You Asked, We Answered. Click on the questions to see our advice.
> When do Phalaenopsis orchids bloom?
Answer: Phalaenopsis orchids bloom if they have healthy, new leaves from which they recieve enough energy. The flower when temperatures are lowered for 3 to 5 degrees. This cooling should last at least a few weeks.
> How long do Phalaenopsis orchids bloom?
Answer: It depends on the variety, but most bloom between 3 to 5 months.
> Why does my orchid not bloom?
Answer: Usually the reason orchids are not growing is poor growth of new leaves. Check the roots, which should have many healthy green tops. If you do not see the roots, they are probably in poor condition as a result of over-watering (the roots are rotting) or water scarcity (the roots are dried up). If the reason excessive watering, transplant the orchid immediately.
> When is it necessary to re-pot my Orchid?
Answer: Repotting is necessary 2 to 3 years after purchase, when the substrate in the pot loses its structure – aka. large pieces of bark decompose. Repotting is also required if you have over-watered your orchid which lead to rotting of the roots.
> How to water my Ocean Orchid?
Answer: The easiest way to water an orchis is to poor so much water into the decorative pot that the entire substrate is immersed. The alternative is soaking in a bucket of water or shower. In any case the entire contents of the pot should be completely drenched and the roots become green. Then do not water again until the roots in the pot become silvery, which is clearly seen through the transparent cup.
> Why do leaves turn brown?
Answer: Leaves turn brown due to direct sunlight, which chars soft fleshy tissue. Damage is visible only a day or two after. Tanning is also possible due to low temperatures (12 hours below 5 degrees) or due to heat (for 2 hours above 45 degrees), which happens if you forget your orchid in your car in winter or summer.
> What should I do when my orchid sheds its blossoms?
Answer: When orchid flowers fall off the green leaves will grow and accumulate energy for the next flowering. Flower stems should not be cut! On stems there are often new twigs with flower buds. Cut it only when totally dry-browned.
> On my blossoms there are black dots?
Answer: If watered your orchid in such a way that water got on the bloosoms, it is possible that there is an infection with the fungus Botrytis. It is nothing serious and shall be limited as soon as you stop the spraying of the blossoms. The flowers that already have dots will unfortunately remain damaged.
> My Orchid has a drooping leaves and does not look healthy - help!?
Answer: The reason for wilting is the lack of water in the plant, which may come from either a lack of watering or over-watering. Ironically, by overwatering the plant, roots rot and consequently, the orchid does not have the ability to draw water for its growth.
> Why do the buds fall off my orchid
Answer: In most cases, the ground temperature, which was less than 15 degrees for more than 12 hours. Short-term exposure to low temperatures (ex.The time needed on a cold winter day to bring the plant from the store to the car) is no problem. Buds fall off also if they are constantly touched (by a curtain, domestic animals, etc.), or when exposed to near maturing fruit secreting ethylene.
> Roots are protruding from the pot, what should I do?
Answer: That is the natural way orchids roots grow. If your only healthy roots are growing out of the pot, this is a signal for re-potting, with which you will remove all dead roots and replace the old substrate with fresh ones. Healthy roots which have previously been grown outside the pot will tbe put in the pot and gently inundated with fresh substrate..
> Is it difficult to cultivate orchids?
Answer: When you know a few basic farming tricks it is not hard to cultivate orchids. Among the easiest orchids to grow under conditions of an average dwelling are the Phalaenopsis orchids as they correspond to the same temperature as us. Other genera of orchids require a bit more care and understanding of their annual cycle.
> Are orchids fragrant?
Answer: Few Phalaenopsis smell (P. violacea), but there are some species that are actually well-known because of its odor (Miltonia, Zygopetalum, Neofinetia, Stanhopea, etc).
> Are orchids parasites?
Answer: Many people believed that orchids are parasites due to their growth habits. This is not true because their roots only cling to the surface of the branches and trunks of trees on which they grow. The orchis intertwining their roots and leaves on fallen leaves and twigs and thus with time they themselves ‘create’ their substrate.
> Do orchids grow in Slovenia?
Answer: Orchids grow on every continent except Antarctica. Also in Slovenia there are about 80 species and subspecies of orchids that most people are more familiar under the name “kukavice”. The most famous Slovenian orchids are Lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) and Kamnik Orchid (Nigritella lithopolitanica)..
> To cultivate orchids you need to have a greenhouse?
Answer: For the cultivation Phalaenopsis orchids you do not need a greenhouse. By carefully choosing the right corner of your apartment/home your orchids will thrive without problems. If you have a conservatory or heated greenhouse cultivation of orchids is a little bit easier, because you’ll have all year round enough light for their growth..