Young Orchids Require Special Care
Orchids have been associated with love, luxury and beauty throughout history. Growing orchids from young plants is an excellent way to fill your home with these special flowers. Purchasing young orchid seedlings will start a hobby that will give you a lifetime of pleasure. To successfully start these young plants, take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with these important tips.
Watering Your New Orchids
When you first purchase young orchids you may think the plants are too dry. That's probably not the case. A reputable garden center, orchids grower or even an online nursery will deliberately keep the growing medium around young orchids on the drier side. This is done to inhibit the growth of mold or fungus. Upon receiving your young orchids, don't heavily soak the plants. It will be best to gradually moisten the growing medium, making sure it doesn't get too wet. If by chance, you notice a small amount of fungus or mold, you may use a plant fungicide that is available at garden centers. Orchid growers usually start young plants in moss just like they would be in their natural environment. It will be best for the tender plants to remain in the growing medium that you receive them until they are acclimated to your home.
Potting Young Orchids
It is not necessary to immediate move your young orchids to a new pot. In fact, doing so may harm the newly developing roots. You will know that your orchids are ready for a larger pot when the plant produces new growth that cannot be contained in its original living space. When choosing the new size pot, select the smallest possible one that will accommodate the plant. Orchids do not grow well in oversized pots and other problems may develop.
The Right Light
Young orchids don't need the same level of light intensity that a more mature plant requires. That's because an older plant has different needs since they are in the flowering stage. A quick way to determine if you are providing your orchids with enough light is to check the color of the leaves. The normal color is a light green, but if the new growth remains dark green, increase the lighting around the plants.
Orchids are available in a variety of species and have been cultivated to thrive in homes. Starting off with young orchids is a wonderful way to begin a hobby that will give you years of beauty.
