As a rule, the question of care of an orchid after flowering is more of interest to those who received this flower as a gift. Although inexperienced gardeners are often lost - what to do when after a while the buds fall off? How many orchids will rest, in what care does she need during this period? With what house conditions for a plant to create, so that it quickly restored strength and again began to please with beautiful flowers, we'll figure it out.
First of all, it is necessary to examine the stem of the orchid. His condition allows you to choose an acceptable method of processing and further care.
Option 1 - tsvetonos zasoh
In this case, the dead part of the stem is removed by pruning. But only when the flower spike really withered. The most common mistake that beginner gardeners - pruning stem immediately after the fall of flowers. This can not be done, since it still has many nutrients that the plant actively uses for its vital functions.
What to consider?
In its structure, the stem of the orchid is a hollow tube. With further watering, if water gets inside, the trunk and root system will begin to rot. Therefore, the cut of the orchid stalk is better closed( seal).The most common method is beeswax.
Where to crop?
Approximately 1.5 - 2 cm above the so-called "sleeping point".This is the conditional border between the dead part of the stem and the live one. But here again it is necessary to observe the recommended limit - the stump should not be less than 2 cm.
Unfortunately, this method does not give a full guarantee of the formation of new shoots. Here much depends on the correctness of the cut and compliance with the rules of further care for the resting orchid.
Option 2 - the tip of the stem is greenish
This flower stem does not touch, as there is a possibility that soon there will be flowers on it again.
Option 3 - pruning over the 3rd node
The expediency of this technique at home is quite controversial. The fact is that after a couple of months, although it is likely that a new stem will pierce and begin to develop, however, it is most likely not able to give as many colors as the previous one. And the size they will be inferior to their predecessors.
Orchid care during the rest period
Space for the
flowerpot Illumination is rather moderate. Light is diffuse. In this orchid should be warm. An acceptable temperature regime for the plant is +22( ± 2) ºС, and it is necessary to ensure its permanence. But this is only in the daytime. But at night the temperature should be lowered by degrees to 5. How to achieve this? Experienced gardeners have their secrets. One of the simplest methods is to rearrange the vase closer to the slightly opened window leaf later in the evening, but a direct draft must still be avoided.
Watering
During the rest period, the regime remains practically unchanged, although the orchid does not need too frequent irrigation. The main thing is to make sure that the soil does not dry out. But the water must be necessarily warm. This is one of the rules of care for all varieties of orchids.
Moisture level
In order for the orchid to regain its strength for a new flowering, it must be regularly sprayed. In addition( if necessary), the humidity can be increased by spraying water in the air( with a spray) in the area where the pot with the flower is located. Another way is to put a small container next to it. The natural evaporation of the liquid will lead to saturation of the air with water vapor.
Quality "airing" of the root system
Only one way is to provide access to oxygen - regular and thorough loosening of the soil. And not by "plowing" the top layer( this will not give the proper effect), but by piercing the soil. It is through the resulting canals that the air will go deep. But here you must be careful, otherwise you can damage both the roots and the stem itself.
Feeding
The frequency and volume of fertilizer application( you can do it at home) should be somewhat reduced. A resting orchid does not need intensive fertilizing.
Perhaps, these are all the main differences of care for an orchid during the rest period from the time of its flowering.
Useful advice
Often it happens that care is provided due, and the plant does not bloom in the expected time. In such situations, home conditions for orchids create stressful conditions. In most cases, this initiates the flowering process. Since the plant loves heat, it is placed for the night, for example, in the utility room, or the ventilator is opened. The task is to lower the temperature of the medium by 5 - 8 ºС.After several hours of staying in the extreme conditions for orchids, she returns to her place. But you can practice such "shock therapy" only in the warm season!
