Most people only know orchids as indoor plants. But there are also orchids that thrive in the garden. But only if you plant and care for them properly.
Orchids were once considered impossible to cultivate and were therefore very expensive. Today, however, things are very different. Everyone can bring the beautiful plants into the garden and enjoy the sight of these graceful plants. Because there are now garden orchids that also thrive in our latitudes. The best known are the lady's slipper and the orchid. The flowers of these two orchid species are filigree and a real eye-catcher in the garden. But only if you give them the right care and plant them in the right spot.
When do garden orchids bloom?
The plant sprout in spring and then forms its flowers. New roots, on the other hand, are created after the flowers have faded. He althy plants have a rich bloom that amazes every garden lover again and again. The flower is particularly beautiful when you place dead bark around the garden orchids. This creates a nice ambience.
How to properly plant garden orchids
Location:
You should never choose the sun-intensive south side as a location, but prefer the shady side of your garden. The garden orchid likes it rather shady and cool. The north side of your house is therefore the ideal location.
Floor:
The soil should also not be criss-crossed with the roots of trees or bushes. In addition, it must not be too wet, because waterlogging damages the roots. You can make the soil more balanced in terms of moisture with expanded clay or pumice.
Plant:
Dig a hole about 20 centimeters deep and fill it about halfway with expanded clay or pumice. Then put the garden orchid in the hole and fill it all up with soil. Then water lightly.
How to properly care for garden orchids
Fertilize:
Orchids are not very demanding in the wild. For example, they don't even need a lot of nutrients. Accordingly, you must not fertilize them too much. Because thenit can even happen that the roots die off. It is best to only supply the garden orchids with orchid fertilizer every four weeks during the growth phase. That means: if you see that the garden orchids are getting new shoots or leaves, you can start fertilizing. You should stop when the orchids are in bloom.
Casting:
If you planted the garden orchids in the spring, you must water them very well in the first year. From the second year you can water the orchids together with the other garden plants. This is particularly important if the drought persists. The soil must then never dry out. But there should also be no waterlogging.
Hiberation:
Garden orchids of the lady's slipper and orchid species are hardy down to -20 degrees Celsius. They retreat into the ground to hibernate in the fall. You only have to cut back the plants when they have turned brown. Then it doesn't hurt if you put a layer of leaves or an air-permeable fleece over the plant.