Do your orchids need looking at? Help them be their best by using lemon juice
Wonderful, but incredibly delicate plants, orchids are amongst the most favored of houseplants thanks to their spectacular and colorful flowers. But their care and maintenance, however, is not so simple since these plants have particular needs which, if not respected, can lead to them dying.
In addition to the right lighting, temperature and humidity conditions, orchids can benefit from special care such as fertilization or the use of other remedies that will nourish them.
Amongst these remedies, it seems that lemon juice can also be used. Read on to find out more:
How to promote the well-being of orchids by using lemon juice
There are many ways in which lemons can be helpful to promote the well-being of orchids. Used directly on the plant or in the soil, lemons are useful in the following ways:
- For shiny leaves: lemon juice can be used to clean the leaves, which you can do simply by diluting one part of filtered lemon juice in 5 parts of water and using this mixture to rub on the leaves of your orchids with a sponge; by repeating this operation once every 3-4 months you will keep the leaves of your orchids shiny and free from dust;
- Repelling parasites: used on the leaves, lemon juice will also help repel parasites thanks to its acidity; use a solution composed of one part lemon juice in 3 parts water for an effective repellent;
- Elimination of fungi and bacteria: lemon juice is also extremely effective in the prevention of fungi and bacteria growth thanks to its antimicrobial properties. Use a solution composed of one part lemon juice in 3 parts water for this purpose.
Other uses for lemon juice
Lemon juice is not only useful for the leaves of your orchids:
- Watering: by adding 2-3 ml of lemon juice to half a liter of water and using it to water your plant, you will encourage the growth of your plant, as the juice will help promote cell division and nutrient intake;
- Soil: used directly on the soil, lemon juice will also help lower the pH when it is too alkaline; just add 1 or 2 teaspoons in half a liter of water every 4 weeks to get the a perfect pH levels;
- Cut flowers: by adding 3 teaspoons together with a teaspoon of sugar and one of non-chlorine bleach to 3 liters of warm water, flowers you cut from your orchids will last longer.
Remember, however, that some orchids are sensitive to acid and lemon juice could harm them: so be careful when using lemon juice and carry out a test first to evaluate if your plants can tolerate this treatment.