One simple action will make the orchid bloom longer: no fertilizer is needed

Orchids are one of the most demanding indoor plants. Often, despite all efforts, the flower does not want to bloom. It's important to remember about proper moisture and fertilization, but perhaps the most important condition for flowering is proper lighting.

Experts say that orchids can bloom for up to 10 weeks, but this period can be significantly extended. The details were reported by the Express.

Orchids require certain conditions for development. Indoor plant specialist Tony Le Britton of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) shared tips for longer flowering.

He suggested changing the position of the orchid to make the flowers last longer.

"The best place for an orchid is a window sill with diffused light. In the morning and evening, it is better to move the plants to places where sunlight will hit the leaves more," Le Britton said.

During the warm seasons, direct sunlight should be avoided, as this can damage the leaves.

The expert suggested the following places:

• a window sill facing east or west;
• a window sill facing north,
• a place slightly lower than the south-facing windowsill (you can put the pot on a low chair).

"Put the orchid in a bright place, and within a few months you will see the beginning of the formation of peduncles," the florist advised.

During the winter months, orchids can be moved to bright light to stimulate flowering.

However, in the summer months, it is better to keep the plant away from direct sunlight, as it can burn the orchid's leaves.

When the flowers appear, it is better to closely monitor the light level and avoid excessive light.

You should also pay attention to the substrate. In their natural environment, orchids are epiphytic (those that grow on trees) or lithophytic (those that grow on rocks) plants.

The ideal environment for them is tropical forests. Therefore, you should choose the appropriate substrate. It is better to plant the plants in a special bark-based compost that promotes root aeration and drainage, which will avoid waterlogging.

By the way, mild stressful conditions can also push an orchid to bloom. The night temperature should be slightly lower than the daytime temperature, so you can take the containers to another cooler room at night. 

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