Blossom secrets: Unlocking your orchid's full potential with simple household aids

Orchids, perennials of the orchid family, are renowned for their attractive, multicolored flowers, which serve as spectacular interior decorations. Despite the common assumption that orchids are difficult to grow, they can actually thrive, producing buds that bloom into exquisite flowers yearly, given the right conditions and substrate.

At times, an orchid might resist blooming. This usually indicates that a mistake in its care has been made. Yet, caring for an orchid to facilitate its blooming is easier than it might appear, as we'll explain in the following segments.

We'll start with a fundamental aspect: the substrate. Orchids possess delicate roots that are easily damaged and rather sensitive to changes. Therefore, they should be cultivated in a light and permeable substrate. Consider using a mixture of peat, coconut fiber, and expanded clay aggregates. Besides choosing the right substrate, the pot where the plant resides is also significant.

The roots of an orchid require ample light for proper development. Consequently, growing your plant in a transparent pot grants the roots continuous sunlight exposure. Alongside the pot material, the plant's location plays an important role. During autumn and winter, place your orchid on a windowsill to ensure sufficient light access. However, in spring, move it away from direct sunlight as intense light can harm the plant.

Watering also calls for attention. Orchids are particularly susceptible to overwatering. Instead of using tap water, opt for soft, boiled water. A safer alternative could be water baths: place the pot with drainage in a bowl of room temperature water and leave it for 10 minutes. Repeat this process weekly, and you'll provide the plant with an ideal amount of water, reducing the risk of overwatering.

Regular feeding is essential for an orchid's growth. While you can purchase numerous orchid-specific nutrients from garden shops, it's possible to create your own and save money. A common household item, onion skins, can serve as an effective fertilizer. Simply peel 2-3 onions, put the skins in a large jar, add a liter of warm water, and let it sit in a dark, dry spot for 24 hours. The following day, water your plant with this concoction. Repeat this process once a week, and your orchid will bloom more profusely than ever before.