When theyre in full bloom, orchids are upscale yet playful, confident yet charming.
But unfortunately, all of those attributes come with a catch: Orchids are really easy to kill.
To be fair, no one buys an orchid with the intent to watch it die.
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Dont worry, even professional gardeners understand.
So, don’t take it too personally if an orchid has died under your watch.
Here’s what you should know and do to keep your next orchid alive and thriving.
Why Are Orchids So Easy to Kill?
A pot that allows water to drain easily is essential, too.
It’s also possible that you’ve thought your orchid was dying when it really wasn’t.
How to Keep Your Orchid Alive and Thriving
you’re able to do this.
Thats not traditional potting soil.
They require a specialized orchid mix that is well-draining, de Yong says.
A typical orchid mix might include components like bark, perlite, coconut husk, and sphagnum moss.
For orchids, a well-draining pot is essential," de Yong says.
The key is to let the plant dry out a little between waterings, de Yong says.
you’re free to test this by sticking your finger into the soil mix.
If it feels dry, its time to water.
If it feels moist, wait another few days.
De Yong notes that you should either use room-temperature water thats been boiled, or rainwater for best results.
Lastly, your orchids overall environment should be considered, too.
Orchids are also susceptible to viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases, which all produce different symptoms.
double-check when dealing with a sickly orchid, any tools you use are clean.
Doing so will avoid spreading infection to other plants.
Isolate the orchid, if needed, and remove any dead or diseased areas.
If there are cuts present, de Yong suggests treating them with a fungicide.
ensure you have cleaned the pot well before repotting, using a mild soap solution.
