Orchids actually grow on majestic trees in the rainforest. In order for the magnificent flowers to still thrive in the pot, professional care is important. These tips explain how to properly water, fertilize and cut the exotic plants.
How do you properly care for orchids in pots?
To properly care for orchids in pots, water them twice a week in summer and once a week in winter with rain or decalcified tap water. Fertilize every 3 to 4 weeks with liquid orchid fertilizer and only cut off dead parts of the plant.
Watering potted orchids correctly – this is how it works
Waterlogging is the biggest enemy of your potted orchids. An excess of water destroys the beautiful flowers much more quickly than short-term drought. How to do it right:
- Water potted orchids thoroughly twice a week during the summer
- Water no more than once a week in winter
- Allow the excess water to drain well and only then put it back in the planter
Please only use collected rainwater or decalcified tap water. By lifting the pot, you can easily determine when watering is needed again. A dry root ball is light as a feather.
Fertilize orchids in the pot in a balanced way - This is how the nutrient balance stays in balance
High up on the jungle giants there is a nutrient diaspora for orchids. However, the epiphytes in pots cannot survive completely without a supply of food. As long as the plant is growing and blooming, apply a liquid special fertilizer for orchids every 3 to 4 weeks. Stop fertilizing during the rest period. Conventional flower fertilizer is taboo due to the high s alt content.
Cutting orchids is not difficult – How to do it right
When caring for orchids, experienced hobby gardeners are guided by an important rule of thumb when it comes to pruning: never cut green parts of the plant. This premise affects leaves, stems, bulbs and aerial roots equally. Only cut off a leaf when it has completely died. Leave a dried bulb on the orchid until the next repotting and only remove it once it has been potted out. Simply pluck out faded flowers.
Tip
Do not plant an orchid in regular potting soil. Both the epiphytic and terrestrial species require a coarse orchid soil composed of pieces of bark and inorganic components. To ensure that your efforts for perfect care actually result in magnificent flowers, please use products such as the special substrate for orchids from Seramis.