|
|
The
Phalaenopsis to the Right has the Perfect Strong Leaves
for the Kind of Orchid You Want to Buy
Look for strong
roots that are white or grey and thick, and firm, fleshy
leaves. The mix the plant is growing in shouldn't be
old and decomposed, and no bugs should be present on
the plant.
Understanding
Orchids is
an excellent book we'd recommend for reference.
|
Strong
leaves on Phalaenopsis Orchid plant |
Unhealthy
Orchid root - the string in the
right half of the photograph, the middle of
the root, is dead
|
|
Look
Closely at the Root Tips, and this Will Help You Choose
an Orchid with Healthy Roots
As you can see here,
the very center part of this root is exposed, meaning
that part of the root is dead. In this case it was because
of lack of humidity.
|
The
roots on this Orchid are
more healthy |
|
This
Phalaenopsis Orchid has
good roots |
The plants
just above look good and have strong leaves and roots.
It is important to have
as many live roots and leaves as possible. The more roots on
your Orchid, the more strength the plant has. Squeeze
the root between your fingers - if it is crunchy or soggy, and
either water or dried root falls to the floor, that isn't a
good sign and that Orchid root isn't alive.
Problems
with Orchid Flowers
The Cattleya Orchids
in the photograph on the right have some spotting on the
flowers. This can happen if water sits on the flowers
too long or if the conditions are too damp around the
Orchid overnight. The best solution to this is to increase
air movement around the orchid with good ventilation.
For fungus or bacteria problems there are also sprays
that can be bought.
Orchids
For Dummies is
a good book if you'd like to read more to help with your
Orchid care.
|
|
Cattleya
Orchid cut flowers |
Orchid
Care >>
View
books and Orchids we'd suggest if you want to buy some good
ones here.
|
