Orchids

Orchids are popular houseplants with 200 different species in nature. Although there are many species of this plant in nature, they all have similar physical properties and have a long arched branch covered with beautiful coloured blooms. Growing or maintaining orchids is very easy. Because this beautiful plant is on the list of low light and low water plants, its flowers have a shelf life of about 3 to 6 months. It is interesting to know that orchid leaves are covered with a heavy layer of wax to prevent water wastage.

In general, it can be said that the temperature of 12 to 28 degrees Celsius is suitable for keeping this plant at home. If you live in temperate climates, you will not have difficulty maintaining orchids in your apartment. Note that cold weather destroys the buds of this plant.

It is recommended to add a glass of water when the soil of the orchid pot is dry, and you do not feel any moisture on the soil surface. This amount should wet the pot’s soil and not remain on its surface. Orchid roots are designed for rapid water absorption and respiration.

As mentioned, the best time to water an orchid is when you look at the pot mixture and measure the moisture level. For this purpose, you can use your finger and insert it up to 2.5 cm into the soil to find out if the plant needs irrigation or not, so if your finger does not have moisture. You do not feel the water, you can plant Irrigate yourself, and you can even ensure this by placing a thin piece of wood for fifteen minutes.

The orchid needs an environment with moderate light and away from direct sunlight. In short, if the green orchid leaves are green, it indicates that the environmental conditions are suitable for the growth of this plant. But the dark green leaves show low light, and you have to change the location of the pot. The yellowish-brown leaves also indicate excessive light. It is recommended to use this flower next to the window to prevent wilting and to dry the petals.

The best time to prune an orchid is when all the flowers in the plant have fallen off, and if your plant has open flowers or is producing buds, you should avoid pruning your plant. If your plant has yellow stems and spots like spots, it will also mean that your plant is severely damaged and will not produce flowers in the future, so it is recommended not to prune your plant.

Usually, two types of soil are used for orchids:
Tree bark
Coarse moss
If the orchid soil is tree bark, it needs to be changed once a year or twice a year; Because its wood texture will be crushed over time and will lose its drainage and water release properties.

Orchid flowers, like other houseplants, need fertilization to be better. The best fertilizers for this plant are decomposed and released over time or fertilizers with a composition of 14-14-14%, consisting of NPK every month at a dose of one in a thousand or half. Per thousand will be helpful for plant growth.

According to a general rule and maintenance of orchid flower branches, the orchid pot should be changed every few years. Still, it is better to change the pot every two years, and since such sudden changes are very stressful for the plant, We need to be able to do well in determining when it is appropriate to do so. It should be noted that the aerial roots of the orchid-like be compact and concave, and my suggestion for the proper size of the pot to replace the orchid pot is a pot that is 2.5 cm larger than the previous pot of the plant.

Consider the part of the orchid stem with at least one or two nodes. Then cut the stem 5 to 7 cm long with scissors or a sharp knife. Place the cuttings lying flat and horizontally on a peat moss or coco peat bed. Cover the cuttings with plastic wrap and make a few holes in the plastic for oxygen to reach the plant. It is better than the plastic cover you choose is light to transmit light. Do not allow the bed to dry out and spray daily. After a while, new buds appear from the node.

For propagation by pruning method, new seedlings formed on the stems of orchid flowers should be separated and planted in a new bed. At the node (the point where the leaf connects to the stem), usually, tiny seedlings are formed that by separating these seedlings, you can propagate the orchid flower. Seedlings that appear on the stem typically appear after the flowering season and in the spring. Ensure that the seedling you intend to separate from the mother plant has at least 2 to 3 leaves, and its height has reached 5 to 7 cm. Then place the seedlings in a bed containing cocopeat, peat moss, sand and charcoal. Provide a moist place for the seedling to take root faster. Spray every day. Keep the storage temperature range between 22 and 28 degrees. Depending on the environmental conditions, rooting time may be short. It takes 4 to 6 months for orchids to take root.

The best time to plant orchid seeds is in spring. Because in this method (propagation by seed), fertilization of orchids and its pollination requires a relatively high time. Seeds containing pods should be kept in a completely sterile and clean environment. Once the pods have matured or sprouted, they need to be collected and stored in a suitable climate for germination before they can split. After germination, the seeds should be transferred to a suitable substrate.

Fusarium is a fungal disease that causes damage to plant tissues and severely damages the roots and crown of the plant. When an orchid flower becomes infected with Fusarium, its roots rot, and its leaves turn black. To control Fusarium wilt, make sure that the origins of the plant are involved and that all parts of the plant are affected. But if the fungus does not grow much, you can remove the damaged parts and move the plant to a new pot.

Botrytis is a common disease of orchids that causes small grey and white spots to appear on the orchid if it progresses. At the beginning of the disease, the spots are in the form of small spots, and as it goes, the spots become more extensive, which will destroy the beauty of the appearance of the orchid flower. To control botrytis, remove infected flowers from the stem and place the plant in a well-ventilated area where the plant receives fresh oxygen.

Lack of proper lighting (too much or too little light) and excessive watering are the causes of yellowing of orchid leaves.

One of the problems with orchids is the blackening of the orchid leaves due to the cooling of the air during the night. To eliminate this complication, move the plant to a warmer environment. Chemicals can cause this problem for the beauty of the plant, including polishing it.

With their beautiful and miniature appearance, Orchids are always one of the attractive options for use in houses and apartments. This species has received a lot of attention in Europe, America, and Asia. This plant is not poisonous for pets and babies. You can breed and propagate them by knowing their maintenance systems, such as suitable ambient temperature, soil conditions, and suitable distances for irrigation. In this article, we wanted to provide you with relatively comprehensive information on caring for orchids. If you have any questions or concerns about this issue, please contact us in the comments section.