What to do with the orchids when they arrive?

 

The Baby Orchids are already acclimated when they reach your home, this allows that you could keep the plants in the package, the time you need, until you prepare another container for them (even months).

 

Procedure:

 

1 - Have a 10 cm pot (diameter) per plant and enough charcoal;

2 - Fill the pot with 3/4 of crushed charcoal;

3 - Open the package, remove the plant and place it above the charcoal;

4 - Fill the pot with the remainnig substract on the packaging and water well (all excess water should come out through the bottom);

5 - Place the plants with good light but not direct sunlight, eventually, direct sunlight only in the end of daylight. At this time, you can choose indoor or outdoor as long you contol the sun exposure and air humidity, that should be high (60-70%);

6 - You will need to fertilize very lightly the potted plants, (i. e., once every month). You can choose a foliar liquid fertilizer or a solid slow-release one. Choose one that has a balanced concentration of P (phosphate), ex. 10-10-10 (is the middle number).

 

Vessels and Supports:

 

In the market, there are various types of vessels: clay, plastic and wood. The ideal vessel should not be too large, the ideal is a low vase with holes on the side and bottom to provide good aeration. Preferentially, choose a transparent pot (easy control) that allows areal root photossynthesis, with a good opening, that do not allow water retaining (you shouldn't see liquid water). 

 

Mix potting: 

 

All blends used to orchids should ensure good drainage. For potted orchids use a mixture consisting of 3/4 charcoal and 1/4 thin wood chips (such as organic option) or gravel (as inorganic option).        

 

              - Charcoal -                                         - Thin wood chips -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good growing!