Caring for orchids so your home is enhanced with some of the most beautiful flowers in the world is not just for the professionals, but can be done by everyday homeowners and flower enthusiasts.
Yes, some orchid types are more difficult to grow than others but there are numerous species and hybrids that will match the skills of anyone who has the willingness to try.
In reality, the care, training and knowledge needed to successfully cultivate and care for orchids is not a great deal more than any other common house plant needs and yet the personal rewards and beauty of orchids are unsurpassed and beyond just about any other plant you may select.
As with any plant, the first step is to know a little about the plant-orchid in this case. Get online and get some basic facts about the orchid type of want, its fit with your local climate, and the type of environment needed to grow a healthy flower.
Talk with your local garden centers that sell orchids or garden clubs if they exist in your area. You may even find groups of orchid lovers that have formed a group to help each other with tips and tricks.
Local groups and garden centers can give you the important growing tips that are critical for your local geography. And these local tips are not typically found in a general search over the internet.
Don't begin caring for orchids that are traditional a challenge to grow. In America, the clear orchid of choice for beginners is the Phalaenopsis (Phal) or Moth orchid. But the Cattleyas, Lady's Slippers, Cymbidiums, Oncidiums, and Dendrobiums are generally considered easy to care for as well.
But the purple or white Phal orchids are available almost everywhere, they are forgiving if you make early mistakes in care and when they bloom you get 2-3 months of incredible blooms that can't be matched.
There are a few core tips to keep in mind while caring for your new orchid.
1. Find a place in your home that receives good lighting for most of the day but not too intense or direct. An eastern facing window for early morning light is great. If you live in a climate with limited sunshine, you can even purchase grow lights and timers for artificial lighting. Even fluorescent lights can work.
2. Be sure to place your orchid in a place where the temperature doesn't go below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and preferably not greater than 85 degrees. If your orchid is exposed to extreme temperatures outside this range you may encounter a loss of blooms.
3. In most cases and growing environments you can water your orchid every 7-10 days and get good results. Frequency could be a bit higher if you use bark for a potting medium instead of sphagnum moss. Whatever medium you select, let it dry out before watering.
4. Orchids love humid environments. In low humid areas you can place your orchid pot in a tray of water with small rocks or pebbles in the bottom. Be sure the orchid's roots don't touch the water directly.
5. When you notice the orchid is about ready to bloom, this is a signal to fertilize your plant. This will help to prolong the blooms.
6. And while your orchid is in bloom, it is a good time to do some pruning so a second bloom can grow.
Caring for your orchid is not difficult if you simply follow these tips and create an environment for your particular orchid type to thrive.
You will enjoy a healthy plant for years to come and have the knowledge to respond to any changes in the appearance and health of your plant that may occur along the way.
Yes, some orchid types are more difficult to grow than others but there are numerous species and hybrids that will match the skills of anyone who has the willingness to try.
In reality, the care, training and knowledge needed to successfully cultivate and care for orchids is not a great deal more than any other common house plant needs and yet the personal rewards and beauty of orchids are unsurpassed and beyond just about any other plant you may select.
As with any plant, the first step is to know a little about the plant-orchid in this case. Get online and get some basic facts about the orchid type of want, its fit with your local climate, and the type of environment needed to grow a healthy flower.
Talk with your local garden centers that sell orchids or garden clubs if they exist in your area. You may even find groups of orchid lovers that have formed a group to help each other with tips and tricks.
Local groups and garden centers can give you the important growing tips that are critical for your local geography. And these local tips are not typically found in a general search over the internet.
Don't begin caring for orchids that are traditional a challenge to grow. In America, the clear orchid of choice for beginners is the Phalaenopsis (Phal) or Moth orchid. But the Cattleyas, Lady's Slippers, Cymbidiums, Oncidiums, and Dendrobiums are generally considered easy to care for as well.
But the purple or white Phal orchids are available almost everywhere, they are forgiving if you make early mistakes in care and when they bloom you get 2-3 months of incredible blooms that can't be matched.
There are a few core tips to keep in mind while caring for your new orchid.
1. Find a place in your home that receives good lighting for most of the day but not too intense or direct. An eastern facing window for early morning light is great. If you live in a climate with limited sunshine, you can even purchase grow lights and timers for artificial lighting. Even fluorescent lights can work.
2. Be sure to place your orchid in a place where the temperature doesn't go below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and preferably not greater than 85 degrees. If your orchid is exposed to extreme temperatures outside this range you may encounter a loss of blooms.
3. In most cases and growing environments you can water your orchid every 7-10 days and get good results. Frequency could be a bit higher if you use bark for a potting medium instead of sphagnum moss. Whatever medium you select, let it dry out before watering.
4. Orchids love humid environments. In low humid areas you can place your orchid pot in a tray of water with small rocks or pebbles in the bottom. Be sure the orchid's roots don't touch the water directly.
5. When you notice the orchid is about ready to bloom, this is a signal to fertilize your plant. This will help to prolong the blooms.
6. And while your orchid is in bloom, it is a good time to do some pruning so a second bloom can grow.
Caring for your orchid is not difficult if you simply follow these tips and create an environment for your particular orchid type to thrive.
You will enjoy a healthy plant for years to come and have the knowledge to respond to any changes in the appearance and health of your plant that may occur along the way.