samedi 2 décembre 2017

A Beginning Grower's Guide to Choosing Orchid Supplies

By Gary Watson


Having potted plants in your home can be very beneficial to your health and well-being. One type of flower that many people want to grow is the orchid. These delicate and visually stunning flowers can be challenging to grow especially if you are just starting out. Here are some tips and tricks that you can use to purchase the orchid supplies your plants need to stay healthy, happy and beautiful.

Orchids have been popular for many years because they are colorful and are interesting to look at. Some have blooms that are quite large while others have flowers that are smaller and more delicate. Often they come from regions where the climate is tropical and so if they are being grown in cooler areas their care can be a bit more challenging.

One basic thing to consider when you are getting supplies is the pot itself. Most specimens will come from the nursery already potted but as they grow larger they will often need to be transplanted. When picking a new home for your plant you need to make sure that it can drain properly. An orchid will not flourish if it is planted in a way that will let water sit around the roots. A pot with holes in the bottom is an excellent choice for this kind of plant.

Unlike some plants that love being drenched with water, orchids prefer to be misted to keep them hydrated. You may want to consider a spray bottle that has an adjustable spray. This will allow you to make the stream of water finer or stronger. It will also help you control the amount of water that is getting in the pot and trickling down to the roots.

The weight of the blossoms can also damage an orchid's stem and this may end up killing it. You need to consider how you will support the blooms without damaging the stem. There are stakes that can be placed in a pot and clips or Velcro strips that will keep the stem snugged up tightly to the stake. Be prepared to replace stakes as your orchids grow larger.

As any plant grows it pulls nutrients from the soil. If they were growing outside those nutrients would be replaced on a regular basis. Potted plants of any kind do well with fertilizer or plant food added to their pots. You will want to make sure that when you go shopping for plant food that you pick one that has the proper balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to keep your specimens happy and healthy.

As your plants grow larger and need to be re-potted you may need to also get a cutting tool that can be used to cut roots back. This can be an important part of helping your specimens grow in a healthy way. Some plants will develop root rot and a sharp, sterile cutting tool will help keep their roots happy.

There are many places that you can find these supplies. You may want to start your search at a garden store or a shop that specializes in orchids as they may be able to give you valuable advice. Once you know which products you like you may then be able to find them online on a site that specializes in these beautiful exotic blooms.




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