They fit in a 5 cm pot and delight us with delicate flowers 2-3 cm in diameter. Mini orchids are the striking result of successful crosses between small Phalaenopsis hybrids and small wild species. Read here how to skilfully care for the floral gnomes.
How do I properly care for a mini orchid?
The mini orchid needs a bright location at 20-25°C. The plant should be watered by dipping to prevent waterlogging. Fertilization is required every 4 weeks at half concentration and cutting the green parts of the plant is not recommended.
How do I water a mini orchid perfectly?
A mini orchid - like its big sisters - is placed in a bright location at warm temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Given its small volume, the orchid soil dries out more quickly. To prevent the risk of waterlogging, we recommend dipping the plant instead of watering it. This is how it works:
- If the coarse substrate feels dry, remove the transparent pot from the planter
- Dip the root ball into soft, room temperature water until no more air bubbles appear
- Do not allow water to penetrate into the heart of the plant or the leaf axils
If the transparent culture pot is fogged up on the inside, there is no need for water, even if individual parts of the substrate feel dry.
Does a mini orchid need fertilizer?
The orchid gnomes grow significantly slower than their majestic counterparts. The nutrient requirements are correspondingly lower. During the growth and flowering period of a mini phalaenopsis, you should only fertilize every 4 weeks. To do this, add a half-strength liquid orchid fertilizer to the submerged water. If the tropical plant takes a break in winter, do not apply any fertilizer until the next shoots.
Can I cut a small orchid?
The rule of thumb for mini orchids is: never cut green parts of the plant. You can pluck out wilted flowers if you are bothered by their appearance. Please only cut off leaves and shoots when they are completely dead. To do this, use a very sharp knife or scalpel that you have previously disinfected with alcohol or spirit.
Tip
So that they look pretty in the store, mini orchids are often planted in moist moss and a pot without an opening in the bottom. It's best to free the little flower beauties at home from this completely unsuitable environment straight away. Repotted into a transparent culture pot with permeable, special orchid soil, the tropical plants feel warmly welcome in their new home.
