If you haven’t yet succumbed to the delicate beauty of orchids, if you’re here means that you are about to.
These elegant flowers have captured the hearts of many, including us, so today we are going to delve into the world of orchid care. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your green thumb journey, we have some valuable insights to share. Plus, we’ll introduce you to two exceptional products that will take your orchid care to the next level: ATA XL and B’cuzz 1-Component.
Making orchid care simple.
Caring for orchids may seem daunting at first, but fear not! With a little knowledge and the right products, you’ll be able to nurture these stunning plants with confidence. Before we dive into the specific products, let’s explore the different orchid species and their varying care requirements.
1. Light:
Most orchids thrive in bright, indirect light. They generally prefer filtered sunlight or an east-facing window where they receive gentle morning sun. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight as it can scorch their leaves. Some varieties prefer a more semi-shaded environment, as we will see later on.
2. Water:
Watering orchids can be a bit tricky as they have unique water requirements. It’s essential to strike a balance between keeping them hydrated and avoiding overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
The frequency of watering depends on factors such as temperature, humidity and the particular species of orchid. It is better to water less than to overwater. Follow these guidelines:
– First of all, orchids mostly live in humid areas. Therefore, the ideal is to keep it in a humid environment, or, failing that, to spray the plant once or twice a day. Ideally, rainwater or demineralised water should be used, as in their natural environment, they use humidity from the air and rainwater, which has a very low calcium content. Spraying them and keep a high humidity will drastically reduce the need for watering your orchids. However, when the aerial roots turn a whitish colour, it means that they are starting to dry out and need to be watered soon!
– When watering your orchids, we recommend watering by immersion:
1. Fill a container with water (preferably rainwater or demineralised water as mentioned above). Wait until the water reaches room temperature.
2. Carefully immerse the entire pot with the orchid in the container. The top of the pot and the water in the container should be at the same level.
3. Wait a little while for the substrate to absorb the water. Wood bark, coco chips and clay pebbles take some time to moisten completely.
4. Remove the potted orchid from the water. Allow the excess water to drain completely out of the pot.
5. Return your orchid to its favourite spot and you’re done!
– Consider that orchids should not remain submerged in water, since this will encourage root rot or insect infestations.
3. Substrate:
Orchids have specific substrate requirements; they don’t grow well in regular potting soil mixes. The substrate should provide really good drainage and aeration, as well as serving as a support for the plant.
The best thing is trying to imitate the natural growing conditions of the orchid in its native habitat. More than half of all orchids are epiphytes, i.e., they live on trees, taking advantage of the water and nutrients they find in the roughness of the bark, as well as the moisture in the air.
Because of that, wood bark, coco chips and similar materials are often used in orchid potting mixes. These materials mimic their natural origin, aerate the mix and allow for better air circulation. For this purpose, clay pebbles can also do the trick.
On the other hand, we mentioned the orchids’ need for humidity. To space out watering times, and to reduce the risk of drying out if the humidity is not too high, usually these mixes include materials such as sphagnum moss or coco coir. These materials hold a reasonable amount of water, without drowning the orchid’s roots.
4. Pots:
Selecting the right pots for orchids is important for their overall health and growth.
Orchid pots are usually transparent or have slits or holes for adequate air circulation and root aeration. Transparent pots allow orchids to photosynthesise through their roots – that’s why they are green! – and also allow you to monitor the health of the roots and when watering is necessary.
And remember! Different orchid species may have specific care requirements, so it’s always a good idea to research the particular species you’re caring for to ensure you provide the best conditions for their growth.
Now it’s time to take a quick look at some of the more common and easy to care for orchid varieties, and some for those who like a challenge…. not suitable for newcomers!
Easiest orchid species to care for:
If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with orchid species known for their resilience and adaptability. Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, are an excellent choice for novices. They tolerate a variety of light conditions, although if they do not get enough light, they will not re-bloom. Regarding watering, they are also quite forgiving.
Another beginner-friendly species is the Cattleya orchid. Known for their vibrant, show-stopping flowers, Cattleyas prefer bright, indirect light and a well-ventilated environment. With proper care, they will reward you with beautiful blooms.
Most challenging orchid species:
For those seeking a challenge and willing to invest extra effort, some orchid species require more specialized care. The delicate and exquisite Paphiopedilum, or slipper orchids, demand specific humidity and temperature conditions. They prefer low light levels and need to be kept slightly moist, making them a fascinating but demanding addition to your collection.
The Vanda orchid is another species that can be challenging to care for, but they will more than reward you with their flowering and beauty. To flower, the Vanda needs a very bright place, but it does not tolerate direct sunlight, as its leaves would burn. It needs a warm, stable temperature and high humidity levels. They are quite demanding plants with their conditions. So, if you want to own a Vanda, consider that they need special attention, but once you understand its needs, it is a very long-lived plant!
Unlocking Success with B’cuzz 1-Component and ATA XL:
To ensure your orchids reach their full potential, we recommend incorporating ATA XL and B’cuzz 1-Component into your orchid care routine. These great products are great for supporting the growth and blooming phases of orchids, making them ideal companions for your plants.
B’cuzz 1-Component is a growth fertiliser with a balanced NPK ratio, great for nourish your orchid. This fertilizer will support its growth and vital processes, so it will stay healthy, strong, and vigorous.
But when it comes to flowering, maybe your orchids need a little push, in that ATA XL becomes your orchid’s best friend. This growth and bloom stimulator enriched with plant extracts, humic acids, and mineral PKs will provide your orchids with additional phosphorus and potassium.
Those elements are crucial nutrients during the blooming phase as they improve energy storage and transport, helping your orchid to kick-start the flowering phase.
Orchids, in particular, benefit greatly from the extra dosage of phosphorus, ensuring continuous blooming and vibrant flower development.
Just keep in mind orchids are not very demanding in terms of nutrients. Atami products are very effective, so we recommend using less than the minimum recommended dosage. This is to make sure that you do not over fertilise your orchids, as they are very sensitive plants. If you find that they need more, you can gradually increase the dosage until you find the optimal dosage for them.
To sum up
When it comes to keeping orchids, remember, these plants can be both rewarding and challenging. But don’t worry! With proper care and the right nutrients, you’ll create a flourishing oasis of vibrant blooms. So, go ahead and unleash your green thumb with confidence, knowing that Atami’s products are there to support you every step of the way. Happy orchid growing!
