Orchid Blues
By Andrea Peck
There is nothing worse than a failing orchid. I have friends who have success with them. Sometimes it's all I want – a blooming orchid. At the moment, I have one large-leafed type. I do not remember his name. It has been so, so long since I saw its flower that I couldn't tell you what it even looked like. It's a sad story.
Nevertheless, Mr. Sorrowful is in my possession. Let's look on the bright side; at least he has a few leaves, even though one is split down the center. He offers so much with those big, fat photosynthesizers that I can't bring myself to ignore him any longer.
The first order of business is repotting. I can tell that the solid glass container that he lives in has no air circulation. I know this goes against the Laws of Orchid Ownership and I should be fired immediately. Excess moisture is bad news. It may be why these weird rooty things are growing vertically up towards the sky. They are suffocating, no doubt.
Of course, I know nothing about repotting, but I figure, how hard could it be? I had a friend who used this phrase often and it got her a lot of places. I try to inhabit her attitude now and then. But, when it came down to it, I decided I'd better read a bit on the whole process before I began. I located the Orchid Society Website. The following is what I learned.
Orchids should be moved when they have outgrown their current pot. This is evident by roots growing out of the medium and exiting the container. My plant does not have this problem, but the soil needed replacing. When I extricated Mr. Man, there were a few roots that looked shrunken, okay, most looked shrunken and I really have little hope. Nevertheless, I purchased orchid specific potting soil and a new pot with holes in the sides for better air circulation. Soil mix must be fast-draining, yet moisture retentive. That's kind of a weird combo if you ask me, so I went straight to the prefabricated “orchid mix.”
Then I watered my plant. Most orchid watering instructions start by emphasizing overwatering as the main culprit in orchid deaths. The best trick is to stick your finger in the medium and describe in terms of ‘wet' or ‘dry' what you feel. If you are not sure, water the next day. I swear, this is the actual advice. But, it makes sense – when it comes to your orchid, err on the dry side. Other tricks of the trade are watering in the morning to ensure dry foliage by nightfall and watering more if your home is dry or extra warm. Some people add humidity by placing their plant on a tray or plate of water so that the plant sits on something that keeps it above the water (such as gravel, rocks or a small dish). Shriveled leaves indicate a lack of water – this can occur from either underwatering or root problems that prevent water uptake.
Orchid experts suggest diluted (1/4 strength) weekly feedings of a balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20. Feeding less, on a more regular basis seems to keep orchids at their best. Water first to prevent burning of roots, then feed.
Location, location, location. According to the Orchid Society, lack of light is the main reason a healthy orchid does not bloom. Where you place your orchid is key to its ability to flower. Most orchids prefer an east or south facing window. West facing windows are too bright, while windows that face north are too dark. However. After utilizing my son's compass keychain, I placed Mr. Doomed-To-Bloom in an east facing window. Three days later old Leather Leaves was really looking up to his name. He had significantly aged and was slightly burnt, dried out and sort of Marlboro-manish.
I could have opted to cover the window in a sheer curtain, but I did not want to emasculate my man any further. So, I gave him a cool drink and moved him to a more suitable locale. Interestingly, I did read that orchids that are receiving adequate light will have leaves that are light to medium green. Dark green indicates more light is necessary for blooming.
The major insight I gained occurred somewhat viscerally. You must be laid back with your orchid. Get Zen with it. Despite their delicate carriage, these plants are tougher than they look. Don't baby them too much – it takes the jungle out of them.
Before I sign off, there was one last thing that I learned. And actually, it surprised me. Orchid species are becoming extinct. Threats occur with loss of habitat and collecting. Make sure you purchase only artificially propagated orchids. And of course, in my case anyway, attempt to keep the ones you have alive!