There were times I purchased an orchid plant with sprays of delicate and exotic blooms, enjoyed them for a while, sometimes for a few months, only to have the plants eventually die off. I didn't know why. Never before had I been able to bring them to bloom again after the initial flowering until I discovered a few secrets to caring for my orchids. I now have many new blooms from plants I've had for quite some time. I'd like to share what I've learned with you.
First of all, the orchid plant needs to be repotted, the sooner the better. Because they are a plant that grows on the sides of trees, not in the ground, they need a bark mixture as a medium to continue growing. This can be purchased at your local nursery. Take it out of the moss, trim off any black and dead roots and place them in a container (I like large plastic glasses) that have been scored with an exact knife to allow water to run through and drain. The orchids don't like to sit in water but need moisture to keep the roots healthy. You can put some moss back around the base to keep it together and hold in some moisture.
Second, I use Seaweed Extract as a fertilizer. Half a capful in about two cups of water works well. It's organic and all your plants will love it. It can be purchased at your local nursery as well.
Third, when watering, put it in a bowl in the sink to catch excess water (I like to use warm water) and let the water drain out. I usually do it two times just to make sure all the roots get a good drink. Then put it in the sink for about an hour to let any excess water drain out. Return it to its pot and enjoy. I water about once a week but it might be prudent to check every few days for dryness.
Hope you find this information helpful. With a little know how and lots of love your orchids will continue to grow and bloom for you, even in the dark winter months when their brightness can lighten up the interior of your home.
First of all, the orchid plant needs to be repotted, the sooner the better. Because they are a plant that grows on the sides of trees, not in the ground, they need a bark mixture as a medium to continue growing. This can be purchased at your local nursery. Take it out of the moss, trim off any black and dead roots and place them in a container (I like large plastic glasses) that have been scored with an exact knife to allow water to run through and drain. The orchids don't like to sit in water but need moisture to keep the roots healthy. You can put some moss back around the base to keep it together and hold in some moisture.
Second, I use Seaweed Extract as a fertilizer. Half a capful in about two cups of water works well. It's organic and all your plants will love it. It can be purchased at your local nursery as well.
Third, when watering, put it in a bowl in the sink to catch excess water (I like to use warm water) and let the water drain out. I usually do it two times just to make sure all the roots get a good drink. Then put it in the sink for about an hour to let any excess water drain out. Return it to its pot and enjoy. I water about once a week but it might be prudent to check every few days for dryness.
Hope you find this information helpful. With a little know how and lots of love your orchids will continue to grow and bloom for you, even in the dark winter months when their brightness can lighten up the interior of your home.
The garlic this year was outstanding in size and flavour. Once the garlic is peeled I use a mini chopper to coarsely chop up the cloves. Then it is stored in jars wrapped in plastic bags in the fridge. Garlic stored this way can last all winter, fresh and pungent. You just have to scoop out a spoonful when you're cooking.