The orchid, despite being a much loved indoor plant, often withers, loses its flowers and the strength of its leaves. This happens most frequently because of 8 common mistakes we make in their care. Avoid them if you want to grow a rich orchid!
One of the main mistakes is incorrect watering. Never water the orchid from above! This type of watering leads to yellowing and falling leaves, as well as the death of the orchid. You can water the orchid gently from the side, without directly touching the flower, or using the immersion method, leaving the orchid in a bowl of water for 10 minutes.
The second mistake is the incorrect use of a second pot during irrigation. Leaving the orchid in a second pot for a few days risks causing the roots to rot and the leaves to turn yellow. The orchid should never be left in water for a long time!
The third common mistake is leaving the orchid in direct sunlight. Never place the plant under direct sun, otherwise burns will form on the leaves. Simply hide the orchid behind a curtain to provide the right lighting.
The fourth common mistake is spraying flowers with a sprayer. With this type of watering, spots appear on the flowers which, after a short time, wither and fall. To maintain sufficient humidity, it is best to spray the leaves or, better yet, place a damp cloth between them.
The fifth mistake is cutting the growing aerial roots of the orchid. These roots should never be cut! They are an indicator of the health of the orchid.
The sixth mistake is to cut the stem after flowering down to the roots, thinking that it will no longer produce flowers. After the flowers fall, the stem will form new buds! Therefore, the cut should be made just below the point where the last flower falls.
The seventh mistake is the immediate replacement of the pot after purchasing the orchid. Even if it seems like the pot is too small, don’t rush to repot! It is not necessary to replace the pot unless the roots are rotten. Repotting immediately after purchase will lead to a rapid decline of the flowers and wilting of the leaves. The orchid grows best in its usual pot. There is no need to change it for at least 1.5-2 years. And even then, you can replace it with a pot that is only 1cm larger in diameter.
The eighth mistake is the wrong choice of terrain. Orchids are different from other plants. Never use universal potting soil for them, they will not develop well. Use only ready-made mixes specifically for orchids!