How do I Care for a White Mericlone Orchid?

Orchids can add an elegant charm to an interior space.

White mericlone orchids are delicate, elegant orchids that add a graceful, peaceful presence to your home. They make thoughtful gifts for a loved one. Mericlone orchids are artificially produced clones of orchids that are made in a laboratory by a botanist. By taking a small tissue from an orchid, the laboratory can make many more of the same species identical to the original plant. Bella Online says they are more expensive to purchase because they are expensive to produce. However, caring for a mericlone orchid isn't any different from caring for a regular orchid.

Things You'll Need

• Gravel
• Tray
• Orchid fertilizer

Instructions

1. Set the mericlone orchid either on a table by the window facing south or even directly on the windowsill, suggests the University of Tennessee Extension. Make sure the leaves do not touch the glass. Clean the windows regularly to achieve the best light transmission. Check the leaves to see if the orchid is receiving too much or too little sunlight. If the leaves are light to medium green, the sunlight is adequate. If the leaves are dark green, the orchid is receiving too much direct sunlight and needs to be moved or place a sheer curtain over the window.

2. Water the orchid early in the morning with lukewarm water in the kitchen sink for 15 seconds. Let it drain for 15 minutes before placing the mericlone orchid back in its regular spot, advises the American Orchid Society. Check the orchid regularly to make sure it is moist by placing your finger in the soil. Water when completely dry. Do not overwater an orchid.

3. Place the orchid on a tray of gravel filled with just enough water so the bottom of the pot is not touching the water. This will increase the humidity for the orchid.

4. Feed an orchid weekly with a diluted fertilizer at one-fourth of the suggested amount every time you water the orchid. Water the orchid first, then apply the granular orchid fertilizer on top of the soil and water again to prevent burning the roots.

References

• Bella Online: Orchid Glossary---Hybrids and Mericlones
• American Orchid Society: Orchid Basics
• University of Tennessee Extension: Growing Orchids in the Home