If you also love orchids, you have surely bought one, or received one as a gift, and have witnessed, helplessly, the loss of its wonderful flowers. Orchids are as beautiful as they are difficult to care for, but how do florists keep orchids always in bloom?
In reality, there is no specific trick or magic formula, but rather a set of essential care and precautions to have a healthy plant and, therefore, full of flowers.
As a general premise, we must keep in mind that, in general, orchids do not accept direct exposure to the sun. They also do not like to be outdoors, especially in places with temperatures that can fall below 15°C and exceed 30°C, and in environments that are too dry.
You should also know that orchids bloom in spring, after the winter rest period. If we have an orchid without flowers during the winter, we have to wait. If we buy a plant that has flowered during the winter, it is certain that it comes from a greenhouse with artificial conditions and therefore the home environment will be affected.
In any case, if we have an orchid without flowers and we want to make it bloom, we must follow the precautions that we suggest below.
1. Find a well-lit place
Most orchids like bright corners, but without direct sunlight. The more ambient light there is, the more likely they are to flower during the next active period. The perfect place is near a window.
2. Maintain good humidity
Orchids are usually sold with a pine bark substrate because their roots need excellent drainage and minimal risk of waterlogging. They are parasitic tropical forest plants that grow on trees and live off the humidity of the environment. They need a lot of humidity but not a wet substrate.
During winter, they should be watered lightly, but if the weather is dry and the heating is on, it should be done more frequently (never more than once a week).
Look at the container against the light, if moisture in the substrate is still visible, it should not be watered. If, on the other hand, it is dry, we will add water, always distilled.
In very dry places, it is best to install a humidifier or spray water on the orchid leaves daily. It is also a good idea to avoid placing the plant in places that are too humid, such as crowded bathrooms.
3. Fertilize frequently
The flowering of the orchid requires a specific fertilizer for this type of plants, which can be found in specialized stores. Without fertilizer, flowering is unlikely. It is usually sold in liquid form, to be added to irrigation water.
The orchids that come from the greenhouses are already abundantly fertilized, but after a few months we are the ones who have to start taking care of them using fertilizer as well.
4. Ensure adequate temperature contrast
To bloom, orchids need an excellent temperature contrast in the weeks before the arrival of spring. Generally, this contrast is around 10°C between the nighttime minimum and the daytime maximum, always respecting the limits of 15°C and 30°C.
To get the right temperature, you can also move the plant for 24 hours from a warmer location to a cooler location.