How To Care For An Orchid Plant

Tips to take good care of your Orchid plant

Did you know that Orchid has over 22,000 species divided into 880 Categories? Orchid is the most diverse flowering plant on earth. Usually, orchid plants grow in thick forests clinging on to trees. Though the plant does not get any nutrients from the tree, its roots are found grasped onto the tree bark. The decayed crooks or droppings from animals on the tree are food to the orchid plant. Since it’s humid in forests, the roots of orchids absorb water from the air. The plant has to live in the abundance of water during the raining season and has to survive in dryness as well. The thick stems are scientifically known as “pseudobulbs” which lets them store water for dry seasons. In short, Orchid plants survive in tough conditions but when they are brought to a typical home setup, it takes time for the plant to adjust to the new conditions. However, it’s not at all a rocket science to take care of Orchid, though the plant has earned a reputation of being a “tough plant”. Here are a few points to help you take good care of your orchid Plant.

Get the right Special Media Mix

You need to get a perfect Media Mix for your orchid plant to grow well. Such a mix is created by blending different organic substances such as tree fern, charcoal, perlite, sphagnum peak, coconut husks, etc. The type of mix you need depends upon the type of orchid plant you are buying and the condition where it will be grown. So, while buying the orchid plant, discuss with the plant’s expert about the special Media Mix. When you buy the plant, the media mix may already be filled-in but you would need this information when you go for a repotting.

Buy a transparent Pot for Orchid

The healthy root is the symbol of a healthy orchid plant. Therefore, the orchid pot should be transparent to let you see the root of the plant. The media mix would look darker when it’s wet and becomes lighter as the water content reduces. So, by potting the orchid in a transparent container, you will be in a better position to understand when to water the plant. It’s true that an orchid plant requires ample amounts of water but overwatering can kill the plant. Therefore, observe the color of the mix and water it accordingly. You can even put your finger 1 inch deep in the soil to check if it is dry. You should immediately water the plant if the soil is dry. The frequency of watering depends upon the climatic condition as well. So, do not water the plant at regular intervals rather check the soil condition and water the plant accordingly. You should also supply proper fertilizers to see the plant growing well.

Lighting

It’s advised to place the orchid plant in an east to south-facing corridor or window to let it enjoy bright indirect sunlight. Insufficient light can kill the plant and at the same time, too much bright light can lead to leaf scorch. Thankfully, orchid plants grow well in fluorescent lights with spectrum bulbs. So, if you think that the plant is not getting proper light, get HID lights for your orchid. Orchid plants are prone to bacterial infections. So, if you find your orchid plant not doing well. You should check for any sort of infection. Different kinds of sprays are available to treat an infected orchid plant or you can even opt for organic remedies like cinnamon sprinkles. If you take good care of your orchid plant, it will last for a very long time and will bless you with flowers every year.

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