Orchids will never bloom if you make these mistakes: how to care for a capricious flower

Graceful orchids are a real home decoration, but it is quite difficult to grow lush and bright flowers as these plants are very demanding. The slightest drafts, temperature changes, or excessive watering can cause the buds to lose their color.

It is also important to repot the plant in time so that the root system has room to develop. The Express publication told us how to properly care for orchids and what mistakes can hinder plant growth.

How often should an orchid be repotted

Kate Lindley, an expert on indoor plants, shared some common mistakes to avoid when growing orchids.

Many people forget the importance of repotting, leaving flowers in the same pot for years. Orchids should be repotted every year, Lindley said. If the roots seem tight and tangled or you notice light, dry shoots coming out of the container, it's time to repot the plant.

The orchid may also need repotting if the roots begin to rot or appear soft and brown. This is usually a sign that the compost is no longer draining effectively.

Use clean, sharp scissors when repotting as orchids are susceptible to disease and infection.

Watering rules

Orchids are very susceptible to root rot, so excessive moisture should be avoided. At the same time, the roots can shrivel and dry out if conditions are too dry. To prevent over- or under-watering, always check the condition of the compost first.

"Ideally, orchids should be watered when the substrate is almost dry," Lindley said.

You can sprinkle the orchid lightly to increase the humidity, but be careful not to overwater the leaves or leave them wet as this can lead to mold, fungus, and rot.

Lighting rules

Excessive sunlight can burn delicate flowers. And if you put the container in a shady place, the plant simply won't bloom. You should pay attention to the variety: some orchids, such as the vanda orchid, need a lot of sun. Therefore, always check the characteristics of the orchid before choosing the perfect place for it.

Which compost is suitable for orchids

In their natural habitat, orchids are mostly either epiphytic (growing on trees) or lithophytic (growing on rocks). Most orchids naturally grow high in the treetops of the rainforest on the rough bark, not on the ground in the soil.

Thus, it is best to try to mimic this environment and always plant them in a special bark-based orchid compost that promotes root aeration and drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA spoke about an effective method to make an orchid bloom.

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