Orchids are amongst the most exotic varieties of plants. Besides enhancing the home’s exquisite beauty, they are known to be stress-busters and purify the air. However, many people believe that growing orchids at home is challenging, forcing them to look for alternatives. On the contrary, orchid cultivation is easy, enjoyable and requires minimal effort. If you want to sow orchids but are not familiar with the process, read on. In this article, we will delve into the process of cultivating orchid plants at home.
Types of orchids
There are many types of orchids that exhibit a uniqueness and are aesthetically pleasing. But you need to select the one that is suitable for your home. If you have planned to cultivate an orchid, first do a thorough background check. There are several factors that you should analyse. Some prominent ones include the size, light requirements, and watering routine. The variety of orchids is enormous. So there is a probability that people growing the plant in their home for the first time may find it a challenging task. But you can make the task easier by choosing an orchid that is easy to grow and does not require too much effort on maintenance. Moth Orchid, Dancing-lady Orchid, Pony Orchid, and Cymbidium are a few varieties that would suit people planning to cultivate orchid plants at home for the first time.
Watering
Special care should be taken when watering your plant. Though Orchids are exquisite plants, they are also very delicate. Most people do not know how much water an orchid needs. And with the intention of making their plant healthy and attractive, they overwater it. The result is that the roots begin to rot and the plant dies out. You need to moisten the orchid only when you find the mix to be completely dry. So before you water the plant, run your finger across the mix to know whether it is dry or moist. If the soil is moist, wait for it to get dry before watering the plant. For indoor orchid plants, buy pots that have a hole underneath them. This will allow the excess water to drain out. The roots can get damaged if water is allowed to remain in the pot.
Temperature
Orchid is a tropical plant and will thrive in temperatures ranging between 15 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius during the day. To ensure the plant blooms, the night temperature should be lower. However, ensure that the temperature does not get extremely cold, or else the orchid will not bloom. When buying an orchid plant, take into account whether the temperature range in the city you reside is favourable for the plant.
Humidity
Orchids require a humid temperature. Since the humidity levels needed are much more than that found in most homes, cultivating orchid homes indoors can be challenging. Nevertheless, you can create an ideal environment for your orchid by placing a humidifier in the room. The appliance will increase the moisture in the air and create a conducive environment for the plant. Misting the plant and setting the pot on a tray brimming with water are other effective measures to increase humidity around the orchid.
Fertilisers
Fertilising is important for the maintenance and upkeep of a plant, especially indoor plants like orchids. To ensure that your orchid is healthy, fertilise it regularly. To be on the safe side, use fertilisers manufactured by leading companies and formulated mainly for orchids. You should know that over-fertilising the plant damages it. If you do not know how much fertiliser is needed, it would be helpful to read the manufacturer’s instructions, which are available on the packet. Follow the instructions diligently to ensure that your orchid is healthy and happy.
Pruning
The more effort you put into your orchid, the more it will bloom. In addition, a well-maintained orchid enhances the home’s appeal. So it is necessary to prune the plant once in a while. Inspect the plant to see whether it has any dried or yellow leaves. If you come across any, remove them immediately. Trimming the rotting roots and pruning the spikes will give the orchid a nice shape and keep it free of fungi and diseases.
Conclusion
Orchid is a spectacular plant and provides a heavenly touch to the surroundings. However, there are many types of orchids. The cultivation, care and maintenance of each of these can be different. So, when cultivating an orchid plant at home, do thorough research to know about the various factors that can help the plant bloom. Hopefully, this article has made it easy for you to make your home more graceful by giving you information on how to cultivate orchid plants at home.
