White Orchid Care: [Dirt, Moisture, Pruning and Problems]
What characteristics do white orchids have?
White orchids have a special meaning, because they are faithful representatives of purity, pure love, eternal love.
That is why they have a special place in bridal bouquets, since they are perfect to symbolize the most sublime commitment of love.
White orchids are very elegant indeed. Its scientific name is Phalaeopnosis amabilis.
It is an epiphytic plant that loves to live on the branches or trunks of trees .
It is also known as the moon orchid. Its origin is located in the tropical jungles of Southeast Asia.
It has evergreen leaves , they do not fall easily, because they have a leathery texture and green color, with a lustrous appearance. In this variety of orchids the roots are aerial, very thick and white . But they change color on contact with water, as if it were litmus paper, turning green.
This indicates that they are satisfied and that the photosynthesis process has been successfully completed . Its flowers are large, about 4cms and come from stems about 90 centimeters long. They have a composition of three sepals, which are the structures that shape the calyx and three petals.
They appear in spring with their great elegance, although it is also feasible that the plant can also bloom even in autumn and summer. The important thing is that the weather does not bring frost.
Its versatility allows it to stay indoors as well as outdoors. The important thing is to give it the precise care it deserves. Keep reading and you will have access to the best tips related to growing the white orchid.
What land needs do white orchids have?
The ideal is to buy a special substrate for orchids if it will be grown in a pot, inside the house. But if the white orchid will take pride of place in the garden, then a homemade organic matter such as compost or sphagnum moss can be used , also available at nurseries or garden stores.
The fertilizers , on the other hand, are of a specific type for orchids. There are many brands available in the market.
How to make white orchids grow strong and vigorous?
One of the most important keys to growing white orchids is related to the weather. This determines whether they can survive indoors or outdoors, in gardens and terraces.
Location
If you live in a place where the temperatures are stable, above 10ºC it is very likely that they will stay outdoors .
The main thing is to place the plant in a place that has very good natural lighting, as long as it does not get direct sunlight, because that is fatal for its development.
If the area where you live is cold, with frosts and significant drops in temperature, then the most viable option to take care of the plant is a very bright place inside the house, of course, where sunlight reaches indirectly.
Pot life
An important fact is to know that the white orchid can live for several years in a pot, without the need for transplants, because it is tolerant of small pots.
What is relevant in this case is the need to keep it in a transparent or white pot , in order to identify the color changes in its roots, so that in this way it receives only the water it needs and avoid excessive rotting. of the vital liquid.
Special reproduction
Another notable feature is its multiplication. It reproduces by seeds , but these only germinate when entering into symbiosis with a mycorrhizal fungus.
Another form of multiplication of this species of orchids is through its suckers or keikis, which produce the floral rods visible in spring. These are separated from the mother plant by following the following steps:
- The first thing is to wait for some roots to sprout.
- They are then cut with the help of previously disinfected scissors.
- They are planted in a white or transparent pot, separately. One by one.
- They are watered generously, but first we must ensure that the pot has an excellent drainage system, to avoid puddles.
What moisture do white orchids need?
In closed environments of the house, it is very important that the plant is not placed in places where there are drafts.
The humidity must be high. This is achieved with the continuous use of a humidifier in the room where the plant remains, or by placing containers with water around it.
A good way to keep humidity in dry regions is by placing some stones that save water.
Its rusticity is determined by intolerance to frost or intense cold. Its temperature range is between 18-35ºC. Although there are varieties that endure a minimum temperature range of 9ºC onwards.
Irrigation
Regarding irrigation, a clear recommendation must be followed to the letter: water should only be added when the substrate dries, preferably pouring rainwater, without lime or osmosis.
At all events, it is very important to supply low mineral water, not normal water. It is not pertinent to water the leaves, much less the flowers. That causes them unstoppable rot. If spraying is done, they must be punctual, towards the roots.
Is it necessary to prune white orchids?
How often should we prune white orchids?
It must be done before it turns yellow 1cm from the first visible shoot.
How to avoid pests and diseases of white orchids?
Although it may not seem like it, the moon or white orchid is very resistant . He gets sick when he is treated badly or if he lives in a healthy environment, because this situation favors the arrival of a very annoying pest that is well known: the cochineal .
That is why it is prudent to carry out a periodic review of its leaves, in order to detect intruders such as the mealybug, which can remain happy on the underside of the leaves until it completely ruins the plant.
They are removed with the help of a soap solution or pharmacy alcohol, with direct applications on each sheet. In humid environments, precautions must also be taken, because excess water also facilitates the appearance of fungi that rot their roots.
That is why it is not wise to spray the leaves with water. In case any fungus appears, it must be eliminated with a simple treatment where copper or powdered sulfur is applied .
In this case, the key is to space, lengthen the waterings and not to spray, especially during the fall and winter .
