Orchids are flamboyant, striking flowers with a long history of cultivation and reverence by different cultures. They have even found a place in theology, with the spots on the orchid being likened to the blood of Christ. In China and Greece, they are emblematic of perfection and fertility. In ancient Europe, orchids were often used in love potions, and the pink orchid has come to represent love and affection, as seen in its specification as the 14th wedding anniversary flower.
The orchid has a distinctive beauty that has captured the human mind for millennia, and it has never been so easy to enjoy this remarkable plant in your own home. These days, orchids are even sold at supermarkets, and with a little information, could be kept alive and healthy for a significant amount of time, setting it above other shop-bought flowers in terms of life expectancy and value for money.
The Root of the Problem with Orchids
Most orchids available for purchase are epiphytes - plants which can grow on the surfaces of rocks or trees. Their roots are typically exposed to the air and, in the wild, take in nutrients when it rains. Most shops sell potted orchids whose roots are wrapped around compact, soaked moss. Because this interferes with the air flow around the roots, and does not allow the plant to breathe or its roots to dry, this may well mean rotted roots and early death.
When to Repot an Orchid
The experts advise against repotting a plant in bloom. Instead, the trick is to wait until the flowers are finished, dead-head the orchid, cut away the dead roots (healthy roots are white and firm), remove the moss, and repot the plant in a special orchid pot. These are designed with extensive drainage so that the water does not collect around the roots, and normally use bark or charcoal as a potting mixture, which more closely mimics the natural conditions the plant would prefer.
How to Read the Signs in an Orchid's Leaves
The leaves of an orchid give away its secrets, like a tongue: they should be clean and shiny, as should leaves on most plants, but, more importantly, their colour acts as a gauge for how happy an orchid is with the amount of sunlight it has. Dark green leaves, although healthy looking, are actually an indication that the orchid is not getting enough light; yellow leaves indicate too much.
Where to Put Your Orchid to Get the Best of the Sunshine
It's said that orchids prefer moderate amounts of soft sunshine, as found in east facing windows, although west facing would be the second choice. It's also claimed that, if the plant is not exposed to a drop in temperature of at least 20 degrees at night, it might not bloom. This drop - a characteristic of a temperate climate - is essential for the orchid. Specialists agree that it's better to avoid putting them in direct sunlight as this can result in scorched leaves.
How Often to Water Potted Orchids
Humidity is important to the life span and flowering of an orchid. Some experts suggest using a humidifier, or keeping orchids above a humidity tray. This is a reasonable step for those who are serious about their orchids, but not necessary for those who have an orchid and simply want to keep it alive as long as possible.
Watering orchids is about finding a delicate balance. The rule is to not let the potting medium dry out completely, and water whenever it's only slightly damp. The typical advice is to water your orchid once or twice a week during the summer months, and once every fortnight during cooler periods. Most important is that the orchid is not overwatered, as this can prove fatal. If you have the plant on a windowsill, bear in mind this is not a naturally humid space. Using plastic pots helps to retain moisture and is a recommended step with this kind of situation.
A Summary of Conditions Beneficial to an Orchid's Growth
- Humidity
- Alternating temperatures
- Alternating states of dryness and moistness around the roots
With only these three points to bear in mind, enjoying your indoor orchid can be a simple affair, and one that brings exuberant colour and elaborate design to brighten any room.
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