Shane Dibbs, the director of Seed Barn has shared his top tips for growing orchids, including some homemade remedies that cost less than £1.
He said: “Orchids are often seen as a high maintenance plant which are difficult to care for and require a lot of care to thrive, but they are actually incredibly low maintenance and don’t require much maintenance.
“The most important thing is to understand the specific care requirements that orchids need, such as water, temperature, light, air circulation and humidity. Each orchid has different needs depending on their species and environment.”
To help orchids thrive, they need a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in a water-soluble formula.
Nitrogen will ensure your orchid’s foliage, stem and shoots grow healthy and will support leaf and stem development.
Phosphorous encourages “healthy root growth” on orchids and potassium “promotes flowering”, according to the gardening expert.
Luckily, three homemade remedies which contain all three of these essential nutrients are potatoes, milk and Epsom salts.
Potato
To use potatoes, chop or grate them into small pieces and boil them up for a few minutes. The skin can also be used to do this which means there’s less waste.
For added nutrients, plant owners can add chopped fresh bananas and sugar while it is boiling.
Store the solution in jars to be used at a later date. Shane added: “This is an economical way of helping orchids grow without breaking the bank.”
Potatoes can be found in most UK households as they are a cupboard staple. However, if you don’t have any tucked away, you can buy them from your local supermarket.
Asda British Fluffy & Golden Large Baking Potatoes cost 70p for four.
Milk
Shane doesn’t just contain calcium but phosphorus too which is great for your orchids.
Shane said: “Milk contains a nitrogen-building protein that orchids require.
“Make a solution of one part milk and four parts water to feed your plants, and use this every two weeks.”
Milk can be bought from most local supermarkets for less than £1.
Epsom salts
While it may sound counterintuitive to give your orchid salty water, Epsom salts are rich in magnesium which promotes orchid flowering.
Simply add a teaspoon of Epsom salts to the water and water as normal.
Epsom salts can be bought from health and beauty stores and supermarkets. Westlab Epsom Bath Salts cost £3 from Boots for 1kg.
