Orchid plants are widely grown in home gardens and are easy to maintain. These flowering plants belong to the Orchidaceae family, which produce bright and colourful flowers. Moth orchids are a popular variety of the plant and other varieties, such as Paphiopedilum orchids, Dendrobium orchids, Oncidium orchids, Vanda orchids and Cambria hybrid orchids are also available. Different varieties of orchid plants may have various maintenance needs. However, orchids mostly require a special orchid compost and need minimum watering.
See also: Crossandra flowers: How to grow and care for them?
| Botanical name | Orchidaceae |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Orchis |
| Foliage | Green |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Native | Tropical forests |
| Height | 15 feet |
| Sun exposure | Indirect sunlight |
| Soil type | Soil with aeration and drainage |
How to care for Orchids?
Sunlight: Most orchid varieties require bright light. However, they can be kept in indirect sunlight. Place the plant on a windowsill facing east or west direction. Excess exposure to sunlight can damage leaves.
Temperature: Some varieties, such as moth orchids, grow well in a consistent temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. These plants can be grown indoors. Orchids are mainly found in humid and tropical areas. If the weather is dry, make sure to mist leaves in two to three days using tepid water.
Water: Do not water the plant if the soil is wet. Avoid overwatering as it can damage plants due to root rot. Check the roots of moth orchids before watering them. If they are green, wait till they turn silvery.
Soil: Orchids may not produce plenty of flowers with regular potting mix. Choose soil that contains perlite, vermiculite, sphagnum moss and shredded bark. Fertilise the plant during spring and summer. Make sure the planter has drainage holes.
Pruning: Trim the orchids regularly. When growing a moth orchid, trim the stem just above the bottom two nodes or the brown lines around the stem. In other varieties of orchid plants, trim the stem close to the potting mix.
How to grow orchid plants?
Choose clear containers, especially for moth orchids, to enable roots to photosynthesise and thrive. Other varieties, such as Dendrobium and Cymbidium orchids, can be grown in opaque planters as they do not have photosynthetic roots. Vanda orchids can be placed in empty vases or on wires.
How to repot orchid plants?
Orchid plants do not require regular re-potting. However, they need to be inspected every two or three years. Remove the compost and replant the orchid with fresh orchid compost. You can grow them in the same planter or select a slightly larger pot planter.
How to encourage orchids to flower?
Most orchid varieties do not flower twice in the same stem. Thus, the spent stems must be removed immediately. Cut off the stem of moth orchids above a node. This process should be done once flowers have fallen and help promote the growth of a new flower stem, which should be clipped to support it. In case the shoot does not appear and the original stem becomes straw-coloured, remove it at the base.
Common problems when growing orchid plants
Orchids are prone to attack by scale insects and mealybugs. Some common signs of pest infestation on orchid plants are stickiness on leaves or surrounding areas or black mould. Scale insects can be seen on the leaves and flower stalks while mealybugs attack new leaves. Use a soapy sponge to wipe leaves or use an insecticide to keep the pests away. Take a cotton swab, dip it in rubbing alcohol and apply it directly to control these insects.
In case the plant is affected by fungus or disease, remove the infected leaves from the plant. The common signs of infection are discolouration on leaves. The leaves can show yellow, brown or black spots. Choose a sterile blade or pruner to trim the damaged leaves, stems or flowers. Make sure you disinfect the gardening tools before using them.
FAQs
How often do you water orchids?
Water the orchids once a week. Avoid watering if the soil is moist.
Do orchids need sunlight?
Orchid plants grow well in sufficient sunlight and produce flowers. However, they must be kept under indirect sunlight.
Do indoor orchids need water?
Water the orchid and allow its roots to absorb water. Avoid overwatering the plant.
Do indoor orchids need fertiliser?
You can fertilise the plant during its peak growing season. Make sure to fertilise in spring and summer.
How long can orchids go without water?
Orchids can survive without water for up to two or three weeks.
What is the best way to water orchids?
Place the planter in a sink or bowl of lukewarm water and let the roots absorb water.
Where is the best place to put orchids?
Place the orchids in an east or west-facing window that provides ample sunlight for the plant to grow.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
