One of the fascinating attributes of orchids is that they prefer to thrive without substrate. This form of cultivation perfectly simulates their growth in the rainforest. Enthusiastic orchid gardeners therefore tie the exotic plants to a branch, hang them in the window or place them in a glass without soil. Here we explain what you should pay attention to when it comes to care.
Orchids can be tied to wood
This is how care works without a substrate
If an orchid is enthroned majestically on a branch or is impressive in a glass, there is no orchid soil available to supply it with water and nutrients. So that the noble plant does not suffer any shortages, this care program is now important:
- Spray the leaves and aerial roots daily - in summer mornings and evenings - with soft water
- Add liquid orchid fertilizer to the spray water every 3 to 4 weeks during the growth and flowering period
Cultivate an orchid without substrate in the glass, fill in lime-free, lukewarm water every 2 to 3 days in summer. The heart of the plant and the leaf axils must not get wet. After 20 to 30 minutes pour the water out again. Ideally, take the orchid out of the glass vase and dip it in a bucket. With this variant, the water can drain off well before the queen of flowers takes a seat in her glass vessel.
tips
Growing orchids without a substrate requires a location with tropical humidity levels. Where no orchid soil is available as a water buffer, the aerial roots are constantly threatened by drought. Vanda, Phalaenopsis and conspecifics are very grateful for a place in a warm, humid bathroom or in an air-conditioned plant display case with at least 80 percent humidity.