Orchids are one of the most popular ornamental plants, famous for their spectacular flowers. They are not too demanding, but they do have certain requirements when it comes to blooming.
Many orchid enthusiasts complain that their plants won’t bud, even though they otherwise look healthy. Some suspect that flowering is not occurring due to insufficient sunlight, but that’s not actually the case. The most common mistake proud and overly caring owners commit is actually overwatering.
Improper watering not only disrupts the biorhythm of these unique plants, but can also seriously damage their health. Orchids are not ordinary plants, and to understand why they need to be watered differently than other houseplants, we need to remember that, in their natural environment, they do not grow in soil. The most popular ornamental orchids, such as Phalaenopsis, are epiphytes, which means that they cling to the branches of trees.
In the absence of soil, orchids get moisture from the air and short rains, and their roots are adapted to an airy environment. If planted in traditional potting soil, orchids suffer.
Their roots, which need to be well ventilated, become waterlogged, and the plant begins to rot. Once the roots are damaged, the nutrients can’t absorb the necessary nutrients, and the plant stops blooming and may eventually die.
The same is true if orchids are planted in special orchid soil, but then are overwatered. If your orchid has not bloomed for months or even years, you should immediately verify signs of overwatering, including the following:
- Brown or soft roots.
- Yellow leaves that are soft to the touch.
- An unpleasant, musty smell from the soil.
- Developmental stagnation.
Other common mistakes that damage the roots of orchids:
Using a pot without drainage holes – orchids need a pot with holes in the bottom so water doesn’t become stagnant.
- The wrong type of soil – peat or traditional potting soil is not suitable for orchids. Choose pine bark or special mixtures made for orchids.
- Constant temperature – orchids need a difference in temperature between day and night in order to develop flower stalks.
- Lack of fertilization – once a month during the dormant period, and about every two or three weeks during the active period, orchids need special fertilizers to develop properly.
- Improper cutting of the flower stems – after flowering, the stems should be cut at the first healthy node if still green, or completely from the stem if withered.
And finally, here are some tips to help your orchid bloom:
- Water the plant only when the roots turn a silvery shade.
- Place the pot in a bright place, but not in direct sunlight.
- Create a temperature difference of a few degrees between day and night.
- Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer at the intervals stated above.
- Check the roots thoroughly at least once a year and replace the soil if necessary.