An orchid garden is not as hard to maintain as many people imagine. In fact, orchids may be among the simplest plants to care for. So, begin with a “simple” orchid and learn the fundamentals of orchid care. You’re good to go once you’ve nailed this, and you can start planning your magnificent orchid garden.
What is an orchid plant?
Orchids are a type of flower that is found all over the world. They grow in wet areas, like the tropics. There are many different types of orchids, and they come in lots of different colors.
Orchids are from the Orchidaceae family, and there are more than 25,000 species of flowers around the world.
How do I make an orchid garden?
So, how do you grow orchids and make a garden out of them? Here are some helpful tips.
Watering
Because of evaporation and transpiration, you should water orchids every other day if they are outside—water orchids from the top-down, allowing the excess water to drain.
To avoid losing their dormant root system, they can be left to dry out between waterings after the growing season. Orchids enjoy being sprayed with water as well. Fill a sprayer bottle with water and spray the orchid once a week, especially if it is kept indoors and does not receive rain.
Light
Because they are native to tropical areas, they thrive in moderate light. If you want the greatest results, choose a light that isn’t too bright. If it’s a sunny day, you may need to provide some shade for your plants.
Temperature and humidity
Moth orchids thrive in the regular room temperatures that most houseplants prefer. They also like humid conditions. So if the air in your room is dry, set the orchid on a humidity tray to add moisture to the air.
Potting mix
Use charcoal, tree bark, and coconut husks, or simply purchase orchid potting mix from your local garden center. You can also simply hang your orchid from a tree.
Fertilizer
Orchids must be fertilized appropriately to maintain good growth. If you want to use a liquid fertilizer, you’ll need to dilute it more than other plants. You should not apply fertilizer right after potting and should only be used on orchids that are actively growing.
Speaking of fertilizers, let’s cover this topic below.
What types of fertilizer should I use on Orchids?
There are a variety of orchid fertilizers available on the market, but not all of them are created equal. In general, it’s best to use a fertilizer specifically designed for orchids, as this will provide the nutrients they need in the proper proportions. However, there are a few things to consider when choosing an orchid fertilizer.
Orchids require feeding regularly. Look for a fertilizer that has 20-20-20 on the label. That means that it contains equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the fertilizer.
If you’re using a commercial fertilizer, follow the label instructions. In general, though, you should use half-strength fertilizer; you should mix it with an equal amount of water before being applied to your orchid.
Pour the fertilizer into a narrow-spouted pitcher slowly, being careful not to touch the leaves. Once you are done, drain any excess solution and skip watering when you fertilize your orchids.
Removing dead stems
Simply snap out the stems of your orchid’s dead flowers to encourage new growth. Brown and stiff stems are what you’re looking for.
What’s the easiest orchid to grow?
The most readily available orchids, such as the Phalaenopsis or Moth Orchid, are quite popular since they thrive in typical homes.
Choose one of the less picky types that are suited to the type of growing conditions you may supply for the maximum chance of success. Buy the most mature plant you can buy (young plants are more difficult to please), and if possible, get it in bloom, so you know exactly what you’re after.
You can learn some information about the most common orchids on this website.
What is the best place to put an orchid?
Most orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on tree branches and trunks, so put them on benches under trees, hang them from the branches, or cover them with shade cloth in the summer. The trees should allow some sunlight to flow through, allowing filtered light to reach your orchids.
What can be planted with orchids?
With indoor plants like rubber trees, philodendrons, palms, and succulents, Orchids thrive. However, these plants’ and orchids’ lighting, temperature, and watering requirements are comparable. Therefore, it’s critical to find a plant that thrives in the same conditions as your orchid when deciding which plants to combine with it.
What is the best way to display orchids?
A cake stand, an empty fish aquarium, Wardian cabinets, or even an empty birdcage can all be used to create a stunning display. If your orchid is too large to fit in a case, consider placing it in a large decorative bowl and covering the top with moss, stones, or other materials for a stunning presentation.
Do orchids need soil?
Every year or so, orchids require new potting soil. This ensures that plants get the greatest nutrients and that proper air circulation is maintained. If you don’t replace your soil, it will absorb more water, causing root rot and making your orchid prone to fungal diseases. As a result, the roots of your orchid are mushy and brown.
