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Landscaping

How to care for orchids? A guide with everything you need to know!

Orchids are a favorite species in Brazilian homes. See how to take basic care of them to keep them healthy

By Yeska Coelho

Submitted at Feb 23, 2021, 6:30 AM

05 min de leitura
How to care for orchids? A guide with everything you need to know!
Orchids are true allies for decoration. They are delicate and very charming species, capable of adapting well in different environments. And with the right care, it is possible to maintain the plant's health for a long time. Anyone who thinks that care needs to be very robust is mistaken. The great advantage of having orchids at home is just the opposite, as with simple everyday products it is possible to maintain them.

Where to keep the orchid?


How to grow orchids

(Gaelle Marcel/CASACOR)

The orchid is a plant that likes the sun, but should avoid overdoing it. Therefore, it is worth leaving it in a window that has a good amount of light . They tend to prefer morning sun , and it is recommended to work with indirect light in the afternoon, when it is warmer. The solar barrier can be filtered by shade screens, pergolas or even other plants. In addition to the sun, it is important to check whether the location has a truly fertile space for the orchids to grow healthily. Environments with a lot of wind or excessive humidity tend to negatively impact the plant's well-being.

Is leaving it in the toilet bad?


white orchid

(Alexandra Nosova/CASACOR)

No! Orchids can stay in the vase. However, plastic ones (which species generally come in when they are purchased) end up accumulating more moisture , which can compromise the plant's vitality. The ideal is to invest in a clay or ceramic pot , which despite being more expensive, is more porous and has greater drainage capacity. Even so, some points and attention are essential when you have orchids in a pot . One of the risks this can entail is nutrient limitation, which causes the species to become weakened.
It is also important to check that the pot is the right size for the orchid. Ideally, it should be up to two fingers below the mouth of the vase.

When to water the orchid?


orchid care

(Jess Harper/CASACOR)

Irrigation is one of the main doubts regarding orchid cultivation . And it's not for nothing. Orchids are plants that can be more negatively affected by excess water than by scarcity, so adding the correct amount is essential. During the warmer months, the ideal is to have a watering routine twice a week , always avoiding the accumulation of water in the vase. In autumn and winter, it is recommended to water once a week. When in doubt, there is a simple test you can do to assess whether or not the orchid needs water. Just place your finger just over 2 cm below the surface of the vase. If your finger is clean when you take it off, you need more water; dirty with dirt means it has a lot of water; If the finger comes back dry, with small "dirt", then watering is ideal.

Fertilization routine


lilac orchid

(Petra Kessler/CASACOR)

Fertilizing the orchid is essential to ensure its well-being and nutrient recovery. Ideally, this procedure should happen monthly with fertilizers suitable for orchids. Looking for fertilizers that contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is a good idea. These are elements that complement cultivation and maintain the plant’s vitality. [April-see-also]W3siaWQiOjMxMzcsInRpdGxlIjoiU3VjdWxlbnRhczogdHVkbyBvIHF1ZSB2b2MmI3hFQTsgcHJlY2lzYSBzYWJlciBwYXJhIGN1bHRpdiYjeEUxOy1sYXMgZW0gY2FzYS J1 GFtYmllbnRlcyBkYSBDQVNBQ09SIGNvbSBwbGFudGFzIG5hIGRlY29yYSYjeEU3OyYjeEUzO28ifV0=[/abril-see-also]