The following content is taken from a source that we love and trust so much that we carry their products. (We The Wild) One of the products is an Essential Orchid Care kit that is available in store or for purchase on our website for store pickup. We use it on all of our in-shop orchid stock, as well as orchid repots for clients.
4 Myths About Caring for Orchids
Orchids are beautiful but get a bad rap for being hard to care for. Today we're dispelling 4 myths about orchid care and setting the facts straight so you can grow a thriving plant with lots of blooms.
4 Myths about Orchids
#1: Add Ice Cubes to Soil
NO! Please don't do this, ice cubes can shock the plant's roots and it's not a pleasant experience for them.
FACT: You should water your orchid less frequently but consistently. They are from the rainforest so in their natural environment they're used to a downpour... but not every day.
For watering them, think "flood and drought"- we water when the roots look silver (in the pot, not the aerial roots which turn silver much quicker)
#2: Use Peat Moss
The reason some people think orchids are hard is because they are picky about water, and so we over think it! But we just need to mimic their natural environment, and it's really not so hard.
Peat moss is spongy and retains too much water, which leads to inadequate aeration and drainage for orchids.
(Peat moss also has some sustainability concerns in how the environment is impacted when it's harvested. We recommend leaving peat moss out of your gardening whenever possible).
FACT: Use a chunky potting mix. Orchids naturally grow on trees so they need a lot of air and drainage. We sell a pre-mixed product from Sols Soils, and we recommend that! You can purchase in store, or on our website and pick up in shop.
#3 Once they Bloom, Orchids are Trash
This one really hurts our hearts when we think about how many orchids have been thrown out due to lack of understanding. With proper care (see below) you can have many long-lasting blooms! We also offer an orchid re-potting and 'glow up' service. Contact us for info and pricing.
#4 Don't Fertilize
Don't use harsh fertilizers that can burn and overdose your plants, that is true. But a natural fertilizer is great for providing the nutrients for growth and future flowering.
TIP: Use a bioactive products like Bloom Concentrate (included in the Orchid Essentials Kit that we offer) to keep your orchid around for a long time.
And that's it! Spread the news - orchids are actually incredibly easy to care for when you follow these tips. Be sure to check out our Orchid Kits to make caring for them even easier. to make caring for them even easier.
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