White Orchids are majestic flowers, cataloged as one of the most beautiful in the world. Ideal to give to that special person or simply to display in your home and aromatize the environment. They require certain care so that they give us all their splendor. Here we present how to cultivate them and take care of them so that you can successfully achieve their flowering.
The White Orchids
The white orchids scientifically known by the name of white orchidaceae, are considered one of the most beautiful flowers in the world, not having color allows you to observe its details with greater precision, during the night to attract moths that pollinate, it gives off a pleasant aroma. This beautiful flower represents elegance, purity and spirituality. They are the consequence of several crossings, they can present some pink, yellow and even purple nuances in the irregularly shaped modified middle petal called labellum. It should be noted that white orchids have different shapes in their petals depending on the species.
Features
Orchids belong to the monocotyledonous family group, it is of the epiphytic type, that is, it grows on another using it only as a support, its leaves are perennial, with a leathery texture because it resembles leather, in terms of color this is slightly polished green. It has thick, whitish aerial roots that turn green when in direct contact with water. The flower is made up of three sepals and three petals, and they are attached to a long stem. This plant can bloom up to three times a year depending on the care it receives.
White Orchid Care
White orchids are wonderful flowers that require certain care in order to achieve excellent development and flowering, these attentions are similar both indoors and outdoors, here we present you in detail what they are and you can have the ideal orchid.
Automotive Lighting
White orchids are plants that require abundant light, so it is recommended to place it near a window where it can absorb direct light for at least five hours. To find out if the plant is receiving the necessary amount of light, just look at the leaves and they should look light green. On the other hand, if they turn dark, they are not receiving the necessary amount. A trick for your plant to continue with proper development, you can place a fluorescent light that keeps it illuminated at night. In the event that the orchid is in the garden, it is advisable to place it near a larger plant that serves as a solar filter.
Watering the White Orchids
White orchids require good watering but under certain conditions, first of all it must have a good substrate and drainage that prevents the plant from flooding. Secondly, it must be taken into account that the water emanated by the jet has large amounts of chlorine which alters the pH and therefore usually damages the plants, for this reason it is recommended to use filtered water and, if possible, rest from one day to the next. . Before watering, make sure the substrate is partially dry. During the hottest days this orchid requires more watering. And finally, avoid wetting the leaves and the flower as this could rot the plant.
Required humidity
This species of orchid normally lives in very humid conditions in its natural environment. Now, if the plant is indoors it is necessary to create these conditions so that the plant thrives in the best way, in the case of having heating, in winter time it becomes ideal, as this generates dry air which is an ideal condition.
Rusticity
Orchids naturally inhabit tropical areas, so they are not adapted to extremely cold climates. If it is the case that the winter is very cold where the plant is located, it is convenient to create a greenhouse that has a humidity level of over 40%, in this way the life of the plant will be guaranteed. The ideal temperature for this flower is between 18° to 35°.
Fertilizer for White Orchids
The white orchid, like the rest, requires constant fertilization, taking into account that they are in an inert and rapidly draining habitat, which makes constant application necessary. For this it is advisable to use liquid and special fertilizers for this plant. That they are of low spectrum so it is placed more often which will contribute to the best development of the plant. On the other hand, if she is outdoors, nature will give her what she needs, although it never hurts to help her.
White Orchid Pruning
Plants generally require pruning to stimulate growth and flowering. White orchids do not escape this reality, to obtain a larger and more beautiful flower, it is recommended to prune the plant after each flowering. The stems should be left one or two centimeters from the base, the cut is made crosswise, making sure that the tool is in optimal conditions and sterilized, as well as pruning the leaves, this makes it generate new stronger foliage.
Diseases and Pests
Orchids, being a plant that is attached to another when found in natural environments, tend to attract certain pests that significantly damage it, this is the case of snails and slugs, both are very frequent in this type of flower, for this it is advisable to use specialized chemical products. Likewise, we have cochineal, red spider, aphids and mites, which are combatable with a good soapy bath and frequent cleaning. If the level of infection is high, chemical treatments should be used.
As for the common diseases in white orchids, the lack of good lighting can generate a large plant but without flowers. The margins of the leaves turn brown, due to fungal disease or excess fertilization. When the leaves darken it is due to lack of light, its foliage should always be olive green. In the case of presenting leaves with a yellow center, it may be an excess of direct light. If the leaves are wrinkled as well as their roots, it is due to dehydration, the irrigation scheme must be reviewed.
Reasons to transplant the White Orchid
This species of plant does not require continuous transplantation, it can be planted in small pots, because the more crowded the roots, the better the plant performs. But you always have to be a good observer, if at any time you perceive that the roots come out of the pot from above and through the drainage holes, then this requires a quick change of container. It is also a reason for transplanting when the substrate is compacted and does not allow free circulation of water and finally if the plant shows signs of fungal infection and its leaves turn yellow.
How to do the transplant
Here we show you step by step what you must do to successfully transplant your orchid and receive the grace of its beautiful flowers. In the first place, it must be taken into account that the ideal moment for transplanting is when the plant is in a state of rest, that is, when it is not flowering. Second, you have to look for a container that is larger and not so exaggerated, it is also very valid to use baskets. When the plant is removed, it is advisable to prune the roots that are in poor condition. In the pot, clay should be placed at the bottom and finished filling with a special substrate for orchids, which is loose so that the plant receives good aeration and the water can run easily.
Meaning of the White Orchid
Orchids in general have different colors, sizes and shapes. White orchids with their exotic appearance represent purity, innocence, beauty, elegance, virility, sexuality and perfection for humans. When this flower is received as a present, it could be interpreted as love, respect and even admiration, there are those who interpret it as the flower of wisdom and exquisite elegance. For this reason, they are widely used in special events such as weddings, as part of the ornamentation in churches, to make the vessel and even in the decoration of the cake. It is also used for other religious events such as baptisms and first communion.
Fun facts
Did you know that the word orchids comes from the Greek orchis (testicle) due to the double tubercle that its roots have. This flower was used to prepare drinks that were classified as an aphrodisiac and that influenced the generation of males. Did you know that the pod is a species of orchids, the most cultivated in the world for its commercialization in gastronomy and beauty care.
To learn more about caring for orchids, we invite you to watch the following video:
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