If you’re growing phalaenopsis in baskets, you’re taking a step in the right direction toward enjoying the blooms from this perennial. Unlike other orchids, Phalaenopsis grows better when it’s planted in containers. But before you go ahead and plant them, there are a few facts you need to be aware of. As with any other plant, there are some basic steps to take when growing orchids indoors. Baskets can provide a great place to grow orchids, but only if they are carefully planned and maintained.
First of all, there’s the matter of orchid potting needs. Unlike indoor plants, orchids require a very different type of growing medium, especially when it comes to clay pots. While you should use a soft clay soil to plant your plants in, orchid pots will greatly benefit from being planted directly into a shallow dish of water.
Orchids need to have access to water constantly, or they will become stressed due to lack of it. When growing orchids in pots, you can set the pots on top of a shallow dish of water during the day. At night, refill the pots by draining them a bit. You don’t want the roots of the plants to get so wet that they drown. This can lead to root rot, one of the most common diseases that afflict orchids.
The amount of sunlight the orchid requires will depend on where you decide to grow it. Some orchids don’t do well at all in direct sunlight, while others thrive because of it. Once you have established the ideal growing conditions for your orchid plants inside or in pots, then you can begin to grow orchids in pots.
If you decide to use small pots when growing orchids in them, you can place the plant in the bottom of the pot and fill with loosely packed soil. It is recommended that you let the orchid flower dry out completely before putting it in its container. The leaves should have curled up during the day. Just flip them over once or twice during the day and they should be ready to be turned over again in the evening. This ensures that the plant receives adequate sun exposure. Smaller orchids do not have the same demand for light as larger orchids do.
Small orchids will still need a bit of water when growing indoors. However, you will notice that they no longer appear stressed or bent. The leaves are no longer pinched together and the orchid appears healthy. If you want to bring a piece of exotic orchid into your home, you can place it in a pot that has been lightly drenched with water. This will provide the orchid with just the right amount of moisture to grow.
When you are growing orchids in pots, you should avoid pruning the plants too much. You should leave at least two-thirds of the stem intact. If you trim the orchid too much, it could form buds that will look like flowers instead of just leaves. While pruning the orchid back to a desirable size, you should make sure you don’t get the entire stem. That could cause the orchid to become overcrowded and unhealthy. If you do happen to trim too much, you might find that there is no solution left to provide the plants with more moisture.
Growing orchids in pots is an easy way to bring a wonderful tropical look inside of your home. They are easy to care for and you will see beautiful results in time. When growing orchids in pots, it is important to have an indoor source of water to keep the plant healthy. There are many great varieties of orchids to choose from, so you should have no problem finding a plant that you will love. In addition, when growing orchids in baskets, you should make sure to mulch the plant instead of growing it in the garden. Being able to provide moisture to the orchid through the soil is essential, and this can easily be achieved by putting the plant into a shallow pot.