Have you been given an orchid and don't know how to care for it? It is normal to feel overwhelmed by these majestic plants, since they require different care than other plants.
Orchids are exotic plants, very curious and varied. The Orchidaceae family has more than 25,000 different species, and they are essential to the balance of many ecosystems. Orchids are characterized by hard green leaves, accompanied by aerial roots that feed the plant.
They are beloved plants because, when they bloom, they expose beautiful flowers that, depending on the type of orchid, are of one color or another. The most common colors for orchids are white, pink, purple and yellow. Despite their beauty, not many people dare to care for an orchid at home, for fear that it will wither. However, although the method of caring for an orchid is different from that of a normal plant, it is not at all difficult and requires very little effort.
The first thing to keep in mind is that the orchid needs abundant light, but not direct light, or the roots will burn. Keep in mind that this is a tropical plant that can live on tree trunks, protected by the foliage. If it is next to a window where the light shines all day long, it is enough. East and west facing windows are its favorite.
Mild temperatures for your orchid
In terms of temperature, it is a plant that tolerates temperature fluctuations well. In the morning, it will feel at its best with warm temperatures, up to 27 degrees. At night, it prefers mild temperatures, between 13 and 18 degrees. Think of the orchid as a person, which needs mild temperatures to be comfortable.
The frequency of watering depends on the time of year and the needs of the plant.
The way you water an orchid is something totally different from that of a houseplant. If you notice, even its substrate is different. It is not universal substrate, but pine bark that allows to accumulate humidity without suffocating the plant. To water an orchid, it must be done by immersion. Place the pot in a container and fill it with water to cover the entire root ball. Let it absorb water for an hour and then drain it. This should be done when the substrate is dry.
You will notice that the plant is lacking water because all the roots turn silvery or grayish. If this happens with the upper roots, but the substrate is still moist at the bottom, you should spray the aerial roots with a little water. The most delicate part of the orchid are the roots, because they are the ones that distribute all the nutrients to your plant. These roots are aerial because they take the sun and water directly from the environment. That is why it is important that your orchid pot is transparent or translucent, with holes for air circulation.
Get beautiful flowers every year
Finally, for the orchid to bloom strongly every spring (depending on the type of orchid it may bloom more times a year), it is advisable to use an orchid fertilizer and use it according to the instructions. And, every two years, always after flowering, it is advisable to transplant it to another larger pot, change the substrate and remove the rotten roots.
