‘My orchid has bloomed for over a year thanks to two super easy steps in my watering routine’
Orchids can bloom multiple times a year
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Orchids intimidate many plant enthusiasts with their wide-ranging and peculiar needs.
Perfecting an orchid care routine is a rewarding experience, however, as it can significantly increase the frequency of blooms.
Taking to TikTok, one orchid fan recently shared a method that has proved fruitful for her plant.
Plant lover @eart_extracts explained that watering and fertilising regularly have helped her orchids flower for over a year.
Fertilising orchids regularly could increase flowering
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“Believe it or not this is an orchid that I’ve had blooming for over a year,” she said. “As you see it creates new buds and new shoots before the flowers die off.
“I soak the roots in lukewarm water, usually for a minimum of five minutes. This has been the first orchid I’ve had bloom for this long."
Once the plant is soaked, @eart_extracts advises straining the water before misting it with the fertiliser Miracle Grow.
“You just mist it once a week on the leaves, roots and stems. It’s super easy and these orchids love this type of care.”
It should be noted that many orchids are native to nutrient-poor environments and therefore could suffer from receiving too much fertiliser.
Experts at the Royal Horticultural Society shared: “To encourage strong growth and flowering, feed lightly but regularly during the growing season, using a specific orchid fertiliser.
“However, regularly feeding every time you weather can lead to a build-up of potentially harmful salts in the compost.
“To flush these out, water without feeding every fourth watering.” It should be noted that homemade fertilisers have also been touted for their growth benefits.
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Orchids require moisture to stay hydrated
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Experts at Platerhoma confirm that milk “can help orchids grow”, thanks to its calcium and proteins.
In fact, the Napa Valley Orchid Society considers milk one of the “top 10” natural fertilisers for the ornamental plant.
Russell Birchell, founder of Hedging UK, also told GB News: “If your plant is struggling with a fungal disease, mix equal parts milk and water and spray it on its leaves.
“Dusting some cinnamon powder on cut surfaces is another natural fungicide and can promote fast healing.”