One of the fascinating attributes of orchids is that they prefer to thrive without a substrate. This form of cultivation perfectly simulates their growth in the rainforest. Enthusiastic orchid gardeners tie the exotic plants to a branch, hang them in the window or place them in a glass without soil. We explain here what you should pay attention to when caring for it.
How do orchids thrive without soil?
Soilless orchids thrive by being attached to branches or placed in jars. Daily spraying with soft water, occasional fertilizing and a warm, moist environment with high humidity ensure proper care.
How to care without a substrate
If an orchid sits majestically on a branch or stands out impressively in a glass, there is no orchid soil available to supply it with water and nutrients. So that the noble plant does not suffer from any deficiency, this care program is important:
- Spray the leaves and aerial roots daily - morning and evening in summer - with soft water
- Add liquid orchid fertilizer (€7.00 on Amazon) to the spray water every 3 to 4 weeks during the growth and flowering period
If you cultivate an orchid without a substrate in a glass, fill it with lime-free, lukewarm water every 2 to 3 days in summer. The heart of the plant and the leaf axils must not get wet. After 20 to 30 minutes, pour out the water again. Ideally, you should remove the orchid from the glass vase to immerse it in a bucket. With this variant, the water can drain off well before the queen of the flowers sits down again in her glass vessel.
Tip
Orchid cultivation without a substrate requires a location with humidity at a tropical level. Where no orchid soil is available as a water buffer, the aerial roots are constantly threatened by drought. Vanda, Phalaenopsis and other species are very grateful for a place in a warm, humid bathroom or in an air-conditioned plant display case with at least 80 percent humidity.
