Orchid in hydrogel: planting, growing, and care

Orchid

The orchid is a decorative flower that has recently appeared on windowsills. Among the various species, the most common is the phalaenopsis, an epiphytic plant that grows on trees. Various substrates are used for growing it indoors, including those with tree bark, peat, polystyrene foam, and perlite. Some gardeners have also found use for hydrogel beads, attempting to grow this exotic orchid in them.

Types and properties of hydrogel, release forms

The product, also known as "aqua soil," is used for growing flowers. It consists of polymer granules. These granules can retain water for extended periods of time, gradually releasing it to the plants. This characteristic of the hydrogel is crucial for orchids, as it reacts sharply to both moisture deficiency and excess.

Aquasoil resembles gelatin balls in various shapes. It can be used as a complete replacement for soil mix or mixed in with just a small amount. The balls have a springy consistency and can be transparent or colored in various colors.

Release forms:

Colorless - a soft substance added to the main substrate for an exotic flower.
Colored – a granular preparation. Orchids are planted in colored hydrogel for greater decorative effect, as its nutritional value is much lower than that of the transparent variety.

Hydrogel for orchids

An orchid growing in hydrogel is truly tamed. Besides its decorative properties, the aqua-soil protects the plant from drought and overwatering, providing the necessary level of aeration. However, it's important to note before using it that the beads don't release moisture into the soil: the orchid absorbs essential nutrients first from the substrate, then from the hydrogel.

Advantages of aquagrunt

Among the undeniable advantages are:

portioned watering of the flower, in which the plant does not suffer from a violation of the watering regime;
sterility of polymer compounds that do not require disinfection before use;
high decorative value.

Flaws

The colored balls are quite dense, and after a short time, they begin to compact. The roots are deprived of oxygen and begin to mold. To prevent this, it's best to use a colorless hydrogel, which is simply added to the main orchid substrate.

Features of cultivation

Epiphytes' root systems participate in photosynthesis. This requires constant exposure to oxygen, which can be impeded if the orchid is planted in a polymer substrate. The polymers are compressed after several wettings.

How to use correctly

Some gardeners use hydrogel only in rare cases, to revive the plant. When the plant loses turgor, they place its leaf blades in the balls and water them. After two hours, the orchid is removed, cleaned of any remaining aqua-soil, and returned to its original location.

Planting in a mixture of substrate and transparent hydrogel

If you use a transparent type of aqua soil, you can grow an orchid in it permanently.

Stages of planting a flower in a nutrient substrate with the addition of polymer balls:

Pour the granules into a separate container and add water for swelling at a rate of 1 liter of water per 1 g of the product. If any excess liquid remains after 3 hours, drain it.
Place the balls and the bark substrate into the pot one by one.
After filling ¼ of the container, place the orchid and continue filling it layer by layer.

Planting in colored hydrogel

The orchid is planted in colored balls for decorative purposes only. The orchid is placed in a transparent container, its roots coated with colored polymer compounds. However, the orchid won't survive long in such a substrate.

Adding aqua soil when caring for orchids

Hydrogel is added to the soil of cultivated orchids to reduce the frequency of watering. The beads reduce watering by five times. Simply soak the beads first and place them in depressions in the regular substrate.

For your information!

When making holes, it is important not to damage the fragile roots, which can lead to plant disease.

Hydrogel for rooting shoots

Orchids are propagated using cuttings in aqua-soil, just as in a substrate. First, soak the roots in a growth stimulant and place the cutting in a thin layer of marbles, which are then sprinkled on top.

Lifespan

The lifespan of plants grown in substrate but planted in colored hydrogel is short. Within a month, the flower will die due to lack of oxygen. To save a plant donated in such a polymer, it must be repotted.

Features of fertilizing orchids

Hydrogel provides a long-term supply of nutrients, as water quickly washes them away. Any products suitable for orchids can be used, including organics and agrochemicals.

How to care for an orchid at home

This exotic plant thrives on east- and west-facing windowsills. It also tolerates apartment temperatures quite well. The key is to ensure the air isn't too dry. When grown in hydrogel, watering every 10 days is sufficient, no more often.

Timing and methods of applying fertilizers

Fertilizing should only be done during the period of active growth and flowering. The interval between fertilizing is 2-3 weeks. Over-fertilizing can result in a lack of flowers. It's also best to choose phosphorus and potassium, as nitrogen stimulates foliage growth at the expense of bud formation. The optimal method of fertilizing is simultaneously with bottom watering.

Transfer

Repot the orchid every spring, replacing the substrate with fresh one. If necessary, remove rotted roots. If the flower was gifted in a colored hydrogel, it should be immediately replaced with potting soil, otherwise the plant will die.

How to properly prune an orchid after flowering

Only faded parts should be removed. After the flowering phase is complete, flower stalks can be trimmed in two ways: 1.5 cm above the flower bud, or to a 2.5 cm stump. Trim with a disinfected tool, and treat the cuts with wood ash. If the stems are hollow, it's best to coat them with beeswax.

Reviews

Valentina, Stavropol:

"I'm often on the road, but I couldn't give up such a beauty as an orchid. Florists recommended trying adding hydrogel to the regular substrate. Now I have no worries about the flowers: I know for sure they won't die from lack of moisture."

Serafima, Morozovsk:

"I've been using clear aqua-soil for quite some time now because my cat forced me to place my pots too high, making watering difficult. Thanks to the polymer, the problem was solved very easily; I now water three times a month."

Orchids also grow well in hydrogel if used correctly. By adding a transparent polymer to a regular substrate, you can reduce the frequency of watering and achieve a beautiful, healthy plant.