Keeping Your Orchids Healthy
Orchids are beautiful and sensitive flowers that individuals will often enjoy growing. Unfortunately, there are many individuals that will simply struggle when it comes to keeping these plants alive.
Avoid Overwatering The Orchids
A common mistake that people will make with their orchids will be substantially overwatering them. Ideally, these flowers should only be watered on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, overwatering can result in these plants starting to droop, which can lead to a person assuming that they need more water. However, this is actually the result of the root system being damaged, which can prevent it from actually absorbing the water that is in the soil. Closely measuring the amount of water that you give your orchid and the schedule when the water is administered can help you with avoiding this potentially lethal problem for your plant.
Only Use Fertilizers That Are Designed For Orchids
In order for your orchids to thrive, you will need to make sure that they are getting the nutrients that they need. This will typically involve the need to apply fertilizer to the soil. One of the best times for this type of feeding can be when the orchid is being watered, as these products can be dissolved in the water. The mistake of using fertilizer products that are not intended for orchids can actually result in substantial harm to these plants. This is due to the ease with which fertilizer products can actually burn the roots of these plants or make the soil too acidic for the roots to be able to effectively absorb these nutrients. Luckily, most orchid retailers can sell a variety of high-quality fertilizer products that are specifically designed for use with these sensitive flowers.
Place The Orchid Where It Receives Indirect Light
Orchids will need a fairly large amount of light in order to thrive. However, it is important to make sure that this light is hitting the orchid at an indirect angle. Strong direct light can actually damage these plants, which can make it harder for them to bloom as well as increase the risk of them developing disease. If you do not have a window that will comfortably provide the right type of lighting conditions, there are lights that you can purchase that can be configured to provide your orchids with the right intensity and amount of light that the plants will need to thrive under your care. These lights will also include an adjustable rack or base that can allow them to be moved as the orchid grows taller.
For more information about caring for your orchid plant, contact a local garden shop.