Thirty years of knowledge couldn't save me from a moment of sheer gardening idiocy
I absolutely adore flowering plants! They bring so much joy into my life. My home is filled with African violets, and every window is adorned with vibrant geraniums. I also have a collection of begonias, roses, cyclamen, and many many others. But strangely enough, throughout my 30 years of passion for flowers, I had never owned an orchid. That is, until recently.
One day, as I passed by a flower store, a stunning pink orchid caught my eye. I couldn't resist the temptation and decided to buy it. Excitedly, I brought the orchid home and placed it on a shelf, ready to admire its splendor. Little did I know, I was about to face some unexpected challenges.
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To my surprise, all the flowers fell off and the plant began to wither. I didn't have time to figure out what was happening and read numerous conflicting articles on the internet. I realized the urgency, so I decided to act swiftly.
That's when I discovered the PLNT app, a lifesaver that provided answers to all my questions. Through the app, I learned that orchid care differs significantly from my other plants, and the issues I was facing were not normal. Determined to save my orchid, I diligently followed the app's instructions and conducted a thorough examination of every aspect.
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Firstly, I consulted the Plant Doctor to assess the orchid's health, and it turned out my orchid was suffering from a root rot. I was not only worried about the orchid but also concerned that the disease could spread to my other plants. I had to quarantine the orchid urgently to prevent any further damage.
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With the treatment plan provided by the app, I followed the instructions meticulously, and gradually my orchid began to recover. However, it wasn't enough to just eradicate the root rot. I also needed to create the perfect conditions to encourage blooming. Using the Light Meter feature in the app, I monitored the lighting levels at different times of the day. I learned that orchids require bright morning and daytime light, followed by bright indirect sunlight in the evening. Finally, I found the perfect spot where my orchid could thrive without me constantly moving it around.
Additionally, I discovered from the app's articles and the Plant Profile that orchids thrive in high humidity. So, I created a moss tray to increase the moisture around my orchid, ensuring it received the ideal environment.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a new shoot emerge from my orchid, and before long, it bloomed beautifully! It has been two months now, and the blooms haven't stopped. This orchid has become the crown jewel of my flourishing collection.
My friends were amazed by its beauty, and many of them asked me to propagate it and give them orchid cuttings. It's truly heartwarming when your hobby is appreciated by others.
This experience taught me two valuable lessons. Firstly, even with 30 years of experience, there is always something new to learn. Secondly, in any challenging situation, I can always rely on the PLNT app. Judging by the transformation of my orchid, this source is truly trustworthy.