The orchid has faded - what to do next with the plant
Content:
Along with the flowering period, an important point is the care of the plants in the future. In this case, it is necessary not only to provide favorable conditions, but also to decide what to do with the arrows and stems. This is especially true of orchids, which are considered to be one of the finickiest flowers around. It is worth figuring out how to care for an orchid after it has faded.
Orchid flowering period
The flowering time is specific for each variety. Creating favorable conditions will allow the orchid to grow and bloom for a longer time. What to do with an orchid after flowering at home?
Orchid bloom
Experienced growers know that re-flowering can only occur if a number of conditions are met. First (and most important), the leg must be healthy. The age of the plant is also important. Early flowering can destroy plants that are too young, which will lead to the risk of the flower not recovering. It is easy to distinguish between an adult and a young plant: an adult orchid should have at least 5 branches, 7-8 for it is considered a standard indicator.
Another factor that guarantees re-blooming is regular lighting. By reducing watering and lowering the temperature for several days, it is possible to stimulate the appearance of new flowers. When the buds grow, proper watering is necessary. Spraying is recommended during the heating season. Excessive use of nitrogenous additives negatively affects the development of the plant.
What should be done with the peduncle
Do not cut the arrow on which the flowers were located. Over time, new shoots may form on the peduncle, and a young flower bud will appear from the shortened stem. If necessary, the pedicel is shortened to a height of 1 cm above the last dormant embryo. This leads to the formation of new side arrows. Flowering on a lateral branch is usually less pronounced compared to a faded branch alone.
Stem pruning
There are three ways to treat flower stems:
- Pruning. Phalaenopsis green inflorescences form new flowers. Patience is important at this stage, as they can form within 1-3 months after the previous flower has fallen. Some growers prefer to cut the pedicel arrows. In the spring, a series of annoying arrow clippings are carried out. For this, the plant is cut 2-2.5 cm above the dormant bud. In phalaenopsis, the optimal breeding season is summer.
- It is recommended to remove dry dark arrows. This should be done only after the flowers are completely dry. From the wilted stems of the inflorescence, the nutrients accumulated during flowering enter the plant. They are essential for further recovery and growth. Dried flower buds are pruned at a height of about 2 cm from the base. After a few months, under optimal conditions, the orchids will form new inflorescences. Dormant buds are capable of forming new shoots.
- Premature pruning of orchids delays the recovery period and flowering of phalaenopsis by at least six months. If drying does not spread further along the flower, it is worth cutting off the arrow with flowers on living tissue. The dormant buds can bloom later.Pruning flower arrows above the buds at a height of 1.5-2 cm will effectively propagate phalaenopsis.
Orchid Arrow: Trim Or Not
After the orchid blooms, it is allowed to cut the peduncle. The condition is mandatory for the Cumbria, Cymbidium and Oncidium orchid varieties. A large number of kidneys does not guarantee a positive result. The orchid has faded what to do with the arrow? In miltonia, it is recommended to peel the pedicels "in advance" at the beginning of their immediate wilting. There is no need to wait for the flowers to completely fall.
Difference between partial and complete removal
Pruning the home plant is only required when the frog is dry. If there are still live inflorescences on it that have not blossomed, it is better not to touch them and wait for the appearance of new flowers. It is important to remember that the plant stores nutrients in pseudobulbs. In general, plants with faded stems look unsightly.
Removing the pedicel is easy. After the orchid has faded, it is trimmed with a knife, scissors, or pruning shears. Tools should be disinfected first. It is recommended to leave the buds about 1 cm long and treat the slices with chopped charcoal or other means. The orchid has faded, what to do next? Some experts suggest "sealing" the areas with natural beeswax.
If there are buds on the cut arrows, they can be used as planting material that propagates on cuttings.
Partial cropping
Partially shortening the arrow is one possible solution. The method is best suited for phalaenopsis. The study of the stems will reveal the presence of "dormant buds" in plants, from which "babies" and lateral inflorescences appear. In this case, experienced flower growers cut the stem after it has become withered, but not completely, but at some distance from the buds. Flowering results in new leaves and aerial roots.
Partial circumcision
If the wilted Phalaenopsis orchid dries up, its stem will begin to turn yellow. In this case, it is removed to the lowest shoots.
What to do with the stem
To figure out what to do with an orchid after flowering at home, it is important to understand how to deal with the stem. There is a step-by-step algorithm of actions:
- Trim the sheet along the midline to the very bottom.
- Carefully remove the two halves from the stem with your hands.
- Do not water the orchid for several days. The wound must be dry to prevent the destruction of the flower.
Dry and yellowed leaves are removed in the same way. If they are green but dry, it is worth the wait, they may regain their elasticity. If they do start to turn yellow, it is important to wait until they are completely dry and then cut off. Everything from young aerial roots to new arrows that have begun to form can be found under the removed leaves. What transplantation algorithm is decided by the florist in relation to local conditions.
How to properly transplant an orchid after flowering?
Orchid owners try not to get carried away with transplanting. This is usually done every two to three years. The fact is that the process is accompanied by stress for the plant: the breakdown of flowers inhibits the growth of rhizomes. The transplant date depends on the type of orchid. The transplant is done only in the spring.
Orchid transplant
When new shoots appear, "lady's shoes", oncidiums and cattleyas move to a separate pot (do not wait until they begin to take root).The signal for phalaenopsis transplantation is a fresh tip near the root. If the orchid is rotten, the flower needs to be saved. The reasons for an emergency transplant can be:
- root rot;
- the appearance of pests;
- degraded substrates (soil);
- the rhizomes do not fit in the pot.
Duration of the dormant period after flowering
The orchid rests during the cold season. Caring for the plant during this period has its own characteristics. The problem of watering is solved by reducing the number of procedures. The base must dry. The standard rest period between waterings is no more than one and a half weeks. The water is removed. For orchids on the cold side, there is a risk of low root temperatures, so the drainage device must be high.
Flowers should be kept dry otherwise there is a risk of bacteria and fungi. For thermal insulation, you can place a Styrofoam sheet under the flower pot, or place the plant in a high-bottomed container. It is necessary to timely identify diseases and pests, apply effective means of combating them. Preventive action is also needed.
Features of care during the rest period
Most hybrid indoor varieties are not sprayed in winter. Stagnant moisture can cause decomposition. On the other hand, excessively dry air (up to 40% humidity) creates conditions for the appearance of pests. To avoid this misfortune, you should turn on the humidifier regularly. In the future, this will help you understand how to care for your orchid after flowering.
Temperatures from +15 ℃ in the evening to +23 ℃ in the afternoon are considered comfortable. A difference of 5-6 ℃ affects the flowering rate. The temperature regime is regulated by opening the window at night.
Airing is extremely useful, but flowers should not be left in a draft (risk of hypothermia). Orchids love light. The height of the lighting fixture (usually fluorescent) is 20 cm above the flower. Above 30 cm is not recommended. The main thing is not to place too strong a spotlight (60 W is enough).
In winter, fertilizing with fertilizers is carried out no more than once a month or even less often. At low ambient temperatures, flowers "digest" nutrients worse and take longer to fertilize, which ultimately can prevent them from blooming.
Caring for orchids during dormancy and after flowering has features. Knowing the rules for growing individual varieties, even an inexperienced florist can successfully cope with this task.
