Cathy Isom concludes her series on orchids by letting you know how to water and feed your homegrown orchids. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.
When it comes to watering and feeding your homegrown orchids the first step is to check your orchid’s individual water and feed requirements.
Orchids need to be fed regularly with a weak solution (maybe 1/4 strength), of balanced fertilizer throughout the flowering season. This helps to promote strong growth and flowers. Be careful not to fertilize a dry plant, as this can cause root damage. Wet the soil before you feed it. All orchids like extra humidity. One of the best ways to achieve this is to fill a small tray with hydroponic pebbles and water, and place it near your plant.
One last tip: once you’ve found a good spot to home your orchid – preferably in a shaded south- or west-facing window, and with temperatures around 75-80 degrees fahrenheit, try not to move it around too much. Most orchids like a partially sunny site: slightly sheltered and out of direct sunlight.
I’m Cathy Isom…