Whether your orchid is flowering or not, it is important to understand how to keep your plant in tip-top shape. This will ensure that you enjoy blooms year after year.
Orchids need varying temperatures. They grow best in a cooler nighttime temperature and are more tolerant to a warmer daytime temperature. They also require sufficient light to produce blooms. You can help your orchid do this by keeping it in an air-conditioned room during the day and moving it to an indoor location at night.
One of the first things you should do when your orchid is not flowering is to give it the proper amount of water. You want to make sure that it is well-drained and does not get over-watered. You should be able to tell if your orchid is getting too much or too little water by observing the roots.
Aside from the water, you need to provide your orchid with sufficient light. Typically, orchids like to receive indirect sunlight from windows on an eastern or southern wall. You should never place them in direct sunlight. This will burn the leaves. You can also move them a few feet back from a window to block direct sunlight.
Another orchid tidbit is that an orchid’s flower spike grows taller when it’s 5″ or taller. A side branch from the spike will usually produce more flowers. You can support the spike with a loose tie or a stake.
Why Are My Orchid Leaves Wrinkled
Having wrinkled orchids leaves is not a good sign. It is a sign that your orchid needs to be given attention. This can be caused by overwatering or root rot.
Orchids need a moderately humid environment. This is because humidity helps balance out water loss through the leaves. They also like indirect light. If you find it difficult, you can use a humidity tray or humidifier.
Wrinkled orchids can also be caused by improper potting medium. Orchids with poor soil lack potassium and zinc. These nutrients are important to maintaining strong, healthy leaves. Alternatively, bad quality water can cause leaf tip die back.
Orchids should be repotted every so often to rejuvenate their living conditions. One of the best medium to use for repotting orchids is a bark mix.
Overwatering is the most common cause of wrinkly orchids. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to death of the plant. Orchids can also develop bacterial infections. Using a bactericide/fungicide made specifically for plants can help to fight this problem.
Orchids can also be affected by colder temperatures. If your orchid is sitting in water for too long, it can suffer from thirst. In addition, direct sunlight can cause the plant to lose too much water.
In this case, the bottom leaves of the orchid may yellow. If this happens, you can remove the leaf by pulling downward.
Overwatering can also cause the roots to become mushy and stringy. Over time, the soil can lose a lot of nutrients.
Orchids need water at a temperature of around 50°f to degrees (Celsius is 10°c). However, they can tolerate low amounts of water.
Tip: Check out Irene’s Step-By-Step Guide: What You Need For Keeping Indoor Orchids