Orchids are colorful plants with unusual flower shapes. The ornamental plants look timeless, especially in glass, and give any location an elegant atmosphere. Cultivating and breeding Orchidaceae is easy. Keeping orchids in a glass requires little effort and you only have to invest a little time in the care.
Orchids have been successfully cultivated for thousands of years. Even today, tropical ornamental plants have not lost any of their fascination. There are many ways to plant plants in your own home. In addition to conventional planters, it is also possible to cultivate the ornamental plants in glass containers. This measure is particularly beneficial for epiphytic orchid species whose roots rely on a lot of light. Years of experience is not necessary for this type of planting, but you should follow a few basic tips.
Cultivation without soil
Orchids are a diverse family. Some varieties have special aerial roots which are covered by a so-called velamen radicum. The material consists of dead cells and, like a sponge, absorbs water and the nutrients dissolved in it. In the wild, epiphytic orchids prefer to grow on trees and rocky ground. The lack of light on the ground in particular has led to this way of life. This makes it possible for the plants to thrive without any substrate. The most well-known species include Phalaenopsis and Vanda hybrids. The epiphytes are by no means parasitic plants.
Contrary to what is often assumed, orchids in glass require surprisingly little care. Depending on the location and the room climate, it is sometimes even better if you leave the plants to their own devices for a while. The plants will thank you with their long-lasting blooms.
Choosing the right glass
Before moving the orchids, you need to choose the right planter. The silvery, shiny root network of epiphytic plants requires a lot of sunlight. In addition, the aerial roots of orchids can reach an immense length of well over 60 centimeters as they age. The glass should be correspondingly large. Ideally, the container should be at least 30 to 50 centimeters high. When it comes to shape, many orchid lovers swear by conical glasses. The reason: In the lower part the roots have plenty of space to develop, while at the same time the smaller opening prevents the humidity in the glass from escaping too quickly. An ideal climate for tropical orchids.
The reasons for planting in glass can be varied. Tropical ornamental plants are enjoying growing popularity, but sellers do not always meet the demands of the plants. Plants that grow epiphytically are only inadequately able to absorb sufficient moisture and vital minerals in conventional soil. Here it is only a matter of time before these orchids die. Vanda hybrids look particularly good in tall glasses. The roots of these orchid varieties can reach almost to the ground. Filling material, such as small decorative pebbles, is not absolutely necessary.
Representatives of the orchid species “Phalaenopsis”, on the other hand, should not touch the bare glass base with their roots. Fill the container with a thick layer of fine pebbles before planting the plant. To make the glass appear more decorative, you can use special decorative stones from the market. The dye does not harm the plants and does not stain in the water.
Planting without soil
If you just want to move the orchid into a new glass vessel, only a few preparations are necessary. However, the change from soil to substrate-free cultivation looks different. For this you need:
- glass jar
- Scissors
- Water
Similar to planting in hydroponics, converting from conventional potting soil is associated with some difficulties. The roots of the plants must be completely cleaned of the old substrate. Even the smallest residue can lead to rot due to the increased humidity in the glass container, which ultimately permanently weakens the orchid and can lead to its death. Follow these steps:
- Carefully clean the roots mechanically.
- Put the root network in lukewarm water.
- Move carefully back and forth.
- If necessary, clean again with a soft brush.
Under no circumstances should the aerial roots of the orchid be damaged during this measure. Therefore, proceed as carefully as possible. Weak, injured or dead roots are shortened with scissors. The following applies: less is more. Because at the end there should still be enough he althy root network. If this is not guaranteed, leave the plant untouched. Particularly he althy orchids quickly get used to the change and can regenerate themselves.
Other indoor orchids can also be planted in a glass, but they require constant moisture. For storage, you can use an air-permeable substrate, such as a mixture of Styrofoam, bark and peat. But Seramis and expanded clay have also proven themselves.
The ideal location
The tropical ornamental plants are extremely light-requiring, but cannot tolerate strong midday sun. Window sills on the east or west side, on the other hand, are very suitable and meet the light needs of tropical orchids. In winter, direct proximity to active radiators leads to irreparable leaf damage. But cold temperatures from below can also have a negative impact on the he alth and resilience of Orchidaceae. A 2 to 3 centimeter thick Styrofoam base can help here.
In summer you can also treat the ornamental plants to a stay outdoors in the decorative plant containers. For example, conjure up a tropical floral atmosphere at your next convivial garden party or create a personal oasis of well-being on the terrace. Regardless of where you place the orchid, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Avoid direct and long-lasting sunlight.
- Avoid dark locations.
- Protect from wind and rain.
- Set up safely from rodents.
All orchid plants are extremely sensitive to standing moisture. With free-growing Orchidaceae, rainwater can roll off or seep directly into the loose soil. In glass containers, on the other hand, the roots are exposed to the ever-increasing water level and can suffer damage from the resulting rot. Diseases and pests also have an easy time with weakened plants. Even regular watering is not enough. As a precaution, you should therefore place orchids outdoors in a covered area.
Watering and fertilizing
Each type of orchid has different requirements for the correct supply of water and nutrients. With Vanda hybrids, it is sufficient if you put the orchids in a water bath up to the upper root neck about every 4 to 5 days. The immersion bath can be done directly in the glass container and should last a maximum of a few minutes. Then pour the water out completely. Even the robust hybrids cannot tolerate waterlogging. The plants “feed” on the residual moisture in and in the roots until the next dive.
Phalaenopsis likes to rely on a constant supply of water, but without the plant itself coming into contact with it. The pebbles in the glass ensure that the orchid stays dry; the water is absorbed by the high humidity inside the glass. Here too, when watering, you should make sure that the water level in the container does not touch the roots of the plant.
Tip:
Spray the orchid leaves regularly with a fine water sprayer. This protects the plants from overheating, especially in warm locations.
Even if all orchid plants differ from each other when it comes to care, you can still rely on the following tips:
- Orchids with bulbs should be almost dried out before the next watering.
- Use only lime-free water at room temperature.
- Distilled water also benefits the plants.
Use a special fertilizer for orchids. This contains all the important minerals that promote the flowering power and resistance of tropical plants. When and how often you fertilize also depends on the type of orchid you choose. The fertilizer is administered directly via the irrigation water.
Conclusion
Cultivating tropical ornamental plants in a glass without soil is by no means a modern way of keeping plants. In fact, in this way you meet the requirements of many orchid varieties whose roots rely on light. In addition to choosing the ideal glass vessel, the location and proper care also contribute to the well-being of the exotic flowering plants. Keeping orchids successfully is not just the preserve of experienced hobby gardeners, but you should by no means take the demands of the plants lightly.
