Mealybug or aphid. All bugs that are not welcome on orchids. Of course, you hope your orchid will never suffer from it, but unfortunately it is a common plague on many types of plants. If it does happen, in this article we give tips on what you can best do about it.

 

What to do with mealybugs?

Does your orchid suffer from lice? Then here is a useful tip! To combat the lice, mix 90 ml of spirit, 140 ml of water and 3 drops of detergent or green soap. Shake well and spray on the lice. Be careful with the flowers, though, as it may stain them. You can also buy lice control products at the garden centre. Usually you have to repeat this a few times, as lice are stubborn.

Also read: Care tips from the orchid growers

 

How do you recognise mealybugs?

Mealybugs can be recognised by small white bugs of about 3 to 5 millimetres that secrete a substance that looks like cotton wools. Like almost all lice, mealybugs also secrete sticky honeydew. You can recognise this by the shiny speckles on the leaves of your orchid. The bug feeds on plant sap. It causes unsightly puncture marks on the leaves, but can also weaken the weakened one, making it more susceptible to other pathogens.

 

 

What causes mealybugs?

Mealybugs are strongly attracted to moisture. So if you have mealybugs on your orchid, it could well be that the plant is getting too much water. Aphids often appear in the winter months when the humidity in the house is too dry and the pot and roots too wet. Draughts can also be a cause. When fighting mealybugs, it is therefore important not to water the plant too much in order to further repel the aphids and eventually deprive them of nutrition.

 

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If your orchid has yellow leaves, it’s a sign that the plant may not be in optimal health. Several factors could contribute to this issue, such as direct sunlight, being subjected to extreme temperatures (either too hot or too cold), or overwatering. In this article, we will explore these potential causes and provide you with the remedies!

What to do with an orchid with yellow leaves?

 

Direct sunlight

One of the causes of an orchid with yellow leaves could be direct sunlight. Orchids prefer a bright spot, but not direct sunlight. Avoid placing your plant too close to a window, or consider using sheer curtains to create some shade. However, be cautious not to place it in an excessively dark spot, as this may cause the flower buds to drop prematurely.

Also read: How to make orchids rebloom again?

 

Too high or low temperature

Another reason for yellowing orchid leaves might be a temperature imbalance. Orchids thrive in temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 ºC. They can tolerate slightly cooler or warmer conditions, but only for short periods. Try to maintain a relatively consistent temperature at home, as orchids dislike sudden temperature fluctuations.

 

Overwatering

Overwatering is another common cause of yellow leaves in orchids. Excess water can lead to root rot, resulting in the appearance of yellowing leaves. During the summer, water your orchid once a week, and in winter, reduce it to once every two weeks. To prevent root rot, consider using the immersion method. Simply immerse the orchid’s root ball and inner pot in water for 5 to 10 minutes. This method helps ensure the roots receive adequate hydration without becoming waterlogged.

Also read: 3 ways to water your orchid

 

 

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When you purchase an orchid, it comes in a plastic pot. Many people assume that this pot is unnecessary, so they discard it and place the orchid in a decorative plant pot. While this may seem reasonable, it’s not quite the intended practice. The plastic pot of an orchid actually serves a purpose! It helps your orchid thrive and stay healthy. Read on to find out how.

The importance of the plastic pot of an orchid

 

When you remove an orchid from its plastic pot and place it in a pot without drainage holes together with potting soil, the roots no longer receive oxygen. Since orchids have aerial roots, they require oxygen to survive. Additionally, overwatering can cause the roots to rot. Excess water has nowhere to go, leading to water pooling at the bottom of the pot. This results in the roots remaining wet, leading to rot. By using a plastic pot with drainage holes, excess water can easily escape.

Another advantage of a plastic pot is its transparency. This allows you to see the roots of the orchid at the bottom of the pot, so you can check if your orchid needs watering. Are the roots green? Then it has sufficient water. Are the roots grey or white? Then it’s time to water.

 

Also read: 3 ways to water your orchid

 

 

Repotting an orchid

For these reasons, you don’t need to repot an orchid too frequently. Repotting only is a good idea when the roots are growing out of the plastic pot, causing it to break. Use airy soil, preferably special orchid potting soil, because regular potting soil is too dense and doesn’t drain thoroughly enough.

 

Also read: How to care for an orchid

 

With spring in full swing and the sun shining more and more, it’s time for a garden clean-up. Of course, this involves weeding and cleaning your garden furniture. Not satisfied with the results? Upgrade your garden with garden orchids! These exotic plants come in all shapes and sizes and are real eye-catchers. In this article, we’ll show you how to upgrade your garden with orchids!

Also read: These are the different garden orchid varieties

 

Upgrade your garden with garden orchids

If you can’t get enough of the exotic beauty of orchids, we have good news. These exuberant flowers are not only for indoor use! With easy-to-care-for and frost-resistant garden orchids, you can easily upgrade any outdoor space. Select the shape, colour, and height that you like!

 

 

Orchids in a large plant pot

To create a real eye-catcher in your garden, you can fill a large plant pot with garden orchids. First, place a layer of hydrogranules on the bottom so that they can absorb excess water and release it gradually to the potting soil. Hydrogranules also allow more air to reach the roots – and roots love fresh air. Then add potting soil and plant the orchids in it. Choose a nice spot in your garden and enjoy!

 

 

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Orchids in terracotta pots on the table

Another fun way to style garden orchids is to distribute them over various terracotta pots and place them in the centre of the table. In these pots, it’s also important to first place a layer of hydrogranules on the bottom before adding potting soil. Then play around with adding the plants: use different colours, place multiple small plants in one large pot, and vary the heights. This will create an interesting whole!

 

 

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Also read: Orchids on your terrace or balcony

Wondering where to place an orchid in your house? Many people place this plant on the windowsill, which is not surprising as it’s a beautiful plant to show off! But there are more places where the orchid can be showcased. In this article, we’ll share the 4 best spots to place your orchid in your home.

Also read: 3 ways to water your orchid

 

Where should I place an orchid in my house?

The bathroom

You might not think about placing an orchid in the bathroom, but you should! Because orchids are epiphytes, they thrive in humidity. They do need daylight, so if your bathroom doesn’t have windows place your plant in indirect sunlight every now and then.

 

 

The living room

Maybe the best place to put an orchid is in the living room. It’s a subtropical plant that likes to be in a spot with a lot of daylight, which in most homes is the living room. Be careful not to place an orchid in direct sunlight, because the leaves can get sunburned. Make sure not to place it near heating or in a draught either: the ideal room temperature for an orchid is between 15 and 25 degrees.

 

 

The bedroom

Indoor plants provide a calming environment and therefore are ideal for the bedroom. Waking up with such an exotic plant on the bedside table provides instant happiness! Just like in the living room, most bedrooms receive a lot of daylight. A good spot for an orchid!

 

 

In the (home) office

Research has shown that plants can have a positive impact on productivity. Plants in the workspace can increase productivity by up to 15%! People also complete tasks faster, without the quality deteriorating. In addition, plants have a positive effect on your concentration, because they reduce noise by 8%. Enough reasons to fill your desk or home office with a beautiful collection of orchids, right?

Also read: Add colour to your kitchen with the help of orchids

 

 

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It’s common knowledge that a plant has roots, but the air roots of an orchid are a little less known. So you’re probably wondering what they are, what their function is and whether you can cut off an orchid’s air roots. Read all about it in this article!

Also read: How to make orchids rebloom again?

 

What are air roots?

Curious about what the roots that grow outside of the pot of your orchid are? Air roots are crazy-looking tendrils that look a little like tentacles, but they are perfectly normal! They are firm and white, and often grow downwards.

 

 

What is the function of air roots?

Orchids use their roots to absorb nutrients from the air, absorbing moisture and obtaining carbon dioxide they need to thrive. However, this is especially true in areas and climates with high humidity. In the average living room, this function is therefore less effective and doesn’t have a huge effect on the growth of your plant.

Fun fact: orchids are epiphytes, which means they grow on other plants – such as a tree in a tropical rainforest. They use their roots to attach themselves to tree branches high above the jungle floor, to attempt to reach the light filtering through the leafy canopy. So, many plants that we place in a pot are actually climbing plants!

 

Should I cut the air roots off my orchid?

Not everyone is a fan of aerial roots, as they can make the plant look a bit crazy. However, if the air roots are firm and white, they are healthy and you don’t need to do anything at all. Trim the ones looking brown and soft, but work carefully to avoid cutting too deep and harming the plant. Do the air roots really bother you? Then cut a few off, but not all at once. This way your orchid can slowly get used to it.

 

 

Also read: 3 ways to water your orchid

The most important step when taking care of an orchid, is watering. This can make a lot of orchid owners a little nervous as the exact amount is not specified. But there’s no need to be nervous, because we have noted three methods to guarantee that you water your orchid right. Pick the method that suits you and your orchid best!

3 ways to water your orchid

1. Bathing

If your orchid is still in its (plastic) inner pot, it’s best to bathe it. To do so, put the root ball of the orchid in a shallow bath for a short while (5-10 minutes). You can use a basin, a bucket or your sink. Leave the (plastic) inner pot in place to ensure that you don’t damage the roots. It’s also essential that the plant dries thoroughly after its bath, because orchids don’t like wet feet!

 

 

2. Dish of water

If you don’t have a good basin, bucket or sink, you can also use a dish filled with water. By putting the orchid with its (plastic) inner pot on the dish for 5-10 minutes, the roots will also absorb all the water they need. If you do this, make sure to let the orchid dry well.

 

3. The shot glass

If you don’t have a lot of time and your orchid is in a pot without its (plastic) inner pot, the shot glass is the perfect tool for you! To give an orchid the exact amount of water it needs, you only need to pour one shot glass of water (around 60 ml) at the side of the root ball. Be careful to not pour the water in the centre as the leaves will rot!

 

How often should you water your orchid?

How often you need to water an orchid depends on the season that you’re in. In summer your orchid is a little thirstier and it’s best to water it once per week. In winter, once per two weeks is plenty. But if you love to keep your heating on in the winter months, we’d advise you to keep watering your orchid once per week.

 

 

Did you know…..

…that the type of water you give to your orchid is important? Ordinary tap water is fine, but if you really want to treat your orchid, it’s best to use rainwater or condensation water from the dryer. It may sound strange, but this water is completely free from lime and minerals, so it’s extra good for your orchid!

 

Find more care tips here.

When caring for an orchid, you don’t want to overwater it. Because excess water in the pot can cause the roots to rot. In general, watering once a week is sufficient during the summer, and once every two weeks in the winter. But since every plant has different needs, it’s always best to check whether your orchid needs water first. We’ll tell you a very handy trick! (more…)

By far the most important step of orchid care is watering. This is also the part that some people find tricky. Do I water too much or too little? To find out whether your orchid needs watering, here’s a handy and easy trick!

 

How can you tell if your orchid needs water?

Check the roots! The colour of the roots will tell you if an orchid needs water. If the roots are grey, it is time to water. If the roots are green, the plant has enough water.

Read also: What to do with an orchid with yellow leaves?

 

 

How should I water my orchid?

If it is necessary to water your orchid, there are three methods to ensure orchids are watered properly:

• Bathing: Put the roots of the orchid in a shallow bath for a short while (5-10 minutes). You can use a basin, a bucket or your sink. Leave the (plastic) inner pot in place to ensure that you don’t damage the roots. It’s also essential that the plant dries thoroughly after its bath because orchids don’t like wet feet.
• Dish of water: You can also water your orchid by immersing it in a dish filled with water. By placing the orchid with its (plastic) inner pot in a layer of water for 5-10 minutes, the roots will absorb the water they need. If you do this, make sure to let the orchid dry well.
• A shot glass of water: If you don’t have time or you can’t take the orchid out of its pot, the shot glass is the perfect tool for you. To give an orchid the exact amount of water it needs, you only need to pour one shot glass of water (around 60 ml) between the roots.

 

In this video, you can see the above steps:

 

 

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