Growing orchids on the window sill

Heat, humidity and light:
The ideal location for orchids is in an east/west-facing window or a bright north-facing window. If the plant is placed in a south-facing window, it must be shaded with a thin curtain. The plants are adapted for growth at high humidity (60-70%) and in GreenMix the high level of evaporation from the product will ensure that the humidity surrounding the plant is sufficient. If you place the plant in very dry air, it is a good idea to spray it with rain water once a day throughout the summer. Most orchids thrive best at the same temperatures as people, i.e. 18-24°C.

Watering and feeding:
A golden rule is to drench the plants before they become completely dry. The frequency of watering depends on the time of year and how hot it is where the plant is placed. A simple test is to lift the pot - if it seems light, the plant needs watering. A rule of thumb says that you have to water twice a week in the growing season (April - September) and a maximum of once a week in winter (October - March).
If you are going on holiday, you can put the plants in a shady place and water them to the top. GreenMix will then hold water for approximately 14 days` consumption. The easiest way to water the plants is to hold them under water for approximately 15 seconds, though this should not be done with newly potted plants. Use rain water both to water and spray them, as it does not contain harmful salts and will not stain the leaves.

Orchids are adapted to low nutritive values from nature, and you have to take this into account when feeding them. You should add POKON 20-20-20 to three out of four waterings during the summer and mix it according to the instructions: Approximately 1 teaspoon (0.5 g per litre) POKON per 10 litres of water. The use of normal flower food is risky, as it can singe the orchid roots. Every fourth time you water, you should use unfertilised water. It is also advisable to rinse the GreenMix thoroughly a couple of times a year to wash out unused nutrients. You should only feed the plants every second watering in the winter.

General repotting information for orchids:
You should only repot plants when they are visibly growing. The spring months are often the best time of year. After repotting the plants should be placed somewhere which is 2-5°C warmer than usual until the plant is visibly growing again. It should also be watered thoroughly. Used GreenMix should not be reused for orchids, but can be used to advantage for houseplants, tomatoes, etc.

GreenMix for Orchids is an inorganic growing medium which is not degradable like bark and peat moss-based
products. The plants should therefore only be repotted when they need larger pots. It is not necessary to use drainage in the bottom of the pot, as GreenMix contains a mixture of water-repellent and water-absorbent granulate which always ensures an oxygen supply to the roots.

When you change from organic growing materials to GreenMix
The former organic growing material and dead root parts should be cleaned from the orchid with care. We also recommend washing the root network without damaging it. Dried leaf with damage should be removed, as these are ideal places for rot and fungi. The new pit must be no larger than to precisely fit the root network of the orchid. The pot should be made of plastic and have holes in the bottom so that excess water can drain away.
Now pour GreenMix into 1/3 of the pot and place the plant appropriately taking account of both its direction and point of growth. Now pour the GreenMix between the roots and distribute it into place, for example by knocking the bottom of the pot lightly against the table. Press the GreenMix down and between the roots with your fingers, avoiding pressing the material too firmly so that it becomes compact, which would destroy the possibility of air reaching the roots.

If you`re already using GreenMix:
These plants should only be repotted when the pot has become too small! Also the old GreenMix should not be removed. Place the ball of GreenMix and roots carefully into a slightly larger pot and top it up with fresh GreenMix. In this way you will achieve gentle repotting, as the roots and the plant can continue their growth undisturbed.

Special instructions for Paphiopedilum:
As many species of paphiopedilum grow in chalky soil, it is an advantage to mix GreenMix for Orchids with some limestone, adding a handful of limestone to 10 litres of compost. You could also spread the limestone on top of the GreenMix.

Special instructions for Phalaenopsis:
Do not cut the entire flower stalk after flowering, but approximately above the third or fourth joint, as the new flower buds will develop from there.

Important! When using flower bowls, use larger size bowl to allow for airation of plant. Place flamongo pieces in the bottom and place pot on top.

Other orchids which are suitable for growing in your living room:
With the introduction of GreenMix it is now possible for all those interested to grow orchids on the window sill. The following species are particularly suitable for growing in your living room: Aerangis - Angraecum - Anguloa - Brassavola - Bulbophyllum - Calanthe - Catasetum - Cattleya - Cochleanthes - Coelia - Coelogyne - Dendrobium - Doritanopsis - Dryadella - Epidendrum - Gongora - Laelia - Ludisia - Lycaste - Odontoglossum - Oncidium - Pescatoria - Phaius - Phalaenopsis - Paphiopedilum - Phragmepedium.

General
GreenMix for Orchids is a mixture of water-repellent and water-absorbent granulate with added perlite and lignite. The granulate is made from stonewool, the basic element of which is diabase rock. GreenMix for Orchids has water added and is therefore ready for use straight from the bag. GreenMix is produced by Grodania A/S who have more than 25 years of experience in stonewool-based growing products for professional nurseries and plant centres.