If you want your orchid flowers to maintain their colors for a long time, you absolutely must not place the vase near the fruit. It might seem like a small thing, but in reality there is a very solid reason behind it.
Orchids, as we know, are somewhat special plants: they need different care than other houseplants. For example, even if they love light very much, it is not a good idea to expose them to direct light for too long, because they could burn, especially in summer.
The best exposure is bright but filtered light, such as behind a light curtain or near an east-facing window. In winter you can keep it closer to the glass, in summer it is better to move it away a few tens of centimeters.
Even during watering you can easily make mistakes: rather than pouring water into the soil, it is preferable to immerse them for 10-15 minutes in a basin with water, or to spray water in the room to increase the humidity.
Generally it is sufficient to water it every 7-10 days, but only when the roots become silvery-grey in color (a sign that they are dry). It is ideal to use rain or demineralised water: tap water, especially if very calcareous, can damage the roots.
However, precisely because growing orchids can be quite a challenge, there is one mistake that you absolutely must avoid. Orchids should never be placed near fruit because this releases ethylene, a gas widely used in the food industry to ripen fruit or preserve some foods.
Some fruits release more ethylene than others: the worst to keep near the orchid are bananas, apples, pears, avocados and kiwis. Botanical studies confirm that ethylene significantly accelerates the senescence of flowers, leading them to lose color and fall within a few days.
The release of ethylene is part of the natural ripening process of fruit but it is also a very harmful element for the flowers of your orchids, causing them to wilt despite your efforts. Not only do ripening fruit release this gas, but so do plastic and fluorescent lights. Furthermore, ethylene is part of the mix of toxic gases that pollute the atmosphere and the air we breathe. For these reasons, try to keep your orchid away from plastic and fluorescent lights, and if possible, place it in a window that does not directly overlook a busy street.
But what can you do to help your orchid bloom? A good tactic is to make sure it always has excellent air exchange, so even if the fruit you have at home releases ethylene, the circulation will prevent it from stagnating near your plant.
Another tip could be to place the orchid in the bathroom, which is the most humid room in the house, so as to create a more hospitable habitat for it. It’s only good if the bathroom has at least one window, natural light and good ventilation. An environment that is too dark or with temperature changes due to the shower could stress the plant.
Finally, check that you have chosen a suitable soil, as the “classic” one for potted plants is not ideal.
Fun fact: orchids don’t like to be moved too often. Changing locations can interrupt flowering. Choose the right place and then leave it there, unless it is necessary to intervene.
