Can you think of using Lemon Juice for Orchids? Is it practical for them? Read on to know the best ways to use it!
There are many quirky ways to keep your beloved flowers healthy, and one of the easiest ways is Using Lemon Juice for Orchids. It may sound not so helpful, but trust us, it has many sweet advantages!
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Using Lemon Juice for Orchids
1. Boosts Growth Rate
According to a study done at the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, China, lemon juice can promote cell division growth. Also, it stimulates the work of some enzymes and helps the necessary nutrients to get transported to all parts of the plant more quickly.
Add 2-3 ml of lemon juice to a liter of water and use the mix to water the orchid plant when growing.
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2. Cleans the Foliage
Another great use of lemon juice for orchids is to clean the plant. Dilute lemon juice with water in a 1:5 ratio and soak a sponge in it. Now, use it to wipe clean the foliage – it will help to take away the dust and grime from the leaves.
Do it once in 3-4 months if you notice the leaves getting too dirty and the dust doesn’t come off with plain water.
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3. Preserves Cut Blooms
Lemon juice is very effective in preserving cut orchid flowers for your vase. Add two teaspoons of lemon juice, one teaspoon of chlorine-free bleach, and one teaspoon of ordinary sugar into 3 liters of lukewarm water.
Add this mix to the vase to cover about 1/3 of the stem to make the cut blooms last for 3-4 weeks.
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4. Balances pH Levels of the Soil
Lemon juice can be used to lower the pH of soil if it is too alkaline. The amount needed will depend on the pH of your soil and the desired pH level.
Lemon juice is acidic, so it will lower the pH of the soil. Start with a small amount, such as 1 to 2 tablespoons in a gallon of water, and then use it to water the plants once in 3-4 weeks.
Remember, most orchids love acidic soil in the range of 5.5 to 6.5, although some species and hybrids may tolerate slightly higher or lower pH levels.
Here is How to Check Your Soil pH at Home
5. Prevents Pests
The acidity of lemon juice can deter pests and disrupt their feeding and reproductive patterns.
Prepare a homemade lemon juice spray by diluting freshly squeezed lemon juice with water. Start with a mixture of 1 part lemon juice to 3 parts water and spray it on the affected area. It will be particularly effective against soft-bodied pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
Do test it on a small area of the plant before applying it to the entire plant.
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6. Keeps Fungal and Bacterial Issues at Bay
Lemon juice contains natural antimicrobial properties that may help control certain fungal and bacterial infections. Dilute lemon juice with water and apply it to affected areas or as a preventive measure to help reduce the risk of infections.
However, it’s important to note that some orchids may be sensitive to acidic solutions, so it’s advisable to test a small area of the plant first and observe for any adverse reactions.
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7. Cleans Pots
If you’re using fresh lemons, cut them in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl or container. Alternatively, you can use bottled lemon juice. Add an equal amount of water to the lemon juice and mix well. For example, if you have 1 cup of lemon juice, add 1 cup of water.
Dip a sponge or soft brush into the lemon juice solution and apply it to the inside and outside of the plant pots. Make sure to cover all the stained or dirty areas, paying extra attention to the areas with stains or mineral deposits. If the stains are stubborn, you can let the lemon juice solution sit on the pots for a few minutes before scrubbing.
After scrubbing, rinse the plant pots thoroughly with water to remove any residue and lemon juice. Make sure to rinse them well, especially if you plan to reuse the pots for new plants. Allow the plant pots to air dry completely before adding new soil or plants. Placing them in a sunny spot can speed up the drying process.
