Spraying orchids
Last reviewed: 19.01.2025
Spraying orchids is one of the essential aspects of caring for these plants, helping to maintain optimal humidity and provide necessary nutrients. In this article, we will discuss various methods and features of spraying orchids at home, using substances such as succinic acid, citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and various vitamin preparations. We will also cover how to properly dilute these solutions and the appropriate proportions to use.
1. Spraying orchids at home
Orchids naturally grow in tropical regions where the air has high humidity. At home, it is important to create conditions as close to their natural environment as possible. Spraying helps maintain humidity at an appropriate level, especially during the heating season when the air becomes too dry.
Spraying orchids should be done early in the morning or during the first half of the day so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Orchids love spraying, but it is crucial to ensure that water does not get into the leaf axils or onto the flowers, as this can lead to rotting.
2. Watering orchids by spraying
Watering orchids by spraying is an additional method of hydration that can be used alongside traditional watering. This method is especially useful during periods of intense heat or when indoor air is very dry, which often happens in winter when the heating is on.
Spraying helps not only to moisturize the leaves but also to maintain optimal humidity around the roots, which is especially important for epiphytic orchids that derive moisture from the air. It is important to understand that watering by spraying does not replace proper root watering, which provides the main nutrition and hydration of the plant, but it does help to maintain humidity and prevent the root system from drying out.
When spraying, special attention should be paid to the air condition in the room—avoid drafts, as orchids can react poorly to them. Use soft, settled, or filtered room-temperature water that does not contain chlorine or other impurities that could harm the plant.
Spray the leaves from a distance of 20-30 cm to ensure that the droplets are evenly distributed and do not run off in large drops, which could cause the growing points to rot.
3. Spraying orchids with succinic acid
Succinic acid is a popular agent for stimulating orchid growth, promoting active root development, improving leaf condition, and encouraging flowering. This compound helps improve metabolic processes in plant cells, which positively affects their resistance to stress, diseases, and adverse environmental conditions.
Spraying orchids with succinic acid is recommended during the active growth period when the plant most effectively utilizes nutrients to form new roots and leaves. Succinic acid is available in both powder and tablet form, making it convenient to use. Before application, the product must be properly diluted.
Spraying orchids with succinic acid tablets is done after the product is diluted in water to achieve the desired concentration. You can also use succinic acid in powder form, which easily dissolves in warm water, ensuring more even distribution of nutrients.
Regular use of succinic acid helps improve the overall health of the plant, making it more resistant to diseases and speeding up the flowering process. It is recommended to apply this solution not only for spraying leaves but also for treating the root system during transplanting, which helps the orchid adapt better to the new substrate.
How to dilute succinic acid for spraying orchids? Typically, one tablet of succinic acid is dissolved in one liter of water to prepare the solution. The solution should be thoroughly mixed until fully dissolved, after which it is ready for use. Spraying orchids with succinic acid helps strengthen the plant and prepare it for flowering.
Spraying orchids with succinic acid: Proportions Succinic acid can be diluted in proportions of 1-2 tablets per liter of water, depending on the plant's condition. If the orchid appears weakened or has been recently transplanted, it is better to use a weaker solution to avoid stressing the plant.
4. Spraying orchids with citric acid
Sometimes citric acid is used for spraying orchids. This agent helps slightly acidify the water, which facilitates the absorption of certain nutrients, such as iron and magnesium, that are necessary for healthy orchid growth.
Citric acid also helps combat alkaline deposits that can accumulate on the roots due to hard water. Spraying orchids with citric acid can be done using a solution prepared with 2-3 crystals of citric acid per liter of water.
For the best effect, the solution should be prepared immediately before use so that it remains fresh and effective. Such spraying helps maintain the substrate's acidity at an optimal level, preventing the development of alkaline deposits on the roots and improving the plant's ability to absorb trace elements from the substrate. It is recommended to spray once every 1-2 weeks, especially if the water used for watering is very hard.
5. Spraying orchids with hydrogen peroxide
Spraying orchids with hydrogen peroxide is another method of care that helps fight fungal diseases, improves aeration, and stimulates plant growth. Hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic properties, making it an effective means of preventing root and leaf rot.
The application of hydrogen peroxide also contributes to oxygen saturation in the root system, as peroxide releases oxygen when it breaks down, helping stimulate new root growth. For spraying orchids with hydrogen peroxide, use a weak solution: 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide per liter of water.
Before spraying, it is recommended to carefully inspect the plant for damage or signs of disease. Spraying is best done in the morning or early afternoon so that the leaves have time to dry, reducing the risk of fungal infections. Such spraying should be done no more than once a month to avoid drying out and damaging plant tissues.
Additionally, this solution can be used to treat the substrate, helping to eliminate harmful microorganisms and improve overall hygiene around the root system.
6. Spraying orchids with vitamins and preparations
For additional nutrition, vitamin preparations are sometimes used for orchids, such as Aminosil, Aminozyme, and vitamins of group B (B1, B6, B12), which help strengthen the plant's immune system, stimulate growth, and improve overall health.
Aminosil for spraying orchids is diluted according to the instructions on the packaging, usually 1-3 ml of the preparation per liter of water. Spraying should be done evenly, paying attention to both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves.
Vitamins of group B help plants better cope with stress, such as transplanting or lack of moisture. A vitamin B1 solution, for example, can be prepared in a proportion of 1 ml per liter of water and used for spraying once every 2-3 weeks.
How much Aminozyme is needed for spraying orchids? Typically, 1-2 ml per liter of water is used. Spraying should be done in the first half of the day so that the solution has time to absorb and dry, avoiding the risk of fungal diseases.
Such vitamin sprayings help improve flowering, stimulate the growth of new leaves and roots, and make the plant more resistant to adverse external factors.
7. How to dilute aktara and yantarin for spraying orchids
Aktara is used to combat pests such as scale insects and aphids. For spraying orchids, Aktara is diluted in a ratio of 1 g of the product per 1 liter of water. Spraying is done when pests are detected, making sure to treat all the leaves and stems of the plant evenly.
Yantarin can also be used to stimulate orchid growth. How to dilute Yantarin for spraying orchids? Usually, one Yantarin tablet is dissolved in one liter of water, and this solution is used for spraying to improve the plant's overall condition and stimulate flowering.
Conclusion
Spraying orchids is an essential part of care that helps maintain humidity, improve nutrition, and prevent diseases. Using various agents such as succinic acid, citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and vitamin preparations creates optimal conditions for orchid growth and flowering. The key is to follow the correct proportions and recommendations to avoid damaging the plant. Systematic and proper orchid care will ensure their health, long life, and reward you with beautiful flowers.