If you own an orchid, you know a healthy plant has plump, well-hydrated roots and firm, green, rigid leaves. However, if the orchid’s leaves are droopy and lack turgor and the plant hasn’t bloomed for a long time, you can try reviving it with a simple but effective lemon trick.
In their natural habitat, orchids grow in humid tropical forests. As a result, these plants can be pretty fussy. Therefore, caring for orchids at home can be challenging. However, some tricks can make growing these beautiful indoor flowers easier.
Benefits of Lemon Juice for Orchids
Lemon juice is beneficial for orchids not only because it creates an acidic environment that promotes healthy plant growth.
Yes, you guessed it right, orchid prefers slightly acidic environment. This ingredient also strengthens the root system of the flower and prevents its degradation.
Lemon is an antioxidant that also acts as a protective agent against insects, repelling them.
In addition, lemons contain a significant amount of natural potassium and vitamin C, which fill the orchid leaves, helping them recover and nourish the entire plant.
Lemon juice stimulates the flowering of orchids in indoor conditions.
However, never use pure lemon juice! Avoid getting it on the roots and growth points of the leaves – this can cause the opposite effect (wilting of the leaves).
It is well known that what is medicine in small doses can be poison in larger doses.
Watering Orchids With Lemon Juice
Unlike plants from more northern latitudes, orchids prefer an acidic environment for nourishment. Therefore, using lemon juice when growing the plant can be very beneficial.
Add lemon juice to the water when hydrating the orchid. A few drops will be enough for a good effect.
To water the orchid with a lemon juice solution:
- Pour 7 fl oz (200 mL) of warm water into a cup.
- Add 10 drops of lemon juice to it.
- Place the orchid in the solution for 30 minutes.
- Return the orchid to its original location.
Repeat watering the orchid with lemon juice no more than once a month.
Using lemon juice when growing orchids makes the leaves shine, striking the flowers more. Additionally, the plant will develop faster and become more resistant to diseases.
Wiping Orchid Leaves With Lemon Juice
When wiping orchid leaves, the room’s air temperature should be high enough. Non-root feedings of orchids are not recommended at temperatures below 75 °F (24°C).
Also, do not leave the orchid under direct sunlight after wiping. Otherwise, the plant’s leaves will be scorched; I have learned this the hard way.
For effective and safe orchid care, add only 10 drops of fresh lemon juice to 6.76 fl oz (200 mL) of soft, clean, room-temperature water.
Use the mildly acidic solution to wipe orchid leaves on all sides with a moistened cotton pad.
Try to avoid excess water getting between the leaves and inside the stem. For this, the cotton pad should not be dripping water – it should only be slightly damp.
Repeat watering your orchid with lemon juice no more than once a month.
Every orchid grower can see these recipes’ effectiveness and benefits. Orchids will accelerate their growth, become stronger and more resilient, and delight with their dense, bright-green leaves and regular flowering.
You can also explore different types of orchids, such as the rare black orchids featured in this article about rare black orchids with images.