orchid?
The ideal temperature range for orchids is between 60 and 70 degrees F at night and 65 to 80 degrees F during the day. Keep them away from open windows and air vents since they prefer consistent temperature levels. Keep in mind that orchids need moist air, so aim to keep the room’s humidity level between 55 and 75 percent.
Above all care for them with love.