What better than an orchid to bloom the house in winter? You can get 2 for the price of 1, let’s find out how! If the phalaenopsis is so successful, it is thanks to its ability to adapt to the constant temperature (between 18 and 20°C) of our interiors.
Have an orchid at home
It is content with a bright location , without direct sunlight, less than one meter from a window. And, in addition, he likes to be watered and fed at the same rate whatever the season! However, with a little attention, you can widen your choice to other genera: Zygopetalum, Oncidium, Miltoniopsis, Cattleya… These orchids have bulges or pseudobulbs at their base. These produce leaves and accumulate reserves from spring to autumn to flower in winter and stop their growth. You must then reduce watering and eliminate fertilizer when the profusion of flowers could encourage you to do the opposite!
Excess water is the main cause of orchid death. Their roots, like blotters, absorb the liquid even if it’s too much for them! You have to give them time to dry and learn to dose by weighing the pot of culture: if it seems light, water them, if it seems heavy, wait.
Don’t forget to feed your orchids : all year round for the phalaenopsis and from spring to autumn for the others. A simple method consists in adding fertilizer every 15 days in the watering water by alternating a fertilizer for the growth and another for the flowers.
How to get two orchids from one plant?
To propagate your orchid, use only clean tools disinfected with alcohol (garden shears, sharp knife). Thoroughly clean the roots of the orchid. Cut the lower part of the roots with a sharp, sterile tool.
You will be left with one orchid with roots and one without roots.
Orchid root – Source: spm
Plant both sides in individual pots with new substrate and fresh moss.
Planting an orchid – Source: spm
This is what the cut part looks like with the roots in the pot. Water both orchids using the water immersion method.
Potted orchid root – Source: spm
Take care of the orchids !
Potted orchid – Source: spm
In a short time, the orchid will grow its first leaf and the old orchid will develop new roots.
Potted orchid – Source: spm
The right gestures to take care of orchids
1- Immerse the culture pot, when the substrate is well lightened, for about 10 min. in non-calcareous water, then let it drain.
2- Spray water, if it is over 20°C in the room, around the plants. Water should not stagnate at the base of the leaves.
3- At less than 60% humidity, place the pots on a large waterproof tray lined with moss or moist clay balls
