How to Grow Orchids?

Orchid (Orchidaceae) is undoubtedly an ornamental plant that ranks among the most popular with home growers. Therefore, in today's article we focus more on how to care for these flowering beauties.

Care for orchids, houseplants with a tradition dating back to the 18th century, revolves mainly around the selection and use of a suitable growing medium, i.e. substrate.

• Do not use spent substrates that have been used before or have been sitting for a long time, as there is a risk that pests or bacteria may have entered.
• Use quality substrates with natural composition and ideally substrates made specifically for orchids. For this purpose, mixtures of crushed bark and coconut fibers are most commonly produced.
• Growing medium. We distinguish: Soil, also called soil mixes or peat mixes, which can be more (Growmixes, Allmixes,...) or only slightly (Lightmixes) pre-fertilized, i.e., they contain nutrients for the first weeks of the growing cycle. Inert Substrate, which will suit your orchids, must above all be well aerated and light. Effective aeration is provided, for example, by the addition of perlite.
• An ideal substrate ensures an optimal balance of moisture and air in the root zone for orchids.

Now it is necessary to mention the conditions that suit orchids best.

• We already know that orchids like humid air. That means at least 50%, but up to 80%. Such humidity, however, is usually not present at home. Here sprays can help, or you can place the orchid pot on a tray with pebbles and regularly add water just below the top of the pebbles. To make it airborne humidity, remember to regularly exchange the air in the room and ventilate properly, which also helps prevent mold.
• They are generally heat-loving plants, so ideal daytime temperatures range between 22–27 °C and nighttime temperatures should oscillate around 18 °C. In summer, try not to expose orchids to the hot midday sun, as direct sunlight can be very stressful for them.
• Otherwise they appreciate light. If you grow them as houseplants, they will thrive on east- or west-facing windows. When winter comes, move them to the south side.

Overall, we can say that orchids are a bit more demanding when it comes to watering. Here are a few tried-and-true tips.

• Orchids also like dryness, so it is really important not to overwater the substrate. While they can tolerate dry substrate for quite a long time, a waterlogged substrate can mean death for them.
• Be extremely cautious with fertilizing orchids. It is plenty to supply nutrients once a month, and only during active growth.
• In winter, after repotting, or during active flowering, let orchids rest and avoid unnecessary fertilization.

Orchids are simply fascinating but require certain care. Phalaenopsis is probably the most commonly grown species in households and benefits from morning sunlight. There are many other interesting and relatively accessible species (Paphiopedilum, Cattleya, the warm-loving hybrids Dendrobium phalaenopsis and the cool-loving hybrids Dendrobium nobile, Oncidium etc.) worth exploring, and thanks to the tips in this article, their cultivation should be a bit easier. In any case, feel free to ask us anything at our email address info@higarden.cz. We look forward to your questions!

We also recommend these products:

• AgroBio FANTAZIE - orchideje 250ml (89 Kč)
• Grotek Vitamax Pro (from 559 Kč)
• AgroBio INPORO PS proti mšicím a sviluškám (from 159 Kč)

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