How to Care for Mature Orchid Plants
Most mature orchids grow well in pots, so when your pot is just too small for your orchid, you should immediately replant it into a larger container. You should always increase the size of the pot every time you do this and replant your orchid in a new pot every year. This will ensure that your orchid grows up to its potential.
The easiest way to determine if you’re planting orchids that are ready to grow is to check the air quality of the container. mature orchids don’t like dry air. Even if they’re indoors, you should allow about half an inch of water to be soaked by the soil when you give them water. Too much water will stunt your plants. It’s better to give your plants the right amount of water than to water them excessively, which can also stunt their growth.
When you’re ready to plant your orchid seeds, be sure that they are in a well-drained pot. If the pot has loose soil, it might hold too much water, which will make your orchids struggle. Be sure that the pot is wide enough that your mature orchids can easily grow. Orchids should be planted in potting soil that has been slightly moistened with water. Don’t use store bought potting soil.
When choosing the pot that you will grow your orchids in, consider the mature orchid plants you have. For instance, if you have three or four different species, you should get a pot that has three to four inches of space between the orchid pots. The orchids you are growing should be in pots that are at least six inches deep. If the pots are smaller, they may compact and make it harder for your orchids to grow properly. Some species of orchids can actually handle pots that are as small as a quarter of an inch.
Most orchids that are bought online are sold by mail order and some varieties cannot be shipped. In that case, orchids grown in the greenhouse need to have more room. There are also some exotic orchids that cannot be shipped and must be purchased directly from growers because of their delicate nature.
Once you have established the size and type of pot you want, you can begin planting your orchids. You can grow the smaller varieties in larger pots, while the larger varieties need to be kept in smaller pots. Some of the larger orchids such as Paphiopedilums and Paphiopedilum, have shallow roots, so keep this in mind when deciding on the amount of water to give for each plant.
Some of the most common problems with orchids occur due to them being grown in soil that is not completely dried out. Most orchids do well in a moisture free environment, but it is important to make sure they never stay in clay. Some species of orchids such as Paphiopedilums and Paphiopedilum will absorb harmful chemicals from the soil if it remains in play for too long. For this reason, you should never grow orchid plants in clay pots.
A good potting mix can help keep your specimen plants healthy and happy. Your growing period for each plant should range between six months to one year. Most hybrid orchids are able to survive to about three years in a pot. Once your plant has passed its flowering phase, you should take your plant out of its pot and prune away any spindles or leaf structure if you want the plant to continue to look its best.
Watering your orchid plants can be problematic at times. When watering your plant, make sure you only do so once every couple of hours. Containers often encourage root rot, which can damage your plant’s roots. This is why orchid containers are usually placed in shallow containers. In addition to causing root rot, excess water can also drown the roots so you should only water your plant in its container. Keep in mind that your orchid will also benefit from frequent watering since it is a tropical plant and needs the water to stay healthy.
If you have orchid plants that need to be kept in pots, you can purchase a few different types of pots that are designed to keep your orchids in perfect conditions. Containers with holes or slits are great for orchids since these holes or slits will allow the plant to breathe and prevent the roots from drowning. Containers with larger holes or slits are usually better choices for larger orchid plants since these pots will allow the roots to expand. Some people even choose to purchase larger containers with holes or slits but the most practical way to store or grow your orchid plants is in shallow containers with holes in them.
Many people use potting soil in their glass pots. You should avoid using potting soil as your plant bedding because this material can sometimes be too wet for orchids. Instead, opt for organic potting soil that is free of weeds and fungus. The benefits of organic materials over natural materials include being easier on the environment and having a healthier plant. Most people also find that organic potting soil has a more even, rich color than clay or plastic potting soil.