insight on cleaning/shining my Orchid leaves

[kimduzzitt]

Hello

My name is Kimberly, I have just joined this site. I have had orchids in my home for about 5 years, I absolutely love caring for them, I am looking forward to hearing lots of opinions from people and absorbing as much info as possible.


My topic for this post is about the different ways to clean my phalaenopsis orchid leaves. Something I can do to really make them shine other than just washing the dust off of them I have heard of using mayonnaise, milk or lemon juice. Any opinions or suggestions are appreciated.



For starters I should probably fill you in on how I care for them

I have 3 plant stands in my home with orchids, all facing a S.E. window

I have them all in original pots (with the inner plastic removed, repot once every year in a half or so).

Each plant stand has one of my little rock fountains on it as well as the orchids.( seems to give them enough humidity ).

I soak them in the kitchen sink and gently spray or wipe the leaves, every 7 to 10

I only add orchid fertilizer every three months or so.

in the summer I spray them daily with waterbottle

All of my phalaenopsis orchids have re bloomed multiple times & in some cases a new "babies" have formed from the stem!

[The Orchid Boy]

Sounds like you are taking good care of your orchids.

About the leaf shining. First I use lemon juice to get any residue and stuff off. Then sometimes I use mayonaise and rub it on and wipe the leaves clean. I don't reccomend you use the leaf shiner products you see in stores.

[SlipperGirl]

Welcome!

Do you have any pictures of your orchids! I would love to see them.

I agree with orchid boy on the leaf shining

[Orchids4ever]

Welcome

[kimduzzitt]

Thank you! I do have pics I cant wait to mess around with this site and figure out how to do all of that, My mil told me about the mayo trick I am very interested to try & c ( I am just a little concerned about any smells that might come from it, the same with the milk idea) when you use lemon Juice to you water it down at all?

[The Orchid Boy]

I don't dilute it at all. I use straight lemon juice (not fake stuff). Just don't get it on the roots.

[isurus79]

Hey Kimuna,
Welcome to the OB! While I don't have much experience with wiping down leaves, I do want to let you know that you might want to change your user name to something that isn't your email address. That way, it leaves you less open to spammers and hackers.

[kimduzzitt]

ok thank you, I have been looking around in the settings & I don't c a spot to change username.... do I need to delete and start over?

[camille1585]

Hi Kimberly, Welcome!!

Unfortunately you can't change your username on your own, and neither can I, even as a mod. You need to contact one of the site administrators for that.

Send a PM to Dave (Oscarman), and he can fix it for you. I think he'll be the quickest to reply. The easiest way is probably through this list, Orchid Board - Most Complete Orchid Forum on the web ! - Show Groups if you don't kow your way around the forum yet.

Don't hesitate to ask if you need help with anything!

[violetta]

Am I the laziest person here? I just spray water on the leaves whenever they're dirty