I'm literally going potty for plants these days. Because I love how orchids look in the bathroom! Place your plant on the counter, shower shelf or even on the back of the toilet to jazz up your space. This is exotic elegance. And let's face it, I have so many plants (hello hibiscus and succulent addiction) that I'm running out of places to put them. Besides, there's actually a few really good reasons why the bathroom in particular is a great spot to grow. And here's a few more tips to help you on your way.
Try to be patient with orchids. There's an old saying that goes like this..."An orchid expert is one who has killed a thousand orchids." So I just bought a couple more orchids from Home Depot at $5 each. I certainly don't intend to kill them.....but you know....it could happen. Meanwhile, I get to enjoy them while in bloom. Don't they seem to stay in bloom forever?
You'll easily pay $10 for each bloom corsage at a florist (and all they do is stick a pin on the back and add glitter....tacky!) And last I counted, just one of my orchids had 20 blooms!
You'll easily pay $10 for each bloom corsage at a florist (and all they do is stick a pin on the back and add glitter....tacky!) And last I counted, just one of my orchids had 20 blooms!
Top Orchid Growing Tips.....
- When in doubt, go drought
- Whatever you do, do it before noon
- Misting can result in more problems than benefits
- Water once a week, more in summer and less in winter
- Use temperate tap water - not from rock salt water softener - flush monthly
- Fertilize weakly, weekly
- If leaf is warm to the touch, it has too much light
- Sun changes seasonally, arrange your plants accordingly
- Good air movement and light are just as important as water and fertilizer
| Water more when... There is more light There is more circulation The plants have thinner leaves The temperatures are higher The humidity is lower The plant is mounted on a slab The plant is growing in a basket The plant is in a small pot (dries faster) The plant is in a clay pot (porous) | Water less when... There is less light There is less circulation The plants have thicker leaves The temperatures are lower The humidity is higher The plant is in a plastic pot The plant is in a large pot (dries slower) |
Why grow orchids in your bathroom?
No window and no fan in your bathroom? Hmmm, put your orchid in the kitchen window instead then.
Finally....
The orchid plant has three distinct and important stages of growth during the entire year: First, the growing stage; second; the flowering stage, and third, the resting or dormant stage. The less you know about the stages, the more likely your orchid will flower once, and you'll never see a bloom again. So make sure you do some research on your specific orchid plant. There are between 500-600 varieties and this number is growing yearly.
Do you grow orchids? Would you like to try them?
- Orchids prefer humidity to be between 50-70% so this makes the bathroom, a place where hopefully lots of people are taking hot showers and baths an ideal spot. They love the dampness!
- Many houseplants don't survive the winter ~ they simply don't like the dry interior air. Your bathroom is still your best bet for humidity. Sigh. I just killed my mandavilla but I suppose watering it once in awhile would have helped.
- There's a reason greenhouses have so many fans. Air circulation. Orchids love ventilation. Good thing your bathroom has.....guess what....a fan! No circulation = fungus + rot.
- Ventilation should be provided for as all orchids do require fresh air from time to time. During the spring, summer and fall, hopefully you have a window to open in your bathroom. But if not, that is what the fan is for.
No window and no fan in your bathroom? Hmmm, put your orchid in the kitchen window instead then.
Finally....
The orchid plant has three distinct and important stages of growth during the entire year: First, the growing stage; second; the flowering stage, and third, the resting or dormant stage. The less you know about the stages, the more likely your orchid will flower once, and you'll never see a bloom again. So make sure you do some research on your specific orchid plant. There are between 500-600 varieties and this number is growing yearly.
Do you grow orchids? Would you like to try them?
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