How to care for orchids after purchasing
This article focuses on the care of newly purchased orchids and the correct methods for beginners to care for orchids, let's explore together.
China has a long history of caring for orchids, and the number of people who care for orchids continues to increase every year. Many orchid enthusiasts have never cared for orchids before, but as they delve deeper into the hobby, they gradually develop an interest in orchids. However, some enthusiasts make the mistake of choosing the wrong variety, which can lead to the orchid dying and discourage them from caring for orchids. Autumn is a good time to buy orchids, and beginners should avoid these five "don'ts" to ensure the survival rate of their orchids.
Orchids
1. Don't chase expensive varieties
Some beginners specifically look for expensive orchids, believing that higher price means better quality. Without experience in caring for orchids, newly purchased plants often die, and the more expensive the plant, the more attention it gets. This can lead to disorganized care and accelerate the plant's death. Losing an expensive orchid can be emotionally painful, as it represents hard-earned money. Some enthusiasts conclude that expensive orchids are difficult to care for and avoid them altogether. Therefore, it's recommended to start with cheaper, easy-to-care-for common varieties. These orchids are adaptable and resistant, reducing the chance of death. Moreover, they are affordable, so even if they die, it's not too painful, and you can always buy more to practice.
Expensive doesn't necessarily mean better; what suits you is the best.
2. Don't chase unusual varieties
Some enthusiasts want to care for orchids after being captivated by a picture. For example, one enthusiast spent over two hundred dollars on an orchid said to bloom blue flowers, simply because the color was unique and attractive. As expected, the plant died within two months. While there are indeed some rare orchids, those that are too unusual may have issues. Think twice before buying such plants. Beginners should avoid chasing unusual varieties, such as expensive artistic orchids, which are for experienced enthusiasts. Start with common varieties, and once you gain more experience, you can try others.
Rare and unusual flowers are best observed from a distance and are difficult to care for.
3. Don't chase single plants
Some enthusiasts cautiously buy a single orchid to test how it grows, similar to trying a snack before buying more. This mindset makes it difficult to keep the orchid alive or healthy, and even harder to get it to bloom. A single orchid is more challenging to care for than a group of two or three. In a group, the rhizomes are interconnected, sharing nutrients and fighting diseases together. A single orchid has no support and must face challenges alone. Therefore, it's recommended for beginners to buy three to five orchids at once. This makes it easier to care for them and increases the chance of blooming, achieving our ultimate goal of caring for orchids.
How to care for orchids after purchasing
Single plants have a low survival rate
4. Don't chase flowers
When buying orchids, focus on the plant itself, such as whether the roots are developed, the leaves are thick, and the rhizomes are full, rather than the number of flower buds. New orchids may have damaged roots or adapt to a new environment, so it's best to cut off the original flower buds. Even if you don't want to cut them, they may not bloom. The number of flower buds is not a sign of a good orchid. In fact, too many flower buds on weak plants can be harmful to their survival and growth. Some beginners choose plants with many flower buds, only to find them dying later. Plants without flower buds when purchased can survive and grow after adapting to the new environment.
Focus on the plant, not the flowers, when buying
5. Don't chase fast growth
With proper care, common orchids do grow relatively fast, doubling in number within a year. However, new orchids should be allowed to adapt to the pot slowly and not rushed to grow faster by overwatering or over-fertilizing, which can lead to root rot and plant death. The growth pattern of new orchids is: adapt to the pot, grow roots, and then grow leaves. The adaptation period varies depending on the orchid variety, plant condition, temperature, and planting material. After adaptation, the orchid's roots need to grow and absorb more nutrients and water before the leaves can grow. So don't worry if the orchid doesn't grow for a while, as long as the leaves look healthy. If the plant doesn't grow, it may be because the roots are not well-developed and are still recovering. Rushing to water or fertilize at this point is counterproductive. Fertilize only when you see the plant growing, to be effective and save effort.
Newly potted plants will not grow as fast as mature plants, so be patient
Summary
Beginners should start with affordable, easy-to-care-for common orchids that are resistant to diseases, buying three to five plants at once and caring for them after planting. Do not fertilize until the orchid has adapted to the pot. Keep the potting soil moist and well-ventilated. In other words, caring for orchids is like playing a game; start from the lower rank, familiarize yourself with the basics, and then work your way up. Don't start with high-end plants, as even with luck, it's hard to manage.
The above is a detailed guide on how to care for newly purchased orchids and the correct methods for beginners to care for orchids. If it helps you, remember to visit Green Plant Enthusiast website often!