Watering Orchids
I love to garden as you may know by now and my blog conveys my passion for orchids in particular. Today I want to be instructive rather than tell a story of success or failure. I promised blog readers information on the care of these tender but gorgeous plants. I approach it differently if they are housed indoors or enjoy the rich soil of my flower beds or patio pots. The same principles apply and I use a watering can so as not to flood these precious blooming gems, Mother Nature’s pride and joy. I go very easy on the water and if I have time, I will use a mister; but it is hard if you have a lot of plants. You wouldn’t selecting orchids unless you live in the right damp climate. The dry desert wreaks havoc on the buds.
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Most people do better inside and having taken a random poll, I find that one or two are found in homes or offices at best. Nevertheless, they need loving care—and not too much of it. Overwatering kills most plants. The stem will live, but the buds will fall off, and they are the crowning glory. My advice is to start off right with well-drained fresh potting soil and to place your plant in the best possible location. From there on it is simple: water sparingly, mist, and fertilize as needed most of the year (and somewhat less in the winter). Experts like to repot their orchids after they bloom. If you don’t want the hassle, make sure your pot has adequate drainage. Put bark or charcoal at the base of the soil if it doesn’t have a slit. By the way, you will find a special potting mixture at any nursery.
I mentioned a good location and this means an east window, for example, with only partial sunlight. A humid environment is desirable and is easily created with pebbles and water on a tray upon which you place the orchid in a pot. I can’t say it too many times: water judiciously and mist as needed, usually not more than once a week. If the soil is very dry, occasionally give it a bit of a soak. I put my plant in the kitchen sink under the pull-out faucet that I purchased from https://www.kitchenfaucetdepot.net/. It has an adjustable sprayer. Perfect for orchids. During the growing season, which is obvious, fertilize once a week. As mentioned, everything calms down in the winter so stop this process, but continue to mist with water. Every orchid owner has the perfect mister. They come in plastic, glass or retro brass as meets your taste.
If you follow these basic instructions, your orchids will thrive and provide you with their beauty for a long time. Once a bloom or two wilts, it will fall off; don’t panic as the plant will generate new buds later on. I find that this may be months, but it still happens. If you take good care, you will have good luck.