5 tips for maximum bloom
Have you just bought an orchid or are you planning to get one? Then of course you want to enjoy this beautiful plant for as long as possible. There are a few things you can look out for to ensure you buy and maintain an orchid in top condition. That’s why we’re giving you 5 tips for maximum flowering enjoyment.
1. The more open flowers, the more flowering enjoyment
At the grower’s greenhouse, orchids are kept under ideal conditions (light, temperature, humidity). There, almost all buds can open without any problems. As soon as the plant leaves the greenhouse and ends up in transport, shops or living rooms, it is exposed to changing conditions (drier, colder, draughts, less light). This can prevent some of the flower buds from opening. When buying a new orchid, choose one where at least half of the flowers are already open. That way, you can be sure that it will bloom immediately and there is a greater chance that the remaining buds will be ripe enough to open as well.
2. Place the orchid in a bright spot
Orchids love lots of light, but not direct sunlight. Fortunately, this does not mean that you can never place an orchid in a window frame. Just choose a window where the orchid will not be exposed to direct sunlight.
3. The ideal temperature: 15 – 25
Orchids are tropical plants by origin. That is why they thrive at room temperature. Therefore, maintain a temperature between 15 and 25 °C to enjoy your orchid for as long as possible.
4. Keep the orchid away from a fruit bowl
It is best to keep your orchids away from the fruit bowl. Ripe fruit produces ethylene, which flowering orchids do not like. This can also cause bud, flower and leaf drop.
5. Avoid draughts
Make sure your orchid is not in a draught. A little fresh air now and then certainly won’t hurt, but be careful with windows and doors that are often open. Cold or dry air currents can cause the buds or flowers to fall off your orchid more quickly. Orchids also don’t like being close to the heating. In summer, when the heating is off, this is of course not a problem.
Bonus tip: extra nutrition for a flowering boost
You can make orchids shine even more by giving them a little extra nutrition. Give the orchid a little orchid fertiliser once a month in summer and once every two months in winter. Use special orchid fertiliser to ensure that it has the right composition.
