A wrap is a beautiful gift and fits into any home. But before you buy it or give it to someone, check the root carefully. This is what will make the difference between a healthy plant that will flourish or one that will slowly wither away.
Why is this so important?
To get a little more familiar with orchids, we’ll give you a glimpse of what happens to them before they are displayed in the shop. They are commonly grown in large sheds in peaty soil where they are connected to watering facilities. However, once they are placed in storage, this vigilant care is usually no longer available. The plants are watered by hand and often more than is necessary. This leads to root disturbance, which is not noticeable at first, but later becomes apparent in the leaves and flowers.
The root is the key
Before actually buying an orchid, look in the pot and check the roots. If you notice that they are discoloured, brownish or even dry, it is better not to buy the plant. Look elsewhere for healthier plants.
What the stem tells you
It’s not a good idea to forget about the stem of the plant. Although the root is absolutely essential, the stem is also very important and can tell you a lot. If it is bright green, then everything is in perfect order. However, if it is faded, almost colourless and with dark spots, then something is definitely wrong.
Why a translucent planter
If you’ve made the right choice and you’ve already got your orchid at home, remember that to keep it blooming beautifully, you’ll need to repot it in a bigger pot from time to time. A translucent pot is best for this purpose, as the roots need plenty of light. However, in addition to light, they also require a lot of air, so never use a substrate other than one specifically designed for orchids.
Purpose of fertilisation
After repotting, the plant may take some time to adjust. Sometimes the roots may even die back, but don’t worry this is only temporary. This may take months, but when the plant recovers, it will surprise you with beautiful flowers. These can be boosted by fertilising every 2 weeks from March to October. The most important thing for the plant is:
- Light
- Heat
- Watering
Daily care
In order for your orchid to thrive, a constant temperature of around 18°C is essential. However, if you would like to encourage flowering, it is ideal to lower the ambient temperature by a few degrees. The plant should also be given plenty of light, and will do best on the east or north side. And then don’t forget to water regularly with lukewarm water. Just watch out for overwatering! The pot should stay moist, but never too wet.