– Gabrial House –
I wanted to talk about growing orchids for a couple of reasons. First, they are absolutely beautiful plants that can thrive in your house when cared for properly. Second, sometimes people buy orchids or get them as gifts and are intimidated or confused about how to care for these plants. So I thought I’d put together this simple guide for orchids that will keep your orchids happy and healthy!
Orchids, like all plants, require adequate light, air, & water. Orchids in the wild are frequently found growing in the canopy of the rainforest where there is a nice breeze, moisture level, and slightly defused light source. Orchids will send out long thick roots that drink in the water and humidity from the open moist air. These are conditions we want to bring into the orchid’s growing media and container.
Orchids are not grown in soil but in a mix of media to provide moisture and air in equal parts. We highly recommend Orchiata orchid substrate, a premium, 100% pure New Zealand Pinus radiata bark. It allows for a film of water and nutrients to hold on the outside of the bark chip, as well as supplying a surface for the root to anchor itself to. We also offer premium New Zealand Sphagnum moss to blend in with your Orchiata to allow your media to hold a little more moisture while still staying properly aerated. Whether you blend the two together or just use the Orchiata your orchids will have a great base from which to grow.
When choosing where to place your newly planted orchid in your home you want to look for a spot with enough light to simulate the upper canopy of the rain forest. Ideally, you want lots of light, but not enough to burn the plant. Diffuse, not direct light, so not right in a window. If you see the edges of the leaves getting crispy, then your orchid is getting too much light. If the leaves are very dark green and the plant is not producing a flower spike when it should be during the growth cycle, then it may not be getting enough light. Finding that sweet spot of light for your orchid may take a little time and rearranging but will be well worth it.
Lastly, we want to look at how to water and feed your orchid. I like to water my orchid heavily with lots of runoff through the drainage holes of the pot. This will allow any mineral build-up to wash off the pot and the growing media, as well as to let the Orchiata and Sphagnum moss soak up water to stay moist for a longer period of time. It’s a good idea to keep in mind that every growing condition is different, and there is no one answer to when and how much to water. It is always best to keep an eye on your plants to determine their particular needs.
Regarding feeding, our customers love Jack’s Classic Orchid Grow and Jacks Classic Orchid Bloomfertilizers. This mineral-based fertilizer line is formulated for each stage of the orchid’s growing and blooming phases. I like to feed my orchids every third time I water them, allowing them to get fresh water in-between feedings.
With a little time finding the right home for your orchids and a little more love, you can have beautiful lush orchid plants bringing long-lasting, bright, vibrant colors to your home.
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