Besides, there’s actually a few really good reasons why the bathroom in specifically is the ideal spot to grow orchids. And here’s a few more tips to help you on your way.
There’s an old saying that goes like this…”An orchid expert is one who has killed a thousand orchids.”
So I just bought a couple more orchids from Home Depot at $5 each. I certainly don’t intend to kill them…..but you know….it could happen. Meanwhile, I get to enjoy them while in bloom. Don’t they seem to stay in bloom forever?
You’ll easily pay $10 for each bloom corsage at a florist (and all they do is stick a pin on the back and add glitter….tacky!)
Last I counted, just one of my orchids had 20 blooms!
Top Orchid Growing Tips….
- When in doubt, go drought
- Whatever you do, do it before noon
- Misting can result in more problems than benefits
- Water once a week, more in summer and less in winter
- Use temperate tap water – not from rock salt water softener – flush monthly
- Fertilize weakly, weekly
- If leaf is warm to the touch, it has too much light
- Sun changes seasonally, arrange your plants accordingly
- Good air movement and light are just as important as water and fertilizer
Water More When…
There is more light
There is more circulation
The plants have thinner leaves
The temperatures are higher
The humidity is lower
The plant is mounted on a slab
The plant is growing in a basket
The plant is in a small pot (dries faster)
The plant is in a clay pot (porous) |
Water Less When…
There is less light
There is less air circulation
The plants have thicker leaves
The temperatures are lower
The humidity is higher
The plant is in a plastic pot
The plant is in a large pot (dries slower) |
Why grow orchids in your bathroom?
- Orchids prefer humidity to be between 50-70% so this makes the bathroom, a place where hopefully lots of people are taking hot showers and baths an ideal spot. They love the dampness!
- Many houseplants don’t survive the winter ~ they simply don’t like the dry interior air. Your bathroom is still your best bet for humidity. Sigh. I just killed my mandavilla. Sad day!
- There’s a reason greenhouses have so many fans. Air circulation. Orchids love ventilation. Good thing your bathroom has…..guess what….a fan! No circulation = fungus + rot.
- Ventilation should be provided for as all orchids do require fresh air from time to time. During the spring, summer and fall, hopefully you have a window to open in your bathroom. But if not, that is what the fan is for.
Secret Code – Blizzard
Final orchid tips…
The less you know about the stages, the more likely your orchid will flower once, and you’ll never see a bloom again.
So make sure you do some research on your specific orchid plant.
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