Orchid mix - what is it and what kind of care is required for this flower: photo examples

From ancient times, the orchid was considered a greenhouse, an exotic miracle, since only a small part could have such a treasure in their home. Now orchid is the simplest and most common indoor plant. Hybrids with various properties began to appear on store shelves.

Today, there are about 35 thousand species of orchids, and this is not less than about 10 percent of all plants on Earth. Orchids vary in shape and lifestyle. There are in the form of shrubs and herbaceous plants, vines, as well as lithophytes and epiphytes.

What it is?

Orchids are one of the largest families, whose representatives are found on all continents, including almost all climatic zones except Antarctica.

Detailed description of appearance

Orchid mix impresses with its appearance. From white to dark purple. Orchid can be decorated with spots and buds. The smallest flower reaches two centimeters, and the largest grows to fifteen centimeters, but this is quite rare.

History of occurrence

Orchids appeared about 130 million years ago. In some ancient countries, the story of the orchid mix began about three to four thousand years ago, and was also considered a medicinal plant. the rapid development of orchids occurred 55-60 million years ago.

What is the main difference?

The main difference between orchids and other plants is the structure of flowers. The cups and petals are alternately arranged in a circle around the center of the flower. The petal in the middle is similar in appearance to the lip and is called Labellum. The lower one is almost always reduced or increased.

Subcort

One of the most famous sub-mixes of orchid mix is a flower called Anthurium Andre, perfect for creating bright colors in the house.

Photo

Next, see the various photos of orchids.

When and how does it bloom?

For the orchid to develop, it must be placed in a place where there is a shadow. With good care, the plant will bloom for a long time and delight others with its beauty.

What to do if it does not bloom?

It happens that it stays green. In order for the plant to bloom, it is necessary to cut off the slingshot at the top to the first bud or completely cut the peduncle and place in a container of water.

Care before and after

Care must continue after flowering. Caring for a plant after flowering is almost the same as before flowering. The mix needs moisture and should be sprayed. After the plant finishes blooming, it also needs to be fed, but to reduce portions of fertilizer.

Seat selection

The best for an orchid mix is a window sill, the windows of which look west or east, since there will be an optimal amount of light for the plant.

Soil and pot preparation

In apartments, sometimes in the winter and autumn season, the humidity can be high. So that it does not harm the plant, it is necessary to put moss. The smallest bark fraction is considered the main of the main components of the substrate for the orchid mix.

ATTENTION: If the soil is dry, it will pass water well. Then, when the bark is in the water for 48 hours, then you need to get it and rinse it well under a tap or shower.

Temperature and humidity

Orchid mix should be placed in a place where it will be protected from various drafts. The optimum temperature for normal growth and development, as well as good flowering at least twice a year, will be from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius.

In order for flower stalks to form on the plant, a difference of 5-6 degrees Celsius between day and night is necessary.

The optimal humidity for the orchid mix will be 70 percent humidity.. If the humidity drops to 40-50 percent, then it should be sprayed.

Lighting

The main component in growing this plant will be lighting.

Light is very important for the orchid mix, but an excess of sunlight leads to burns on the leaves.

If the plant stands on the southern windowsills, then it is necessary to resort to artificial shading, for this you can use curtains. Orchid mix should be at least 12 hours a day in the sun. In order for the plant to grow and develop normally, it is necessary to turn the plant in all directions to the sun. The distance must be at least a meter.

An orchid is best kept in a transparent pot, as not only leaves, but also roots are involved in photosynthesis.

Watering

You can determine the dryness of the substrate by taking a piece of bark in your hands. Do not get involved in excessive watering. The roots need air. Too frequent watering can kill your orchid. When watering, the substrate should be completely wet. The best method is to place your orchid in a basin in soda for about 20 minutes. At the same time, the pot should not be flooded with it. There should be holes in the bottom of the pot with which the bark absorbs enough water.

Phalaenopsis is a tropical plant, so you should monitor the temperature of the water. She should not be too cold.

In summer, water twice a week, and in winter - once every two weeks. Recommendations are typical for everyone, but each gardener must draw up a watering schedule for himself. Watering should be after the substrate has dried.. You can determine its dryness by the bark from the pot.

IMPORTANT: A plant may become ill and die if the soil is too wet. It is best to put the pot with the plant in a container of water for a third of an hour. Water should be warm, about 28 degrees.

Watch a video about proper orchid watering:

Top dressing

Do not overfeed the plant, as this can result in burns on the roots. It is important to use fertilizers labeled “for orchids”.

Transfer

There is no need to transplant the orchid mix too often. Once a year will be enough. If you transplant during flowering, the plant may even lose all the flowers.

The pot on the orchid mix should be larger than the previous one, with small holes and transparent. First, before the transplant, you need to inspect the roots and cut off the rotten ones, as well as check for the absence of parasites and diseases.

Watch the video about the correct orchid transplant:

Breeding

You can choose different methods of propagation of orchid mix, depending on the convenience of reproduction. There is an easy way to reproduce. To do this, you must:

Get an adult plant from the pot.
Cut the rhizome from the walls, as well as the earthen coma. When dividing the rhizome, three developed false bulbs should remain.
Then, the roots of the plant must be sprinkled with charcoal.
Then transplant them into separate pots and continue normal care.

You can also grow an orchid mix with seeds. But not at home.

Diseases and Pests

Thrips. The appearance of silver and blue inclusions is a sign of thrips. Appear due to high temperature. In the fight against thrips, high-quality insecticide treatment will help.
Spider mite. If a small cobweb of white shade appears on the lower part of the leaf, and yellow spots begin to appear on the upper parts of the leaf. The cause of the appearance is dry air. Soap-alkaline washing will help in the fight against them.
Aphid. They are tiny, dark plants. They settle throughout the plant. The main reason is high temperature and low humidity. A milky-aqueous solution (1: 1) and a light insecticide will help in the fight against them.
Shield. Small lice form growths on the leaves of the orchid, under which they live. Appear at elevated temperature. A milky-aqueous solution (1: 1) and a light insecticide will help in the fight against them.

Prevention of various problems

So that the plant is not again damaged by diseases and pests, it is necessary to observe proper care for it.

This orchid variety is gaining more and more popularity in our time. The plant is a great option for novice enthusiasts who have just started arranging their indoor garden, as orchid mix easy enough to care for. The main thing is to follow all the rules for caring for her and then the orchid will delight others with its beauty about three times a year.