Growing Orchids

In short: Orchids thrive in bright indirect light from east or west windows, watering roughly once a week once the substrate dries, air humidity of 50–70% and 18–25 °C by day with cooler nights. Repot every two to three years after flowering, into a bark-based orchid mix in a transparent pot.

Orchids have become increasingly popular plants in recent times. It's no wonder - their magnificent flowers, which thanks to breeders shine in all possible colours, can captivate many growers.

When you add to the beauty of the flowers the relatively low maintenance requirements of some species and easy availability in shops, their rising popularity is completely understandable.

Have you received an orchid as a gift and don't know what to do with it to make it bloom beautifully again, or are you planning to buy an orchid and have concerns about growing it? Then this article is just for you.

In this article you will find: orchids grow in the Czech Republic too, tropical heat-loving orchids, air humidity, proper watering, regular fertilising, placement in a suitable location and gentle repotting. Do you know what to do with an orchid after flowering?

Orchids

Orchids belong to a very wide family - approximately 850 genera and 17,000 species of orchids are known worldwide. It's therefore no wonder that orchids grow in almost all countries. They can be found in various climatic conditions and temperature zones.

Their original homeland must therefore be taken into account during cultivation. Tropical orchids won't thrive in cold environments and conversely, cold-loving orchids won't prosper in heated apartments.

On the other hand, great variability is an advantage - there will certainly be a species of orchid that will suit exactly the conditions you can offer.

In the Czech Republic you can encounter approximately 24 genera of orchids growing in the wild. However, don't look for orchids in meadows that resemble those from shops - completely different genera grow in our climate.

If you manage to find an orchid in the wild, it will be great luck, because most species of orchids growing in the Czech Republic are among endangered, severely or even critically endangered plants.

In the Czech Republic you can encounter, for example, Orchis, Dactylorhiza and Liparis.

Tropical orchids - the most commonly grown orchids

Orchids that are most commonly available in shops belong to the group of heat-loving or moderately heat-loving orchids.

Heat-loving orchids prefer daytime temperatures around 25°C, night temperatures can be several degrees lower. Heat-loving orchids can easily tolerate even higher temperatures, whereas excessively low temperatures can lead to root rot and overall plant decline.

Heat-loving orchids include plants of the Phalaenopsis genus, which are perhaps the most readily available on shop shelves. Moderately heat-loving orchids prefer temperatures around 20°C.

Both these groups of orchids can be grown without problems in apartments where the temperature corresponds to their requirements.

Orchids Need Sufficient Air Humidity

The right temperature alone doesn't guarantee that orchids will thrive on your windowsill. Another equally important condition for growing orchids is ensuring sufficient air humidity. In older brick houses, humidity tends to be much higher than in panel apartment buildings.

Excessive dryness can be the cause of unsatisfactory orchid growth in apartments. Orchids placed on a windowsill directly above central heating won't thrive particularly well. Fortunately, there are ways to increase air humidity around orchids and thus improve conditions for their growth.

Generally speaking, a group of multiple plants can maintain higher air humidity than a single plant standing alone, so place several plants on the windowsill. A very aesthetic way to increase humidity is to place the pot in a saucer with moistened drainage material (pebbles). You can also use air humidifiers. Misting the plants is also suitable.

Watering Orchids

Orchids need high humidity for good growth, but they cannot tolerate waterlogging. Excessive watering in an attempt to maintain sufficient moisture can be devastating for orchids. When growing orchids, be careful about overwatering.

Waterlogging can be prevented by creating a drainage layer at least 4 cm thick in the decorative pot. Polystyrene or fine gravel works best as drainage. It's essential to water judiciously whenever the substrate dries out. Under normal conditions, this means approximately once a week; in excessively dry apartments, additional watering may be needed as required.

Water orchids with soft rainwater if possible. Let tap water stand before using it. Water for watering should be at room temperature.

There are several watering methods. A proven method for commonly grown orchid species is showering orchids (in summer, plants can be placed out in the rain). Orchids can also be watered with a regular watering can.

Fertilizing Orchids

Fertilizing is essential for achieving beautiful appearance and abundant flower production. Special fertilizers developed precisely according to orchid requirements are available for fertilizing orchids. Fertilize plants during the summer period when they grow the most.

The recommended fertilizer dosage is always stated on the packaging. Follow it. An excessive dose of nutrients will rather harm the plants. For the orchid root system, it's gentler to first moisten the substrate and only then fertilize.

Optimal Location for Growing Orchids

If you are limited to growing orchids indoors, windows are the most suitable locations. Windows facing all cardinal directions are suitable for growing orchids.

East and west-facing windows are absolutely ideal. These allow you to grow orchids without problems all year round. Orchids don't like excessive sun exposure, so on south-facing windows you must provide shading during the summer months.

On the other hand, in winter these windows are a great advantage because the abundant light accelerates flowering. With north-facing windows, it's quite the opposite. In summer, you can use them as a temporary shelter for plants sensitive to excess sun (e.g. Phalaenopsis).

The sensitivity of orchids to sunlight can be roughly determined by the firmness of their leaves - thicker and harder leaves are less sensitive to sun. Phalaenopsis, for example, react to insufficient light at their location by dropping flowers. If you notice this phenomenon, try to give the plant more light.

Repotting Orchids

Orchids should be repotted approximately every two years; if necessary, they can be repotted more frequently. You should always repot orchids when the substrate is saturated with algae, when pests appear on the plants, when roots start to rot, after overwatering, or when the original pot is too small.

The most suitable time for repotting is during the growth phase after flowering, ideally in spring and summer. When repotting, proceed very carefully to minimize damage to the roots.

To remove any unwanted pests, try to remove as much of the old substrate as possible. After shaking off the substrate remnants, rinse the root system under running water. Remove old and damaged roots.

Repotting is closely related to choosing the right substrate and pot. Each orchid genus requires a different substrate; some genera even grow without substrate...

The most commonly grown Phalaenopsis plants thrive best in a substrate composed of pine bark, white peat with an addition of charcoal.

If you don't have access to this special substrate, repot the plants into an orchid substrate. Transparent plastic pots that are easy to clean are suitable for orchids.

Transparent pots are important to allow root photosynthesis to occur. Don't forget that even decorative covers should be made of transparent material.

What to Do with Orchids After Flowering?

After flowering, most orchid species need a rest period - some require a longer one, others just a short break.

Phalaenopsis orchids don't need a very pronounced rest period after flowering. After these plants finish blooming, cut the flower stem above the third dormant eye or above the lowest faded flower.

Place the plants in a cooler location at approximately 16°C - 18°C (61°F - 64°F). Leave them there for about two months, after which the plant should produce a side shoot with flowers or a new flower spike.

During the rest period, don't fertilize the orchid and partially reduce watering. After the rest period, increase the temperature again and care for the plant as usual.

Written by Lenka Z.