You freeze in front of a display case with orchids, admiring their elegance. But how can you find one among dozens of specimens that won't wither in a week?
We tell you what to look for in a store so you don’t make a mistake.
Orchids in supermarkets often suffer from improper care: overwatering, drafts, lack of light. Learn to "read" the plant's signals - this will save you from buying a problematic flower.
Don't trust your first impression of flowers. Look at the foliage.
The color should be uniformly green (light or saturated). Yellow, crimson spots, black dots are signs of infections or burns. The correct texture of the leaves is smooth and elastic. Wrinkles, lethargy indicate a lack of moisture (less often - about rotting roots).
Run your finger over the surface. Sticky residue or webbing are warning signs of pests.
Epiphytes receive moisture and oxygen through their roots. They are easy to evaluate in a transparent pot.
Healthy roots are silvery-green, fleshy, with bright green tips (active growth). Diseased roots are brown, dry or slimy. If liquid is released when pressed, rotting has begun.
Gently move the plant in the pot. Is it firmly seated? The root system is well developed. Is it wobbly? Perhaps some of the roots have died.
Blooming flowers delight immediately, but their lifespan is limited. Choose specimens with most of the buds closed - this way flowering will last 4-8 weeks.
Pay attention to the soil for orchids. Mold, white coating indicate over-watering and the risk of root rot.
But if the substrate is crumbly, without a musty smell, it’s ideal.
Remember - the right choice in the store will save nerves and time for resuscitation. Let your orchid become a long-liver!
Author: Elena Shimanovskaya