Gardening fans share simple hack to make orchids bloom for 12 years – and it’s completely free
GARDENING fans have shared their top tips for watering orchids, with one woman sharing how she has been able to keep hers blooming for 12 years.
Orchids can be some of the trickiest plants to look after, and are often killed off by their owners overwatering them.
Curious to find out how best to water her orchids to keep them healthy and blooming, one person asked the Orchids Tips and Tricks Facebook page: “What is truly the best way to water an orchid?”
The post was flooded with helpful responses from Facebook users, many of whom suggested a similar method – and it doesn’t cost a penny.
One person said: ““I soak them for five to 10 minutes every week.
“My oldest orchid is 12 years old and is thriving and it still always blooms.”
A second person said: “I was never able to get my orchids to re-bloom until I started to soak them in water once a week.
“My orchids are a few years old and very healthy.”
Another person said: “Mine are in a bark mixture. I soak mine and let them drink as they please until the roots are plump and green.”
A fourth person said: “I have all of mine on clear plastic pots with bark. I soak them for 10 minutes once every seven to 10 days.”
Another avid gardener chimed in: ““I soak my ladies every week or two depending on how light they feel.
“I place them in the sink and fill it to right below their root crown. I soak them for about 10 minutes, then allow them to fully drain. “
You can use regular tap water to water your orchids, however, rainwater and snow can be very beneficial to the plants, as they contain nitrogen, which is essential for plants to grow.
To boost your chances of getting your orchids blooming, you can also mist them a few times a week, as the plants prefer higher humidity.
Potted orchids are usually grown in moss or bark chips, instead of soil like most traditional houseplants as this provides excellent drainage, which prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged and root rot.
Orchids which are kept as potted plants have varied blooming seasons, depending on their species.
Gardening tips and hacks
How to transform your garden on a cheap budget
How to preserve your favourite flowers at home – 5 easy tips explained
Which plants should I be wary about my dog being around?
When is the best time to prune roses?
When should I start planting daffodil bulbs?
How high can a garden fence be and can it be taller than my neighbours?
What colour of fence paint makes a garden look bigger?
Will my garden plants still grow if my backyard doesn’t receive any sun?
However, March is the peak blooming season for moth orchids, the variety of orchids most commonly grown as houseplants.
The blooms should last for several months, but bloom time can very dependent on different weather conditions.
After blooming season has ended, it is best to repot them, usually because the potting medium has broken down.
To repot your orchids, simply clean the plant of any dead or dying foliage and add in fresh, well drained potting mix such as peat moss or bark.
Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.