Today, I will introduce a unique and highly beneficial method for orchid care, which I have personally tried and seen great results with: garlic and orchid care.
One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is where to place orchids during winter. I want to emphasize that, especially on shorter days with limited sunlight, orchids must be positioned near a window that gets plenty of light. In winter, always place your orchid in front of a window, as orchids require a lot of light to keep their roots healthy. The more light they receive, the healthier they will grow, resulting in more vibrant flowers and stronger branches.
Now, let’s talk about orchid nutrition and the benefits of using garlic. To demonstrate this, let me show you an orchid that I have been caring for. If you remember from a previous video, this orchid had newly sprouted branches. As you can see, in a short time, the branches have grown, and they are now filled with buds. The orchid is blooming beautifully. Without these nutritional supplements, it would not have produced so many buds in such a short time. One of my orchids even has three branches with multiple buds, proving how effective this method is.
Before diving into the garlic method, I want to highlight the importance of choosing the right pot and soil for your orchid. The pot should be transparent to allow sunlight to pass through to the roots. Additionally, orchids often have aerial roots. Do not try to push them into the pot; these roots help orchids absorb moisture and grow faster. Humidity is another crucial factor in orchid care. The inside of the pot should be slightly moist, as this provides the necessary hydration for the roots and promotes rapid growth. Since orchids naturally grow in humid forest environments, dry soil will hinder their development. However, it is crucial to balance moisture levels, as overwatering can cause significant damage.
One of the primary reasons orchids suffer from root rot, flower drop, and yellowing leaves is excessive watering. Too much water can kill an orchid by suffocating its roots, leading to decay. Eventually, the flowers, leaves, and branches will turn yellow and fall off. To prevent this, be mindful of soil selection. The best orchid soil consists of bark and peat, allowing water to drain easily while retaining enough moisture.
Now, let’s discuss how to use garlic for orchid care. Garlic is known for its numerous benefits to both humans and plants. It contains high amounts of vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and sulfur. Sulfur is especially beneficial for plants, as it enhances their resistance to extreme temperatures, drought, and various environmental stresses. Additionally, the amino acids in garlic support plant growth, making them healthier and more resilient.
In a previous video, I discussed the benefits of eggshells for orchids. Since eggshells contain a significant amount of calcium, they can be used as a natural supplement for plants. Now, I will show you how to prepare and use garlic for orchid care.
How to Prepare Garlic Water for Orchids:
- Peel three cloves of garlic and chop them into small pieces.
- Place the chopped garlic into a jar.
- Pour one liter of purified or dechlorinated water into the jar. Avoid using regular tap water, as it contains chlorine, which can be harmful to orchids.
- Seal the jar tightly to prevent air from entering. If the mixture is exposed to air, its effectiveness may decrease.
- Let the mixture sit overnight to allow the garlic to release its nutrients into the water.
- The next day, strain the mixture to remove the garlic pieces. Only the infused water is needed, as direct contact with garlic pieces can potentially burn the orchid roots.
How to Use Garlic Water for Orchids:
- If the orchid roots appear gray rather than light green, it is time to water the plant.
- Use the dipping method: Place the orchid pot in a container filled with garlic water and let it sit for up to 30 minutes. This allows the roots to absorb the nutrients effectively.
- After 30 minutes, remove the pot and drain any excess water to prevent root rot.
- If the topsoil appears dry while the rest of the pot has sufficient moisture, lightly spray the topsoil with a misting bottle.
- To provide additional hydration and nutrients to the leaves, gently spray them with garlic water using a spray bottle.
It is essential to ensure that no excess water accumulates under the pot, as stagnant water can lead to root rot. Always check for proper drainage after watering.
Additional Tips for Orchid Care:
- If you are unsure whether your orchid needs watering, observe the roots. Healthy roots are light green, while dehydrated roots turn gray.
- Avoid watering the orchid too frequently. Instead, monitor the soil and moisture levels.
- Use a transparent pot to allow sunlight to reach the roots, promoting healthier growth.
- Keep your orchid in a well-lit area, especially during winter.
- If the topsoil dries out faster than the rest of the pot, mist it lightly instead of adding excessive water.
By incorporating garlic water into your orchid care routine, you can significantly improve your plant’s health. This natural remedy enhances root development, strengthens the plant’s resistance to environmental stress, and promotes vibrant blooms. I highly recommend trying this method and observing the positive effects on your orchids.
