ORCHID

Caring for Your Orchid in Bloom

When you initial get your flower, it'll possible be in bloom. Obviously, you want to prolong the bloom as long as possible, so whatever the tag says, here are a few tips that can help.

First, most gift orchids square measure potted within the wrong conditions for long growth. They are potted in plastic and packed with moss around the roots. In nature, orchids generally grow on trees, and their roots are water-gathering organs that need loads of fresh air flow to be healthy. Orchids with wet roots square measure prone to plant disease and alternative issues. While the current container may not be ideal, you never want to repot a blooming orchid. It's too stressful on the plant, and it will drop its blooms.

Instead of repotting, it's better to hold off on the water. Don't worry! Most people United Nations agency square measure unaccustomed orchids assume the plants desires many water to grow well, but it's just not true. Unless your orchids square measure growing within the out-of-doors, suspended in baskets where they can completely dry out within an hour of being watered, your orchid needs very little water. So here's an excellent piece of advice: whenever you're thinking that you wish to water, wait three days. Or a week. Your plant won't suffer.

Next, do not place your flower wherever it'll expertise cold drafts or exposure to direct daylight or heating vents. Very dry air, direct heat, and chills are the enemies of the exotic flowers. Your bloom will last longer if you can provide a mild, warm and somewhat humid environment.

Provided your flower is happy, expect the bloom to last a minimum of a couple of weeks, generally a lot of.

Caring for Your Orchid After the Bloom

When the bloom is over, it's time to shift your thinking from short-term care to long-term maintenance. After your orchid blooms, you will want to snip off the old flower spike near the base (some experts keep these spikes on, hoping it'll rebloom from the same spike, which does sometimes happen). Depending on the season, you may also choose to repot your orchid into a more friendly container with the right growing medium.