How to grow orchids

The soil is very different from that for other flowers. Natural flowering is in autumn, but some species bloom between December and April.

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How to grow orchids
Growing orchids isn't a daunting task: it can be done both indoors and in protected outdoor spaces. The key is to ensure the plants have the right temperature, choose the most suitable varieties (some are typically indoor), water sparingly, and repot every 1-2 years after flowering.

Land 

Il ideal soil for orchids It is very different from normal soil for plants. It must be very draining (water must not stagnate), airy (to allow the roots to breathe), light and coarse (to get as close as possible to the natural environment). A coarse substrate (pieces of bark, fibres, perlite) creates air spaces between the materials, allowing the roots to oxygenate and drain water quickly after watering. The ideal pH for orchids should be slightly acidic, between 5,5 and 6,5. 

Tropical orchids prefer:

  • 18–25 °C at morning
  • No less than 15 ° C at night
  • A little bit of humidity in the air (it would be useful to frequently lightly spray the environment where the orchids grow).

Exposure

Avoid direct sunlight at all costs, as orchids absolutely dislike it. Instead, place the orchid near a bright window with a light curtain. There's a very simple way to tell if you've found the right exposure: the color of the leaves.

In particular:
  • leaves bright light green indicate optimal light
  • leaves dark green they are a sign of insufficient light, the plant grows slowly and flowers less
  • leaves yellow-green or with burnt spots  it means that the light is too strong

Cultivation in pots

The most common cultivation of orchids takes place in pots, with these practical indications:
    • you preferyou transparent vases: they allow you to check the condition of the roots.
    • the vase must have drainage holes on the bottom.
    • the vase it should be only slightly larger than the plant, the roots like not too much space.
    • Use an airy, well-draining mix, such as: 70 percent pine moss, 20 percent sphagnum moss, 10 percent perlite or charcoal.
    • Repotting should be done every 1-2 years, but there are varieties of orchids that can remain in the same pot for up to 3 years.

When to repot

 The ideal time to repot is when the plant has finished flowering, when the roots emerge from the pot, or when the substrate has decomposed, preferably during the growth of new leaves or roots.

Watering

To water your orchid well, follow these instructions:
  1. Do this after the substrate is dry: Touch the soil or roots; if they feel dry to the touch, you can water.
  2. The typical frequency it's about once a week at home, but it depends on:
    • ambient temperature and humidity,
    • type of pot and substrate,
    • season (water less in winter).
  3. Don't water in the middle of the night: better in the morning or at the beginning of the day to allow excess water to evaporate.

The most suitable varieties for cultivation

In Italy, the climate varies from Mediterranean to temperate, so the orchids most suitable for home or greenhouse cultivation are those tropical or subtropical epiphytes that tolerate indoor environments or mild seasons.
These are the most suitable varieties:
  • Phalaenopsis (moth orchid)
  • Dendrobium
  • Cattleya
  • Oncidium 
  • Cymbidium
The most suitable for growing at home are Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, Cattleya, Oncidium.

Flowering

La spontaneous flowering of orchids occurs during the autumn season. Phalaenopsis (also called butterfly orchid), the most common in homes and shops in Italy, has a long flowering period, from December to April. Orchids Oncidium Instead they flower from January to March, while the Cattleya has a short spring flowering.

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