Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-w-here-to-grow-orchids">W<strong>here to grow</strong> orchids</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/woman-decorating-her-home-with-orchids-1000x667.jpg" alt="Woman placing orchid on window sill" class="wp-image-88355" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/woman-decorating-her-home-with-orchids-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/woman-decorating-her-home-with-orchids-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/woman-decorating-her-home-with-orchids.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Woman decorating her home with orchid image by <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/woman-decorating-her-home-with-orchids_82340373.htm#query=orchid%20window&amp;position=6&amp;from_view=search&amp;track=ais&amp;uuid=a7f5e432-317f-4e77-84af-718321fa3d35">Freepik</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Window sills that get some &#8211; but not too much &#8211; sunlight are the perfect spot for orchids. Just make sure that the sunlight is indirect; in front of a north-facing window is ideal. Be prepared that it might take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect spot, but it&#8217;ll be worth it. Watch out for any scorch marks on the leaves, this is a sure sign that the plant is getting too much sun.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-water-orchids">How to water orchids</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-28-1000x667.jpg" alt="Orchid in a pot" class="wp-image-88245" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-28-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-28-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-28.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Orchids hate being overwatered – so instead of watering on the spot, remove it from any outer decorative pot and submerge into a sink or bucket of tepid water. Leave to soak for about 10 minutes, before removing and allowing to drain. Then place the orchid and pot back inside your cover pot (the fancy one without holes). During the winter months, this will usually be done about once a fortnight – but keep an eye on the roots and leaves. When the roots start to turn a darker green or begin to shrivel up, this definitely means it’s time to water again.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-encourage-orchids-to-flower"><strong>How to encourage orchids to flower</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-22-1000x667.jpg" alt="Orchids at Kew" class="wp-image-87647" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-22-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-22-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-22.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Solène Dequiret preparing the display at Kew&#8217;s orchid festival</figcaption></figure>



<p>Regular feeding is a must if you want lots of flowers. Using an orchid feed every other week in spring to autumn will support both growth and blooms, you can just add it into the water you soak the plant in. Bottles of feed can be picked up for just a few pounds at most good garden centres and some larger supermarkets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-prune-orchids">How to prune orchids</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-19-1000x667.jpg" alt="Yellow stems on an orchid" class="wp-image-87640" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-19-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-19-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-19.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s normal for your orchids to develop brown or yellow stems once flowers go over. These can be trimmed back to just above a green node (the knobbly bit on the stem, which is actually a bud) and this may encourage it to produce more flowers before too long. If looking untidy, you can also cut stems right back to the leaves. Do however bear in mind when choosing how much to prune, that it can take a while for your plant to grow and produce more flowering stems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-buy-orchids">How to buy orchids</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="667" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/aravind-reddy-tarugu-5Qs_D4zIFXQ-unsplash-1-667x1000.jpg" alt="boat orchids (Cymbidiums)" class="wp-image-88349" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/aravind-reddy-tarugu-5Qs_D4zIFXQ-unsplash-1-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/aravind-reddy-tarugu-5Qs_D4zIFXQ-unsplash-1-400x600.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/aravind-reddy-tarugu-5Qs_D4zIFXQ-unsplash-1.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s a huge variety of orchids available to buy, so it’s really important to do your research to find the best one for your home. The best varieties for beginners are moth orchids (<em>Phalaenopsis</em>) &#8211; these are the ones that you see everywhere. Those with greener fingers might enjoy boat orchids (<em>Cymbidiums</em>) which look great in the home but do need to be moved somewhere cooler for a rest during the year. When shopping for orchids, it’s worth checking the plant out thoroughly to make sure it’s in the best condition. Ensure there&#8217;s a good number of stems, a few healthy flowers, plus unopened buds for a longer lasting display of blooms.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="909" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-31-2-909x1000.jpg" alt="Kew Gardens Orchid Festival" class="wp-image-88395" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-31-2-909x1000.jpg 909w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-31-2-545x600.jpg 545w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-design-31-2.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 909px) 100vw, 909px" /></figure>



<p><em>The Orchid Festival at <a href="https://www.kew.org/">Kew Gardens</a>, inspired by the beauty of Madagascar, is in the Princess Of Wales Conservatory until 3 Mar 2024</em>. <em>Entry is included in the general ticket price, but you&#8217;ll need to book a time slot in advance. Limited slots are still available so get in quick.</em></p>


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