Orchids enter into a congenial partnership with a glass. Thanks to the transparent walls, light reaches the aerial roots in abundance. Substrate-free species find suitable framework conditions here, as do epiphytic species in orchid soil. Read here how to properly use and care for orchids in glass.

Orchids in the jar should not float in the water

This is how orchids take up space in the glass - tips for the right planting

It is primarily Vanda orchids that are cultivated in glass. Since there is no substrate here, position the aerial roots in the glass vase in such a way that the leaves and flower stalk protrude over the edge of the container. Too little oxygen gets to the leaves inside the glass, making it easy for fungal infections. Nevertheless, you can also present orchids with substrate in the glass. Here's how to do it:

  • An appointment before or after the flowering period is perfect
  • On the glass floor made of expanded clay (€19.73), create a drainage that is at least 5 cm high
  • Then fill in a layer of orchid substrate (8.00 €).
  • Soak the root ball in water for a few minutes to allow the roots to become pliable
  • Unpot the plant, shaking off or rinsing off the old soil
  • Cut off dead bulbs or aerial roots with a clean knife

Place a phalaenopsis or similar species of orchid with outspread roots on the substrate. Holding the plant by the root neck with one hand, fill in the remaining soil with the other hand. In the end, all aerial roots should be covered. The pieces of substrate spread themselves out if you gently tap the glass on the table top in between.

Moss unsuitable as a substrate

For the sake of a sales-promoting look, orchids in the glass are sometimes simply placed on peat moss. It may look beautiful, but it will bring the exotic diva down quite quickly, because rot and diseases are pre-programmed here. If you are given a Phalaenopsis in a glass container, please immediately repot the royal flower into the correct orchid soil.

Water orchids in the glass professionally - this is how it works

Since there is no bottom opening in the glass for water drainage, the orchids in it are threatened by waterlogging. How to properly regulate the water balance:

  • A substrate-free orchid, like Vanda, dip every 2-3 days
  • To do this, take the plant out of the glass and soak the roots in lime-free, lukewarm water for 30 minutes
  • Put it back in the glass only when the water has drained

To moisturize an orchid with substrate in the jar, pour the soft, room-warm water into the jar. The heart of the plant must not be under water. After 10 minutes at the latest, pour the water out again. If there are still water residues in the leaf axils, dab them with an absorbent kitchen towel.

Orchids like regular spraying

Irrespective of whether you cultivate orchids in a jar, tied to a branch or simply in a flowerpot - the exotic flower beauties are warmly welcomed with a delicate spray of warm, lime-free water. If possible, spray the aerial roots and the leaves and leave the flowers unwetted.

Balanced fertilizer for orchids - this is important in the glass

As long as your orchid is in the middle of the growth and flowering period, please enrich the watering and immersion water every 3 to 4 weeks with a special liquid fertilizer. Conventional flower fertilizer (€1.95) contains too high a salt concentration and does more harm than good to tropical plants.

During a dormant period, you stop supplying nutrients. If it is an orchid species that blooms tirelessly, please extend the fertilization intervals to 6 to 8 weeks in winter.

How to cut orchids correctly - It depends on the time

One aspect of the care program regularly causes novice orchid gardeners to ponder. We are talking about a pruning, as is common for many indoor plants. In view of the unconventional habit of orchids, the professional handling of this cultivation measure is not obvious. This applies not least to plants in glass. How to do it right:

  • Never cut off green parts of an orchid in a glass
  • Do not cut leaves, shoots, bulbs or aerial roots until they are completely dead
  • Only work with a razor-sharp, disinfected tool
  • Dust cuts with cinnamon, charcoal ash, or rock flour
  • Ideally, turn out a yellowed, drawn-in sheet and do not cut it

Pruning on orchids is done this way for two reasons: Cuts on green, living parts of the plant cause rot and disease. In addition, an orchid is deprived of the vital residual nutrients that it would like to transfer to its active roots and bulbs.

tips

Gel balls are a good choice for decoratively displaying fully blossomed orchid panicles as cut flowers in the glass. The 2 cm small balls are available in many pretty colors. They consist of a material that stores water and gradually releases it to the flowers. Unpleasantly smelling flower water is a thing of the past thanks to the gel balls.

Category:

Indoor plants