Kim Cornelison
Why are thosegorgeous orchid flowersfalling off your plant too soon?
How do you stop it?
Justin Kondratis lead horticulturist at theSmithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection, where he cares for the nations extensive orchid collection.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
How Long Should Orchid Flowers Last?
One of the reasons people love orchids is that the flowers stay on the plant for a long time.
Depending on the breeding, an orchid can give you a long season of blooms, he says.
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
Refrain from moving a blooming orchid.
Either will make the orchid drop its flowers.
A few days later, flowers are falling like rain off the plant.
You dont want to transport your orchid in very hot or very cold weather, Kondrat says.
Minimize the chances of stressing a new orchid by buying the plant when outdoor temperatures are mild.
Many orchids are sold wrapped in cellophane.
Thats not just decoration, Kondrat says.
Leave the cellophane on until you get the plant home and stabilize it, Kondrat says.
When buying an orchid thats already in bloom, look for one with more buds than blooms.
Overwatering or Underwatering
Orchids need the right amount of waterto maintain blooms.
Its one of those things you have to observe to get right, he says.
Check your orchid every couple of days, he says.
Pick up the pot; if it feels lightweight, it needs water.
If you see wrinkles in the leaves or the roots look dry, it needs water.
There is a correct way to water orchids, andits not with a cube of ice.
I usually do that for 10 seconds.
They suck the sap from the orchid, causing yellowing leaves, dropped blooms, and eventual plant death.
They look like white fluff on the underside of leaves.
Use peppermint oil orneem oilmixed according to the instructions on the label to get rid of these pests.
