Moth orchids: Expert explains the meaning behind name
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Caring for an orchid during winter is more difficult than looking after the houseplant in the summer months. Luckily, Express.co.uk spoke to Love Orchid’s Head Grower Malcolm about the best location the flowering plant needs in order the thrive. He advised putting it away from a fruit bowl amongst other areas of the house.
Orchids are thought of as tropical plants that love warmth and humidity.
However, with the right care, they can happily survive and thrive through the colder winter months.
Malcolm said: “Happy in a temperature range of 15c to 25c, normal room temperatures that you are comfortable in.
“Light to semi shade areas. East or west facing windows are ideal.
“Avoid very bright south facing windows as high light and high leaf temperatures can scorch the leaves and dry out the flowers and buds.”
He added: “It is possible to place in bright windows but do so during winter/early spring to give the plant time to adapt as the light levels and temperatures increase.
“The third best way to kill an orchid is to move it from a shady, low light place to a bright high light one.
“Don’t place near extremes of heat, avoid hot fireplaces and over hot radiators as can scorch the leaves and dry out the flowers and buds.
“Keep away from draughts as the drying low humidity can cause flower and bud drop,” Malcolm advised.
“Keep away from bowls of fruit, these can give off ethylene gas as they ripen causing flower death.”
As for how to care for orchids during the winter months, Love Orchid had five tips.
Less watering
Plants need less water when it’s cooler and overwatering is the most common problem with orchids.
It is important to cut back on the amount and frequency of water that you give them.
Keep an eye on the roots, when they look silvery grey in colour it is time to give them a bit of water, this might only be once every couple of weeks.
Temperature
The central heating has come on now, so check where your orchids are positioned for the winter.
Don’t put them directly above a radiator but also keep them out of cold spots as they really don’t like getting too cold overnight.
Light
The sun isn’t as strong in the winter, but it is still important to keep your orchid out of direct sunlight.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Love Orchids (@loveorchidsuk)
Re-flowering
Maybe your orchid has stopped flowering now, don’t despair, it will hopefully re-flower again.
Cut down the stems to just a few centimetres long and then be patient, it may take several weeks or months for a new stem to start growing but when it does you will be rewarded for your patience with another fantastic display of flowers.
Sometimes moving your orchid to another room or position in the house helps to speed up the re-flowering process.
Re-potting
If you’ve had your orchid for a few years you may find that the pot is getting a bit overcrowded with roots and your plant may benefit from being re-potted.
You can easily do this with some orchid re-potting bark and a larger clear plastic pot.
Source: Read Full Article