Orchids are stunning flowers that add a touch of elegance and beauty to your garden or home, but if we don’t take the necessary care in keeping these plants alive and thriving, they will no longer be as beautiful as they once were.
This article contains tips on how to repot an Orchid so that it thrives. Not only that, but we will also dip our toes into a few key things you should know about orchids to help take care of them. Interested in finding out more about orchids? Let’s get into it.
What Are Orchids, And Where Do They Come From?
Orchids are plants that come from the lily family, which is part of the plant kingdom. They originally come from countries such as Indonesia, South America, Australia, Madagascar, and Polynesia, and have been cultivated for centuries due to their incredible looks and beauty.
How Do I Repot My Orchid So That It Thrives?
There are a few important things you need to know about orchids before you get one or need to repot one. First, orchids are epiphytes, which means that they grow from roots that spread through moss and other plants onto trees and shrubs.
To make sure that this happens, keep your orchid in a pot or container that has holes in it. These holes allow moisture to go inside the pots directly back outside again and create a loop that feeds the plants continuously. If you do not do this, your orchid may become sick.
Second, most orchids like to stay cool, so avoid letting them sit in direct sunlight when you’re not around them. Instead, provide indirect light with some shade.
Also, use high humidity in order to prevent water loss by evaporation. Third, make sure to let the soil dry thoroughly after watering, otherwise you’ll cause mold or rot.
Fourth, and finally, just like any tree or plant, repot your orchid every year or two. However, remember that the more often you change the pots or containers your orchid lives in, the less likely it is to thrive.
Related: Bring Your Orchid Back to Life! How to Revive an Orchid Plant
Other Important Things You Should Know About Orchids
Orchids can actually live for up to 100 years, but only if they are cared for exceptionally well. While many people think that orchids die quickly, that isn’t true at all! If you want to keep your orchid alive, then you should stick to caring for it properly. Here are the main points you should know:
• Make sure to keep your orchid away from strong smells such as perfumes and cleaners because they could damage it. Your orchid is sensitive enough to smell things without having to be damaged.
• Keep orchids off dusty surfaces because dust particles can enter and damage living tissue. If this happens, remove the dirt immediately and wash the surface with plain water.
• Never put orchids near heat sources because they might burn. If you find yourself growing an orchid in direct sunlight, set it aside until the sun goes down.
Repotting An Orchid
Before we begin talking about what you should do to repot orchids, we want to discuss why you should do it in the first place. The answer here is simple – you must. In order to repot an orchid, you have to take some time out of your day to prepare the soil, and that takes time.
By taking that time now, you are going to save money later on. All you will need is a pot, fertilizer, soil and soil nutrients. There’s no real tools needed, and there won’t be anything special to learn how to do it.
What You Need To Know About Repotting
During repotting season, take great caution not to disturb the roots because you cannot tell how far down they go. Root balls that dry out can die, leaving the plant without the ability to absorb nutrients efficiently.
Any additional stress placed on your orchid at this stage can cause serious problems. If you don’t know the best method to repot your orchid, find someone who does, and ask for advice from them instead.
How To Repot An Orchid
Before beginning to repot your orchid, prepare the new pot by cleaning it with warm water. This helps to eliminate any residue left over from previous owners. If possible, clean it thoroughly to ensure that you don’t contaminate your new soil.
Once cleaned, fill the pot with fresh potting mix. For best results, using sterile potting mixes that contain plenty of organic matter are recommended.
When repotting an orchid, it is very important that you do not use fertilizers containing phosphorus. Phosphorus will harm your orchid and its growth even further than normal fertilizer would.
Once your new pot is ready, pour the potting mix into the bottom part of the pot and level it out evenly. Next, add the soil to the top of the pot, making sure that it is level with the brim of the pot. Finally, tuck the stems of your orchid into the soil, ensuring that none of them are exposed.
Now you are done with your orchid’s new home. It may look different, but it’s still going to perform exactly as it did before. Your job was just to give it a healthy environment where it can grow comfortably. As long as you continue to do these steps regularly, your orchid will continue to thrive and grow nicely.
What Kind Of Soil Do Orchids Like?
Orchids like soil that is rich in humus, which is the name given to a substance made up mainly of decaying vegetation. A good example of this is composted manure.
Other examples include decomposed plant material such as peat moss, leaves, grass clippings and seaweed. Composting ensures that the nutrients needed to sustain an orchid are easily accessible.
Humus also acts as a natural fungicide. Fungi feed on other organisms, and when fungi feed on plants, they actually promote both plant growth and health. They help keep plants free of disease and protect against insects and pests.
While you could get commercial products for your orchid’s soil, you can also use things you already have. Try creating your own using things you already have around the house. If you’re creative enough, you could make a concoction based on ingredients found at your local grocery store.
Fertilizer For Orchids
When choosing fertilizer for your orchid, the main thing to remember is that a balanced mixture should provide all the essential elements necessary to maintain a healthy, strong plant. Fertilizer does more than simply nourish plants; it also affects the way that your orchid grows.
Too much nitrogen in the soil often promotes vigorous root development – something many growers wish to avoid. Since most orchids prefer to be kept in smaller pots, there’s no need to worry about covering your roots.
When the time comes to fertilize your orchid, you should get a fertilizer that is balanced. This means that it should be a 20-20-20 formula that has no urea.
Most orchid growers suggest adding only one-quarter to half of what’s called a “plant food” product (a term used to refer to regular fertilizer) to a large pot. However, some growers claim that one-third of the amount recommended above works well.
Related: 9 Black Orchids Varieties (with Pictures and Care Guide)
How Much Water Do Orchids Like?
Despite the fact that orchids are tropical plants, they do not require heavy watering. Instead, these plants should be watered every two weeks during spring, summer, fall and winter. Some growers recommend watering once a week if they feel their plant needs extra moisture.
For general care, check your orchid monthly for signs of stress and adjust its water intake accordingly. In addition to maintaining proper humidity levels, you should ensure that your orchid receives adequate light.
How Much Sunlight Do Orchids Like?
When picking a spot for your orchid to live, you shouldn’t choose a place where there is strong or direct sun. These plants prefer areas that are shaded by tree branches or buildings. When selecting a location for an indoor orchid, consider placing your flowerpot into a terrarium or next to a window with indirect sunlight.
The ideal temperature for an orchid ranges between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending upon how close together your plants grow, different temperatures will work best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Orchids Poisonous To Cats?
No, pets usually don’t react negatively to orchids. Cats tend to view orchids as interesting objects rather than potential threats.
Are Orchids Easy To Care For?
Yes! Most orchids prefer relatively low maintenance. They generally do best when given regular feedings of water and very little else.
Do Orchids Need A Lot Of Water?
Orchids love water, but not too much or too often. Don’t let them sit in standing water for longer than 1 hour at a time. After 1 hour, they start to lose their color. Also, make sure they get enough air circulation.
Do Orchids Lose Their Flowers?
Unfortunately, most orchid varieties develop blooms infrequently. Some types of orchids actually produce new buds from old ones. Others bloom only once a year.
Final Thoughts On Orchids
Orchids are some of the most beautiful plants you get, and they are unique in their appearance. Although there are so many species, each have their great qualities.
If you have an orchid, or are thinking of getting one, take your time and learn everything you can before purchasing. Even though this article may seem like a lot, once you decide your orchid deserves to call home, it won’t take long to find out which species fits your lifestyle.
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