Growing orchids: raise them healthy, strong and beautiful using these two methods

Orchids are amongst the most fascinating of plants to grow: with their wonderful blooms they always give us pleasure with their very lively colours. However, their cultivation is not always as easy as it might seem. Orchids are rather demanding plants in terms of lighting and humidity conditions, and if they are grown in the wrong location, they can die quickly. Once the right spot has been found, however, they can really thrive.

Among the techniques for orchid cultivation, there are two in particular that allow us to grow robust and luxuriant plants and spectacular blooms. Let's discover them together:

1. Garlic water

It might seem like an urban legend, but the properties of garlic are widely documented and confirmed by science. Preparing garlic water will allow you to protect your orchids from parasites such as aphids, mites and moths, and also from fungi. Additionally, several studies have confirmed that the high sulfur content - responsible for the smell of garlic - has beneficial effects on plant growth. One study found numerous health benefits for roots in particular.

You can make garlic water using these ingredients:

• a clove of garlic
• a spoonful of oil, preferably mineral oil
• liquid detergent
• water

Start by crushing the garlic clove and leaving it immersed in the oil for 1-2 days. Filter, add a teaspoon of washing up liquid and half a liter of water. The solution thus obtained can be stored in a spray bottle and sprayed directly on the plants. If the leaves turn yellow the next day, it means that it is necessary to further dilute the mixture with water. It is best to use garlic water only as an occasional pesticide or fertilizer, as overuse could slow plant growth.

2. Water

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Another way to make orchids flourish is to cultivate them in water. You can do this by removing the orchids from the soil and cleaning their roots off. Then, place them in a glass vase and fill it with water until the water covers all the roots. When the orchid has returned to health, it will be ready to be repotted. You can also choose to continue using this hydroculture method. In this case, you will have to plant your orchid in a transparent vase using expanded clay, then insert the vase into a larger one which you will fill with water until it touches the base of the smaller vase. Simply top up the water when it drops below this level to ensure the healthy growth of your orchids. The water will be absorbed by the roots by capillarity and the evaporation from the pot will guarantee the right level of humidity for the plant.

Are you ready to put on your gardening gloves?