Why Choose an Orchid for Your Home?

• Exquisite Beauty: Orchids are known for their stunning and elegant appearance, instantly adding sophistication and charm to any space.
• Long-Lasting Blooms: Unlike many other flowering plants, orchids produce vibrant blooms that can last for weeks, offering prolonged beauty indoors.
• Compact and Space-Friendly: Their small footprint makes orchids perfect for apartments, offices, or any area with limited space.
• Air-Purifying Properties: Orchids help improve indoor air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen, making your home healthier.
• Symbol of Positivity: Orchids represent love, strength, and beauty—bringing positive energy and serenity to your surroundings.
• Great for Gifting: With their elegant flowers and symbolic meaning, orchids make a thoughtful and timeless gift for any occasion.

How to Grow Orchid

Step-by-Step Process (Recommended by Urban Farmer):

• Choose the Right Orchid Variety:
  Beginner-Friendly Options: Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids) are ideal for Indian conditions. Dendrobiums and Vandas are also good choices for outdoor spaces with partial sunlight.
  Tip: Purchase healthy orchids with green roots and fresh leaves from a trusted nursery.
• Light Requirements:
  Orchids need bright, indirect sunlight. A window with sheer curtains or filtered light is ideal.
  Tip: If the leaves turn yellow or scorched, it’s getting too much sun. Move it to a shaded spot.
• Potting Mix:
  Orchids don’t grow well in regular soil. Use a mix of bark, sphagnum moss, or coco chips to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
  DIY Tip: Create your potting mix at home by combining coconut husk pieces, charcoal, and dried leaves.
• Watering:
  Water orchids once a week in summer and every 10–14 days in winter. Use room-temperature water and avoid wetting the leaves.
  DIY Tip: Reuse cooled water from boiled rice to water your orchids. It provides mild nutrients.
• Humidity and Temperature:
  Orchids prefer 50–70% humidity and temperatures between 18–30°C.
  Tip: Place a tray of water with pebbles below the pot or mist the plant daily to maintain humidity during dry months.

Common Problems, Pests & Diseases

Urban Farmer’s Solutions for a Healthy plant:

1. Root Rot: This is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Root rot symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and mushy or decayed roots. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-drained and avoid watering the plant frequently. To prevent or cure, mix 5 gm or half spoon of organic fungicide Tricho Shield per liter of water and drench 50 ml of the solution near the plant's stem. Repeat it 7 days after the first drenching for the best results.
2. Aphids and Mites: Aphids and mites suck the cell sap from the leaves and make the plant weak. These tiny insects can be controlled by neem oil 2 ml/20 drops or Mix 1 protec tab in 1 liter of water once a week for effective control.
3. Powdery Mildew: Orchid can develop powdery mildew in areas with high humidity. Powdery mildew appears as white or grayish powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and buds of plants. Improve air circulation around the plant by spacing it well and pruning regularly. Spray organic fungicide Tricho Shield 5 gm or half spoon per liter of water. Repeat the spray 7 days after the first spray for the best results.

Best Practices for Growing Orchid

Urban Farmer’s Expert Tips for Orchid:

• Fertilization:
  Use a balanced fertilizer like NPK 19-19-19 at 25 gm per plant every two weeks. Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce during fall and winter. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can burn the roots. Always water the plant before applying fertilizer.
• Airflow:
  Orchids need good airflow to prevent fungal infections and ensure healthy growth. Place them in a spot with natural ventilation, like near a window or balcony.
  Tip: Avoid overcrowding plants, as stagnant air can lead to pest infestations.
• Repotting:
  Repot orchids every 1–2 years or when the potting mix breaks down. This prevents root rot and provides fresh nutrients.
  Use a transparent pot with drainage holes to monitor root health.
• Water Quality:
  Use distilled or rainwater for watering, as tap water may contain salts or chemicals harmful to orchids.
  DIY Tip: Collect rainwater during monsoons and store it in clean containers for watering plants.
• Pruning & Deadheading:

  After flowering, cut the flower spike above a node to encourage re-blooming. Trim yellowing leaves and dead roots during repotting.
  Tip: Always use sterilized scissors to prevent infections.

Recommended Products for Orchid Care

Urban Farmer’s Trusted Products for Orchid Care:

1. Fertilizers:
   • Balanced Fertilizer: Add one Flora TAB or Bion (Amino Acid) 2 ml or 20 drops in a liter of water and spray on foliage every 20 days at the time of flower initiation. It helps in boosting flowering in plants.
   • Slow-Release Fertilizer: Insert one Bloom stick fully into the soil, 2-3 inches away from the plant stem. Repeat it after 60 days. A single application of one stick provides your plants with a steady supply of nutrients for up to 2 months.
2. Pesticides:
   • Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural pesticide that controls aphids, spider mites, and other common pests. Spray neem oil 2 ml or 20 drops per liter water every 20 days or as needed to prevent infestations. It’s safe for use on Orchid and won’t harm beneficial insects like bees.
   • Tricho Shield: Mix 5 gm or half spoon of Tricho Shield (Trichoderma viride) in 1 liter of water and spray or drench it every 20 days to prevent and control fungal diseases like root rot and powdery mildew. Tricho Shield is an organic fungicide that promotes plant health without harming the environment.
3. Growth Promoters:
   • Seaweed Extract: Spray Scuba seaweed extract 2 ml or 20 drops per liter water for spray. It is a natural growth promoter that helps improve Orchid’s root development and overall vigor. Use it as a foliar spray or mix it with water for soil application once a month.
4. Soil Conditioner:
   • Perlite or Sand: Adding perlite or sand to the soil mix ensures proper drainage and aeration, especially for potted Orchid. This reduces the risk of root rot and promotes healthier growth.

By following these detailed guidelines and incorporating the trusted products recommended by Urban Farmer, you can cultivate healthy and vibrant Orchid plants in your home or terrace garden.