Orchid flowers are among the most beautiful and popular, thanks to the great variety of shapes and colors, one more elegant than the other. However, once they flower, it can take months for them to show their full beauty.
These plants are very delicate and sometimes it becomes a real challenge to make them flower. Especially immediately after purchase, when we bring them home and helplessly watch their slow deterioration. Fortunately, there are tricks that can stimulate and prolong the flowering of orchids.
Orchids bloom every 2-4 months, depending on the species. Under optimal conditions, most of these beautiful plants can flower twice a year.
Below we suggest 4 tricks that will help you make your orchids bloom and make the flowers last as long as possible.
1. egg shells
Eggshells are very rich in potassium and calcium and are a real panacea for orchids. Ideally, collect around 20-25 eggshells.
Wash the shells well and let them dry, then grind them into powder. Boil them in water and use the liquid after about 8 hours to water the orchids once a week.
The liquid can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2-3 months.
2. rice water
Boiling rice water is one of the lesser-known secrets to getting beautiful orchids, as it is rich in calcium, potassium and vitamin B, but only if it does not contain salt which could actually damage the plants.
Save the cooking water from the potatoes or rice (only without salt) and water the orchids with it every fortnight.
3. milk
Excellent source of calcium and also very useful for our plants, especially orchids.
Mix milk and water in the ratio of 1/4 milk to 3/4 water. Use the solution to water your orchids every 2 weeks.
4. fallen oak leaves
If you live near an oak tree, you can make fertilizer for your orchids from its fallen leaves.
Collect the oak leaves from the ground and place them in a pot, pour 5 liters of water and turn off the stove as soon as it boils.
Allow to cool, place in a clean container and leave in the sun for a week.
It is recommended to water orchids by immersion, that is, immersing the pot in water for 20 minutes, being careful not to wet the leaves.