Orchids are extremely popular houseplants, but they are sensitive to temperature and humidity and therefore require very attentive care.
Orchids need nutrients to flourish, and conventional potting soil is not the best choice for them. It is best to use a mixture of tree bark, peat, cork, charcoal and sand as a planting medium. You can also use plain tree bark, which is available in most gardening stores, but it is best to use special orchid mixes.
However, orchids also require certain additional macro and micronutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, bromine and manganese. Experts usually recommend special mixtures that contain a large amount of nitrogen.
There is also a very easy infusion that can be prepared and added to the soil to help orchids bloom profusely. You only need two ingredients to make this beneficial tea.
Boil a few hibiscus leaves in a liter of water. Then let the water cool, and when it turns pale pink, water the plant with it.
Hibiscus is rich in nutrients and naturally stimulates the growth and development of flower buds. However, you should be careful to get the nutrient solution to the roots and not to spray it on the flowers.
The most popular and easiest-to-care-for orchid species
Dendrobium (bamboo orchid)
This type of orchid blooms once or twice a year. The flowers last just over a month and are small but very dense, perched on long thin stems. This variety needs a lot of light and a rest period after flowering, when you should reduce the frequency of watering and feeding.
Phalaenopsis (moth orchid)
This variety of orchid also blooms once or twice a year, but the flowers last for two to three months. Another benefit is that this variety easily adapts to indoor conditions and does not require much light.
Paphiopedilum (Venus slipper)
This variety blooms only once a year. The flowers last six to eight weeks, are large, vary in shape and color, and have a modified, cup-shaped petal. It requires a lot of light and humus-rich soil.