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Avoid Making These Deadly Mistakes When Caring For Your Orchid Plant
By JENNY LYNCH
Dry/Stagnant Air
Orchids require moisture in the air to compensate for what they lose when they open their stomata. Humidity levels should rest between 40% and 75%.
If you live in a dry climate, you may need to install a humidifier. Then, install a fan to improve circulation because stagnant, moist air will lead to disease.
Wrong Fertilizer
Avoid adding ammonia or urea-based nitrogen to orchids. Instead, choose a nitrate-rich formula that allows them to take in more calcium and magnesium.
Orchid leaves will turn yellow if they experience magnesium deficiency, so if you're using a fertilizer that is too low on magnesium, you might be accidentally starving your plant.
Fertilizing Too Often
Too much fertilizer will hinder the growth of an orchid and cause burnt roots and brown leaves. As a common saying goes: "Fertilize weekly weakly."
Fussing
Too much touching and moving can have unintended negative impacts on your plant, including root rot
and transplant shock.
Orchids can seem like they are dying when they're just experiencing a period of dormancy that can last up to nine months, so try not to fuss over them too much.
Wrong Planter
Orchids have epiphytic aerial roots, so they need transparent pots to allow in the maximum amount of light. Without light,
the roots suffer greatly.
Any pot with drainage holes at the bottom or clear plastic grow pots with slats or cut-outs for additional ventilation will suffice, but
if your pot doesn’t have these, add holes.