What’s notoriously hard to take care of and can make the greenest thumb turn brown? You may think that the answer is orchids, but you’d be wrong.
Orchids, a popular flower for just about any occasion (including as a chic alternative to the rose for Valentine’s Day) has a bad reputation for being fragile and far too delicate for the harsh Canadian environment. However, don’t believe the bad press. Orchids that wither and die have most likely been the victim of over/underwatering, or too little/too much much attention.
Follow these 5 tips to help keep your orchids as beautiful and healthy as possible, despite the weather outdoors:
1. The right amount of light. Different types of orchidsneed different amounts of light. For example, oncidiums love lots of sunshine, but should be shielded from the heat of midday sun. Popular moth orchids prefer a little more shade, making a north or east facing window ideal. Check the leaves to see if your orchid is getting enough light. Dark green means that there’s not enough. A lighter, grassy green means that the amount of light is perfect.
2. The right fertilizer, generally used about once a month. Fertilizer can help keep your orchid healthy and facilitate the blooming process. Use specially formulated flower food for orchids when watering and remember to follow the instructions closely.
3. Like most houseplants, orchids can also be attacked by pests like aphids and mealybugs. However, a healthy orchid will tend to fend off the pests well. To eliminate invaders, use a insecticidal soap that’s gentle and preferably organic.
4. The right amount of water. Overwatering and underwatering an orchid is the easiest way to destroy it. Overwatering will rot the roots and underwatering will make the flower dehydrated. Depending on the type of orchid, the soil should be kept moist, moist only when actively growing, or dry to the touch before watering again. In general, you can water your orchid about once per week or once every two weeks. Moth orchids, for example, require less water than oncidiums. A good way to determine the frequency of watering is to check the leaves. If they’re thick and fleshy, they won’t need as much water because they can retain it well. On the other hand, if the leaves are thinner, you’ll need to keep the soil moist.
5. In general, orchids do not need to be repotted until the roots grow long and start climbing over the pot’s edge. Repot when the orchid is not in bloom, and make sure to remove any dead or rotting roots before placing the roots into the new pot.
Pictured on the left is a beautiful Cymbidium Orchid and Rose arrangement in a black vase, garnished with greenery. Blooms are in yellow to represent joy, warmth and happiness.
