Houseplants: ‘Key’ to looking after orchids - plant must be treated ‘carefully’
ORCHIDS are popular houseplants because they are fairly easy to care for. However, experts at Baby Bio® have shared how owners can make sure they thrive.
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Orchids, which come in a variety of different colours, can live for several years. This makes them a popular present choice for many as well as being low maintenance compared to other houseplants.
Experts at Baby Bio® have shared how orchid owners can ensure they thrive in their environment.
The experts told Express.co.uk: “Orchids are wonderfully delicate houseplants that have been firm favourites in households for years thanks to their beautiful blooms which can last for months.
“Yet, it’s no secret that they have specific requirements and therefore must be treated carefully, a reputation which has caused many plant enthusiasts to be wary of owning an orchid.
“The key to orchid care is all in the environment!
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“In their natural habitat, orchids are mainly either epiphytic, meaning they grow on trees, or lithophytic, meaning they grow on rocks.
“Most orchids therefore naturally grow high up in the rainforest treetops on rough bark rather than on bark rather than on the ground in soil.
“As such, orchid owners should try to mimic this environment and always pot these plants in specific bark-based orchid compost which promotes creation to the roots and drainage to prevent the plant becoming waterlogged.”
Orchid roots can also easily rot in wet compost, so the plant should be let to dry between watering.
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The experts added: “While they are susceptible to overwatering, orchids get most of their moisture from the air and therefore prefer high humidity, so mist the foliage and arial roots daily or place the plant next to a tray of wet pebbles to increase air humidity.
“Consider planting them in rooms that are naturally more humid.”
Rooms could include the bathroom or kitchen.
Orchids should also be placed in bright, but not direct sunlight.
This is because they can burn if left in mid-afternoon sunshine.
The experts added: “Most orchid owners will admit that getting their plants to repeat bloom can be extremely difficult.
“Their nutritional needs are unique and need fertilising both when in bloom and dormant.
“We recommend using an orchid feed like Baby Bio Orchid Feed with every water for the brightest blooms.
“Once your plant’s flowers have fallen, you can encourage it to rebook the following season by pruning the whole flower stem and continuing to care for it as usual while it lies dormant.
“Remember there are many species of orchids, so each should be treated according to its requirements.
“We recommend the phalaenopsis moth orchid variety for beginners!”
There are around 54 different species of wild orchid in Britain.