planter and substrate
The roots of orchid plants are not in the ground, but hang high up from the branches of the jungle giants. Here they absorb some of the nutrients directly from the air and rainwater. Now place orchids in conventional ones potting soil, which tightly encloses the root system, the storage organs rot in a short time.
also read
- Five valuable tips for orchid care
- Water orchids properly - tips for professional watering
- This is how orchids show their most beautiful side in pots - care tips
Special coarse-grained and airy mixtures from the trade are suitable as a substrate. You can orchid soil but you can also make your own from the following components:
- 5 parts medium pine bark
- 2 parts sphagnum
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part nut shells
Always use special pots for orchids when repotting. These have an integrated step so that the sensitive roots do not stand in the water. The new vessel should only be slightly larger than the previous one.
Some orchid species do not tolerate any moisture on the storage organs. Plant them in plastic baskets, like those used for pond plants.
Pour according to requirements
Waterlogging very quickly leads to root rot in orchids and thus to the death of the exotic beauties. However, the frequently recommended shot glass full of water per week is clearly not enough.
- Water the plants generously once a week.
- Preferably use low-lime water, which you leave to stand for a while until it has reached room temperature.
- After about ten minutes, pour away any excess liquid that collects in the cachepot.
Fertilize with the right preparation
A special one is suitable for supplying nutrients orchid fertilizer, because the composition of these agents is precisely tailored to the needs of the plants. Orchids are fertilized from March to October.
The site
Since orchids grow protected by the leaves of the jungle giants, they do not tolerate direct sunlight well. Therefore, place the plants in a bright and sunny place by the window.
However, orchids are relatively insensitive to changes in location. On the contrary: a change of location often has a positive effect on the willingness to flower.
Remove faded shoots
- For Phalaenopsis, cut spent shoots above the second or third Eye away. The flower stalk then almost always sprout again.
- Single stem orchids like the lady's slipper always set flowers on a new shoot. Therefore, the withered stem is cut off at the base.
- Cut out dried stems or leaves directly above the substrate.
tips
When repotting, you should cut back dried and rotten roots. Green root system as well the aerial roots are never cut back, as this would unnecessarily weaken the plant.