Common orchid tip you need to 'avoid' for 'successful growth' (original) (raw)

Common orchid tip you need to 'avoid' for 'successful growth' and beautiful blooms

Experts at Henry Street Garden Centre have shared what to do and what not to do for “successful orchid growing”

Plant parents make several mistakes when it comes to orchids

Orchids are famed for being low-maintenance but there are still a number of considerations to ensure they grow into beautiful flowers.

Moth orchids are the most popular variety and found in the majority of garden centres across the UK, but some owners still struggle to care for them. Henry Street Garden Centre experts have shared details of how to care for them best. Regularly checking on the houseplants will prevent issues like root and leaf burn, rotting of the roots, and pests. The orchid experts added: “Detection in the early stages can help you save your plant.”

They also said owners shouldn't separate the bulbs - which are essentially its "energy source" - especially if the orchid isn't in the best condition. More connected bulbs gives the orchid more energy, making it grow faster. Usually, people recommend misting the plant to increase water and humidity levels, but this should be avoided, according to the experts.

Orchids have aerial roots that should be left to do their thing rather than cut off (

Image:

Getty Images/EyeEm)

The experts said: “Don’t mist orchid flowers. Some guides will suggest that misting is a good idea and though the leaves of some orchids may benefit from this slightly, this should be avoided as the flowers are more fragile and water droplets can cause mould spots or patches and damage your precious blooms.”

Instead, you should use a humidity tray or humidifier to do the vital jobs by creating a more-controlled increase in local humidity. It will also prevent water pooling which could damage the orchid. Some owners will cut the plant's aerial roots, which reach out into the air, but these are used to absorb moisture from the air. The experts said: “In many cases, they can prove to be important for the orchid. If the roots enclosed within the potting medium perish, the orchid can still survive by drawing in moisture in the environment via its aerial roots. Moreover, in cutting a root you create an open wound through which all sorts of bacteria can enter the plant.”