HOW TO KEEP YOUR ORCHIDS BLOOMING THROUGH SUMMER
STRUGGLING to stop your orchids from wilting? Direct sunlight and high temperatures can wreak havoc on our most popular indoor plant, and so orchid expert Mark Riley from Love Orchids (loveorchids.co.uk) suggests some simple changes to your normal plant-care routine.
Millions of phalaenopsis orchids, commonly known as moth orchids, are sold every year and normally require minimum upkeep, until summer temperatures can result in flopping flowers.
“Extra water, some plant food and a position away from direct sun is key. Orchids look beautiful, can flower for months and last for years. And there’s one to suit everyone.
Some hacks can be followed all year round. Don’t, for instance, leave your orchid next to your fruit bowl, as they’re sensitive to ethylene gas, produced by ripening fruit and your plant may drop its flowers.
In summer, Mark says... Water twice a week instead of once:
“Well-watered plants have plump green roots. If they look silvery grey or shrivelled, pop the plant under the tap and let it soak in the sink for a few minutes.” The ice cube trick: “Add a few ice cubes to the surface of the bark instead of watering, avoiding the leaves. They will gradually melt and provide the required hydration.
“Orchids don’t like sitting in water so remove surplus within an hour” Add feed: “Orchids grow more actively during the summer, so add fertiliser to the water fortnightly and only use orchid-specific ‘food’. During cooler weather, orchids can happily survive on water without additional feed.”
Don’t let it shine: “Orchids love a bright window, but they’re not keen on direct sunlight or radiators. East or west-facing windows and bathrooms are best.” Grab some gravel and give misting a miss: “Increase humidity by placing the pot on a layer of wet gravel, keeping the water level below the top of the stones. Avoid using a ‘mister’ as this can lead to spotting on the flowers and deposits on the leaves.”