Opulent Orchids

An ORCHID is a must have for any home. "The rainforest plant, instantly conjures up a sense of true luxury in your home. The exotic beauty is also notorious for its finicky disposition. For a plant that purportedly ‘thrives on neglect’, many of us can never get our orchids to bloom after the initial flowers fall from their stems." To keep those orchids flowering, follow the Tips below.

(Bella Life)

Watering and Feeding

· Water the orchid once a week with an egg cup sized of soft water (or use cooled water that has been boiled, or filtered tap water). You can also soak the orchid in its plastic pot for 5-10 minutes in the water.

· When watering, be sure the excess doesn’t pool in the leaves, as this can cause rot and damage. Gently whisk away any water with a soft tissue or cotton bud.

(John M. Hall)

Flowering

· Orchids will bloom and then drop off after about eight weeks. Don’t worry, this is normal!

· Once the flowers have dropped off, cut back the stem diagonally to the lowest node (the small eye on the stem). This will stimulate new growth (and if you’re lucky, new flowers!)

· Continue to water weekly, and a new stem should appear from this node in two to three months.

(Bella Life)

Display & Styling

· Display the orchid in a vase that is slightly narrower at the base. This will keep the potted orchid snug. Or, pop a few stones into the bottom of a vase with a broader base to give the roots more circulation.

· In nature, orchids climb up trees and shrubs, so keep the balancing sticks attached to your plant. To enhance the natural display, cut the sticks down so they aren’t as visible. You’ll need a sharp and sturdy pair of garden scissors for this.

· Very importantly, unless they’ve become crinkled and crispy, do not cut any of the orchid’s roots. They gather in moisture and nutrients from the atmosphere, and are an essential part of a healthy orchid. When cutting off dead ends, use a clean pair of scissors, and only remove the old pieces. Most of the time, there will still be a healthy section of root that can be left to thrive.

· As it’s a shade plant, never place your orchid in direct sunlight. You can, however, place it in a north-facing windowsill, but this should only be done in warmer months, as orchids are susceptible to temperature changes from draughts and the dry heat coming from your heating system.

(Bella Life)

"Lastly, be patient. While some plants will continue to flower year round, most of us will find our orchids only bloom once annually. This is normal, and makes that new blooming season really worth the wait. Good luck with those green fingers!"{Source: Bethany Wrede Peterson for mydeco http://tinyurl.com/2epokrg}