Orchids

Orchids

Everyones favourite flowering indoor plant. James shares his secrets to growing orchids, which will not only last but excel in this in-depth lesson. From drooping leaves to bulb rot, James gives you the tools to help your orchids thrive.

Lesson Summary

• Orchids are the second largest plant family.
• The Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) is the most commonly available variety in the United Kingdom and is best placed on an east or west-facing window sill.
• When their roots are green, they are perfectly happy and need no watering.
• Roots will turn grey when they start to dry out.
• Brown and mushy roots are a sign of overwatering.
• When watering, leave the orchid in a bowl of water for 10-15 minutes ensuring all water drains away before returning the orchid to its pot.
• It is not recommended to water with ice cubes unless you are in the lowland tropics. Ice can freeze and damage roots.
• Chipped bark is used as an orchid compost.
• Several orchids, including Phalaenopsis orchids, may grow without the need for orchid compost. Sink the entire root system into a glass vase or pot, and pour mineral water into the bottom fifth. Mineral water is preferable to tap water, which would leave unsightly calcium deposits on the glass.
• The top four-fifths allows for airflow, thus preventing rotting.
• Moth orchids are incredibly long flowering.
• I recommend cutting the stem of a Phalaenopsis orchid to just above the node or knuckle. This encourages a new stem to develop which will provide a continued show of blooms.
• To propagate the orchid, carefully peel off the outer layer of the stem above a node. Apply Keiki paste to this section of stem. The plant hormones in the Keiki paste will encourage a plantlet to grow. Eventually, this can be taken off and planted separately.
• The growing media used for the Jewel orchid (Ludisia discolor) is sphagnum moss.
• Corsage orchids (Cattleya) are a great option in a cool space.
• Corsage orchids come from high altitude environments with cool temperate applications.
• When Corsage orchid buds open, they can be placed in a warmer position. In a temperate climate an unheated conservatory or lean-to porch. Or outdoors in dappled shade, provided it is brought in before the end of summer.

Your Notes

Compile a list of different varieties of orchids you already know and then research new ones. Comment down below your favourite orchid varieties.

Orchid Care

Light

Bright but indirect light.

Water

Leave orchids to soak in a bowl of water for 10-15 minutes until the roots turn green and allow excess water to drain away.