Posts Tagged ‘Orchid’

Growing Orchids for Beginners

July 15th, 2011
Orchids at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Image via Wikipedia

As an aspiring orchid gardener, your first decision is what type of orchid you should grow. Firstly, you should consider the weather in the region you live in and whether or not it is beneficial for indoor or outdoor orchid growth. That is one of the biggest initial decisions to make – growing your orchid inside or outside.

Choose healthy plants.
Make sure to purchase healthy orchid plants that are free from pests or diseases. The bulbs should all be around the same size with none significantly smaller than others. It is best to buy an orchid that has already bloomed or is blooming at the time of purchase. Always look for living roots. Plus, don’t buy from sellers who are not reputable even if the low prices are tempting. One infested plant can devastate an entire collection of orchids.

Grow similar orchids together
Growing orchids for beginners is easier when you select orchids that grow happily together. That means: do not put orchids which like the shade with orchids which like the sun. And, do not place orchids which like nighttime temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees with those who prefer cooler nighttime temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees. Grow orchids together only if they have similar needs.

Make plenty of space
Orchids come in all sizes. Make sure you always research how tall your orchid will become before buying it. Orchid plants may start off small and stay that way, while others can grow over two feet tall. A small orchid can spread out its flower stems to be over five feet long. If growing orchids inside, make sure that your house has enough room for your species to spread out.

Check humidity levels
Most warm orchids need pretty high humidity levels in order to thrive and flower. Many should be in the 60% to 80% range. If you live in a place where it gets very cold in the winters, you most likely will not be able to maintain such a high humidity level without building a greenhouse or some type of glass enclosure. Some of the cool orchids or terrestrials are not so demanding about moisture. These are better selections for beginners.

Water orchids well
The watering of orchids is one of the most critical aspects of orchid care. Most orchids do well with watering once a week. You should wait for the plant to dry out but don’t let it get totally dry in-between watering. The top should be dry to the touch and the pot should feel light. One of the biggest mistakes beginners make with orchids is over-watering. You want to water the plant until water runs out of the drainage holes. But make sure the orchid is well-drained and there is never any accumulation of water.

Air circulation is necessary
Orchids need to be able to have a lot of air circulation for superior growth. Unlike most plants, except for a few terrestrial varieties, orchids are not planted with their roots growing into the soil. Whatever media you use for planting–fir bark, sphagnum moss, peat moss or others, it is essential that the entire growing area has adequate ventilation. Inside, a ceiling fan on low is just right for proper air circulation. An orchid can deteriorate because of stale air.

Try liquid fertilizer
If you want your orchids to flower, which can be a tricky part of growing orchids for beginners, you are going to have to fertilize them. Gardeners disagree a lot about the best fertilizer for orchids. Everyone seems to have their own pet theory. The best way is to simply try a couple of different fertilizing options and see which works out the best. You can go all organic with your fertilizers, using compost from worm castings or fish emulsions, or you can use synthetic fertilizers, such as 10-10-10 with varying amounts of nutrients.

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Cymbidium Orchids – 10 Rules To Follow When Growing Cymbidiums

April 8th, 2011
cymbidium orchid

Image by schmish via Flickr

Cymbidiums are said to be the unique ones in the bunch when talking about orchid care. This kind of orchid is one that can grow freely outside the walls of greenhouses and similar structures. In fact, because it thrives so well outside, it has been a favorite garden plant. It is not “choosy” in its soil, temperature and moisture needs.

To help you be able to grow them successfully, here are 10 vital rules that you have to follow:

Temperature

Cymbidiums are one of the sturdiest kinds of orchids when it comes to temperature. They have been observed flourishing in temperatures ranging from as low as 18°F to as high as 110°F, for a limited amount of time. These species of orchids are usually grown outdoors because they can survive virtually any temperature change.

During unforgiving winters these orchids should be moved inside if you would like to have them live through the season. Although they might stand the harsh cold for a combined total of two weeks, it could still mean death to them if left outside unattended.

If you want to make sure that your cymbidium orchids will bloom and thrive then leave them alone in a place where the temperature is between 68°F to 104°F. Although there are some parts Florida that these orchids will not flower because it appears to be that the night air is a little hotter than they would like it to be. Other than that, cymbidiums are the perfect flowers for areas with changing temperature.

Light

Since cymbidiums are usually the outdoor kind of orchids, they require a lot of light. During summer they can be given direct sunlight and still survive. Keep in mind though, anything that is too much can kill any plant, as is the case with orchids of this species.

The perfect condition for cymbidiums is under the shade of a larger tree where the light is filtered by the leaves and the shade. If you cannot find a place like this, anything that can provide adequate shade for them during the harsh summer is fine. During winter, these orchids require sunlight more than ever so whenever you can, look for a spot for them where they can sulk in the light for long periods of time.

Soil

Although cymbidiums can grow in almost any type of soil, this type of orchids seems to flourish best in leafmold. Mix equal parts of leafmold and leafsoil together with a little bit of gravel and you have the perfect soil mixture for cymbidiums.

Drainage

An important part and many times one of the things that growers forget when growing these orchids is the drainage. In their natural habitats, cymbidiums are found to flourish in areas where there is proper and adequate drainage, so you must recreate this when they are grown.

A suggested way to do this is by planting them in raised beds, six to twelve inches above the ground. This will make sure that the extra water will naturally exit the soil. Some orchid growers even place a bedrock at the bottom of their orchids then fill it with a potting medium to act as a drainage system.

Bedrock

Aside from providing the proper drainage, placing a bedrock beneath the soil will also help your cymbidiums with water management. Bury them under the ground with less than half of the rock peaking through. This will make sure that during the hot days their root systems remain cool and in winter will keep them warm enough by draining the extra water.

Fertilizer

When it comes to plant food and these species of orchids, the jury is still out. Most orchid growers who use plant food say that feeding cymbidiums do wonders for them. Now the only thing that you have to be careful not to do is to let the fertilizer touch its shoots. This is vital because once this happens they will most likely burn and rot.

You can use either liquid fertilizers or ground manure. Just keep in mind not to overdo it. Two times each year for ground manure and every three months for liquid fertilizer will be enough to give the nutrients they require.

Water

Cymbidiums compared to other kinds of orchids require less water. Since the majority prefers to cultivate them outdoors, you can simply water them once or twice every month even on the hot days. And during winter, you can even forget about watering them because the natural rainfall takes care of that for you.

Pots

During winter, where very low temperatures cannot be avoided, you may want to transfer your cymbidiums into pots. Or if you have decided to cultivate them indoors, the task of choosing a pot for these species of orchids is equally significant.

The best pots for cymbidiums are those that can provide proper drainage. Keep them away from shallow pots and fern pans. These pots can easily heat up and can dehydrate the roots. Deep clay pots with a layer of stones at the base are preferable for they are colder and provide adequate drainage.

Medium

Selecting a medium for cymbidiums is rather effortless As previously explained they virtually thrive in practically any kind of soil. But two favorites are osmunda and leafmold. But if you prefer another soil mixture, it will be okay. The only medium known not to support cymbidiums is gravel. As long as you avoid that, you are good to go.

Repotting

Finally and maybe one of the most crucial steps to growing robust cymbidiums is repotting. Because cymbidium orchids have very fragile root systems they do not respond well to repotting. They are said to suffer shock easily. When repotting, make sure that the roots stay intact or else you would not see them flower for a year or two. Some growers even wait two to three years before undertaking such a task.

No matter where you choose to grow them, inside or outdoors, cymbidiums are very giving plants when it comes to flowers. So be sure to keep these basics in mind. And if you are searching for the least picky plants of all the types of orchids, then cymbidiums are the answer for you.

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Orchid Potting – Discover How To Repot An Orchid

March 7th, 2011
Common spotted orchid.

Image via Wikipedia

Orchid potting is not as frightening as it may seem. On the other hand, it is also not as frequently required as you might think.

The thing is orchids are well-known for their wide spreading roots. They are like thin arms, extending and wandering out of the base of the pot, looking for nourishment. These creeping roots are the orchids’ way of affixing itself to its environment (though in nature, these roots are mainly clinging to trees, not to the table legs!).

Know this, if you have exposed roots, that’s not reason enough to repot the orchid. You should repot the orchid when there is no space left in the pot for the subsequent growth and when the soil within can’t provide further nourishment for the plant. Furthermore, if the roots are rotting, due to being moist too often, this is another situation when orchid potting is needed.

Orchid repotting can be done quickly and easily. In fact, it can be done within just seven easy steps (even if you are just a beginner).

So when the time is right…follow these easy steps:

1. Get your tools. You must have potting medium, a new pot and cutting tools that you have sterilized. I repeat, sterilized! Though most people do not know it, like medical procedures, all tools must be sterilized before you carry out your “operation” on your delicate plant.

2. Tip the pot on its side and gently remove the orchid out of the pot, without disturbing any of the substance at this point. Run your fingers slowly through the potting medium to eliminate as much of it as possible. Loosen up the root ball with your fingers to get out the entire natural medium.

3. Using a cutting tool, remove any roots that are dark brown, water-logged or that are black. These are not good for orchids. Healthy orchid roots are white or a light brown color.

4. Get rid of any back bulbs, which are bulbs that are still living but have lost all of their leaves. You can move these into another pot, (although they should be given their own space.) Be sure to trim any old, dead leaves and bulbs as well.

5. Put the orchid down and focus on the new pot. It, too, should be sterilized and dried before beginning. You should put Styrofoam peanuts in the base of the pot with a blend of your potting medium.

6. Fill the pot about half way with the medium. How can you know what kind to use? The finest plant material available is a good way to go (all-natural whenever possible). Select a well-balanced product. If you are unsure, ask your orchid supplier’s advice on what the best medium is for your orchid.

7. Position the orchid in the middle of the pot, if it is a terrestrial or monopodial. If you have a sympodial orchid, place it to the right of the middle. And if you don’t know what type of orchid you have, ask your local garden center or research online resources that describe the leaves and roots of the orchid.

Orchid potting does not need many costly supplies or time. On the other hand, you do want to make sure that you allow the roots to develop and spread. It is rarely possible to contain them. Permit the roots to creep out of the bottom as they touch and feel their way around your home. And never forget, orchid potting like this should only be performed when needed.

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Tips On How To Water Orchids Properly

February 3rd, 2011
pink orchids

Image via Wikipedia

Are you planning to have an orchid in your garden? If you are, do you have all the proper knowledge to grow an orchid? Is this your first time to grow an orchid? Do you know how to properly water orchids? These are just some of the basic and important question that you need to answer if you are planning to have an orchid in your garden. Of course, most gardeners would want their plants to grow healthy. When it comes to orchid care, there are methods on how to properly water them without drowning them. Over watering your orchids is not a good idea as it might kill the plant.

This article will discuss the basic ways and methods on how to water orchids properly. When it comes to watering orchids, there is always a right timing. How would you know if your orchids need to be watered again? The right time to water your orchids is when the soil is already dried out. Do not water your orchids everyday as it will kill your orchids if you do that. There are certain tests that you can do for you to know if your orchids need water or not. One way is to poke the soil and see if the soil is still moisten. If the soil is still moist, then there is no need for you to water your orchids. Water your orchids at least once a week. But, if the temperature is high or the season is hot, then you can water them once every 5 days.

This is the common mistake of most beginners; they over water their orchids and that is why they are wondering why their orchids are dying instead of blooming. For this reason, beginners need to be totally educated when it comes to the nature of orchids, especially on how to properly water orchids. They need to gather as much information as they can before deciding to adopt or grow orchids in their garden. They could even attend seminars for orchids being held by orchid association groups. Or, they could read books about orchids.

Aside from that, another method that beginners need to know when it comes to watering orchids properly is that for most orchids, it is best to thoroughly soak the plant and its growing medium. When watering your orchids, it is better that you use rainwater instead of regular water. Avoid splashing water to your orchid’s foliage for it would cause bacteria and fungi to form in the leaves. If in case there is a presence of splashed water in the foliage of your orchids, then you need to wipe it out.

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Orchid Fertilizer – Discover How To Choose The Best Orchid Fertilizer

January 29th, 2011
Oncidium varicosum Orchid
Image via Wikipedia

If you’re like most orchid growers, you have good intentions in putting orchid fertilizer on your orchids. And you surely wish the plants to have all the nourishment they need. Sad to say a lot of people think applying plant food is like giving food to a kid, where if you give them all the nutrients they require, they’ll flourish.

With these plants, this is not the case.

Most orchid types are content in a basic medium that does not have too many nutrients. Unlike other plants, orchids require much less plant food and providing them with too much is more harmful than not giving them enough.

On the other side, if you give orchids the correct quantity of fertilizer, at the proper time, you will observe significant growth and healthy plants. The technique to do this is to give your plant nutrients in a weak form.

If the plant fertilizing product you are using tells you to apply it once a week, water the mixture down by 50 percent. Also, about one time per month, water the plants without any plant fertilizer. Skipping this week will aid to remove any residue from minerals in the soil and on the root bulb, which can cause damage if left there.

But is this enough?

A lot of people don’t realize that one of the best ways to understand these plants is to look at them in their natural habitat. In that environment, orchids are continuously on the lookout for nourishment and when they do come, they are in little proportions.

Within the these plant’s natural environment, nutrients come in the form of animal dung and decomposing natural materials, like leaves. They are accessible only in little quantities and sometimes it is in running water or wet soil.

Giving your plants plant food in large doses is much like giving someone too much medicine. It does them little good.

So what must you focus on with your plant fertilizer?

The following is a list of the nutrients orchids require you to provide to them:

– Hydrogen — Carbon– Calcium– Phosphorus– Potassium– Magnesium– Sulfur– Oxygen– Nitrogen

In addition, the micronutrients required include iron, chlorine, boron, manganese, zinc and copper.

Remember that hydrogen, carbon and oxygen come from the natural surroundings (water and air) and therefore do not require to be in the plant food you use.

You also do not have to be concerned with plant food having micronutrients since these are in most natural potting soils (especially when you pick natural versions) and in the water.

As a general common sense rule when buying any type of plant fertilizer, simply check the label.

What specifically must you select?

Orchid fertilizer does not need to be specifically an orchid fertilizing products. The label does not need to read “orchid safe.”

Instead, there is little difference between applying a regular plant food and an orchid-based product. Look at the packaging to ensure you have a 20-10-10 mixture, or if you are using something other than bark or tree fern, search for a 20-20-20 mixture.

By giving this mixture to your plants, they will do well on a regular basis. Do not forget, orchid fertilizer is not something to overdo…or overthink!

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Caring For Orchids – 5 Tips For Success

January 21st, 2011
Two orchids of the Paphiopedilum family (Callo...
Image via Wikipedia

Through the centuries, many people have believed that caring for orchids was difficult, or was an activity reserved for the rich.  There are more than 25,000 species of orchids nowadays, plus over 100,000 hybrid species!  With all this variety, it is possible for any would-be horticulturist to find an orchid that will fit into their budget, their lifestyle and their gardening skills.

Surprisingly, orchids generally do not need any more work than any other house plants or garden plants you may have.  Some do have special requirements, so it’s a good idea to find out the special needs of an orchid you are contemplating buying.  It’s the first step to caring properly for your beautiful plant.

Orchids produce especially beautiful blooms, which is why they are such popular house plants.  If you give the orchid proper care, you can keep it just as lovely and healthy as it was in the store or nursery.  Most of the orchids given as gifts are Phaleanopsis orchids.  These are very popular for their ease of care as well as for their lovely white or purple flowers.  Phaleanopsis orchids are a bit less delicate than rarer orchids.

Orchids can bloom for at least three months, if they receive proper care.  Place the plant near the window so it can get full light throughout the day.  Avoid exposing the orchid to harsh midday sunlight, which is harmful to the plant.  An eastern window in your home is ideal.  Try to arrange for the plant to receive plenty of morning and evening light.  These kinds of light are very beneficial for the orchid, but not as harsh as midday sun.

If an eastern exposure is not possible in your home, you can easily substitute fluorescent plant lights.  Position the lights about one to two feet above the orchid’s flowers and foliage, and be sure to limit the light exposure to normal daylight hours.  Resist the temptation to give the plants additional light far into the evening hours; “more” is not better as far as orchids and fluorescent light are concerned.  Limit fluorescent light exposure to a maximum of 12 hours daily.

Orchids love and thrive in temperatures ranging from 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.  If they are exposed to temperatures higher than 90 degrees, they may lose their buds or stop blooming altogether.  Keep the plant moist, but guard against overwatering, which will kill the plant.  A good rule of thumb is to water the plant once every ten to twelve days, or keep it in a water tray.  Be sure that the roots don’t touch the water in the tray or the plant will be over watered and will die quickly.

A great way to keep an orchid blooming for as long as possible is to fertilize it before it blooms – and not after.  Also, carefully prune the plant while it is blooming, and you will see an additional set of flowers develop.

With the right care, your orchid will be a delightful addition to your home, and it will give you a full, rich array of blossoms for its full blooming season.

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Caring For Orchids

January 6th, 2011
Two orchids of the Paphiopedilum family (Callo...
Image via Wikipedia

You may have one day noticed the orchids gracing a wedding and wondered, how do they get to be so beautiful. They are very delicate flowers and their beauty transforms any environment into a beautiful, lively one with a tropical fragrance. The secret to this is usually the methods of caring for orchids.

Each orchid has its unique characteristics. This makes caring for them quite complicated. However, being plants, the basic things to consider are their light, heat moisture and air requirements. In addition, certain care techniques for the flowers in particular are applied.

There are different types of species. Each has its original native land. To effectively take care of your orchid therefore requires that you do a little home work on the orchid’s native home. This way, you will be able to create artificial conditions which resemble those in its native home.

The first thing is the lighting. Because you will be growing your orchids mostly indoors it will be necessary to ensure they get enough lighting.  Identifying this involves looking at the leaves. Orchids receiving adequate light should have a light green pigmentation. Dark green indicates little light while yellowing leaves indicate excess light. Moving your plant closer to a window should enable it receive enough light. If it is in an environment where lighting is not adequate, using florescent lighting to substitute sunlight will also do. Shading the plant should also take care of excess light.

The second thing to consider are the heat needs for your orchids. The amount of heat and light are necessary for the development of flowers. If you live in a cold place, a heating system will be needed to ensure your orchids have enough heat. Tour local florist shop will be a good place to find out about the heat requirements for your orchids.

The third thing to consider when caring for orchids is their air requirements. Good ventilation is necessary to enable carry out photosynthesis and transpiration. These are the processes where the plant uses light in the manufacture of its food and breathe respectively. Photosynthesis requires a lot of oxygen while transpiration requires carbon dioxide.

The fourth thing to consider is the water requirements of the orchids. The type of water, frequency, and time to water the plant are most important.  Orchids need lukewarm chemical free water. Cold water can stunt root development while hot water could burn the roots killing the plant. The pot type, environment and size of the pot determine the frequency of watering. If the pot is small a highly porous you should water it more frequently. Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity will also guide you on how often you should water the orchids. For example, water twice a week during hot dry seasons and once during winter. It is also recommended you water in the morning to enable the leaves dry up during the day.

The last thing to consider is different flower care techniques for orchids. There are times when an orchid seems to have stopped blooming. The method to care for these orchids is to simply cut the old stalk. This will prompt growing of another one in its place.

For more information on caring for orchids sign up for a FREE 10 part course on secrets for the best orchid care at http://www.orchidsfamily.com

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How To Care For Your Orchids

December 25th, 2010
Ophrys apifera is about to self-pollinate
Image via Wikipedia

It was at one time imagined that caring for orchids was a way too challenging process that only the rich could find the money for or have the time to deal with. Truth is, with 25,000 separate varieties and more than 100,000 hybrids, totally everyone can locate an orchid that they can manage and enjoy, regardless of funds, schedule or skill level.

Though most orchids do have selected exclusive needs, the vast majority of orchids are not any far more work to maintain than a lot of other house or garden crops. Determining the specific requirements of your unique orchid wants should constantly be phase one in orchid proper care. One of the a lot of things that helps make the orchid so well-liked is that there are not many vegetation that bloom so delicately and beautifully as a well stored and taken care of orchid does. With the correct proper care, your orchids can bloom just as delicately and fantastically as they do in the stores. Considering that you are reading this article, I’m assuming you already have at the very least one orchid in your house or backyard previously. Possibilities are this is the very common phaleanopsis, a purple or white orchid that is made readily readily available due to its easier care demands in comparability to some other orchids.

When adequately taken treatment of, orchids can bloom for 3 months. If you program on maintaining your orchid inside, guarantee you maintain it next to a windowpane where it can receive a lot of sunlight throughout the day. To give them the cooler early morning gentle and stop them from burning in strong afternoon daylight, sit your orchid in an eastern going through window.  You should give your orchid regarding twelve hours of light a day, but this is at times not probable due to the fact of a very hardy afternoon sun.

The ideally suited heat for orchids to reside in are among 55 – 80 levels Fahrenheit. Anything over 90 and the orchids may cease blooming altogether. You desire your orchids to remain moist, but overwatering can additionally kill the blooms. You only need to drinking water your orchid when every 10 weeks, or you can simply keep in a h2o tray. If you select to use the drinking water tray method, guarantee the roots don’t touch the drinking water tray or it will lead to using in too much drinking water.

For optimum potential, You may additionally wish to try fertilizing the plant prior to it blooms. This can preserve the orchid’s blooming part heading as lengthy as achievable. As soon as bloomed, you will not need to fertilize again. Another tip is to frequently prune it while it is blooming. Then a different set of a bouquet of flowers will quickly develop. With the suitable attention and orchid care, you will be capable to own an orchid plant that can show a beautiful bloom throughout the season!

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Orchids Types – Terrestrials

December 21st, 2010

Many people need to know extra about orchids types.  Are you considered one of them?  If so, you may discover the next article helpful in your seek for information.  We hope you discover some helpful pointers.

Some orchids’ types are so different in appearance that it’s troublesome to imagine they could be associated, but they do have numerous mutual characteristics, which will differentiate them from other flowers. A huge number of species makes an extremely varied family group. There are literally over twenty thousands unique orchids’ species, considerably greater than other crops’ varieties.

A lot of people think that species is similar as orchids’ types, but it is totally different at all.When speaking about types of orchids, we need to overview their progress characteristics, and they are just about as variable because the flowers. Orchids can be broadly categorized into three fundamental orchids’ varieties depending on their growth traits:

Epiphytic

They usually grow on another plant for assist, and are usually hooked up to trees. They are not parasitic, but use the host plant for assist only. Epiphytic orchids’ plants might be discovered high up in the tree canopy, rising from branches, rooting in pockets of humus, decaying leaves or different natural matter.

Lithophytes

A majority of these orchids grow in or on the rocks and feed off moss, vitamins in rain water, litter, and even their own useless tissue. Examples of lithophytes include a number of species slipper orchids.

Terrestrials

There does exist another orchids types witch are much less recognized in cultivation. They are terrestrials and stay within the soil and may have fibrous roots, rhizomes, or tubers. Some of these orchids don’t produce aerial roots or long climbing stems.

It’s fundamental to differentiate what exactly orchids types you have got, simply because numerous sorts of orchids have completely different care, water and re-potting techniques. The reality is that with a bit sorts of orchids’ information the flowers is not going to only prosper, but will reward you commonly with marvelous, long-lasting flowers.

Obviously, there may be a lot more to know about orchids types.  This temporary article is only a begin, and the next step is to do some extra research.  In any case, the ideas in the article set the stage for a extra detailed therapy of the subject.

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Orchids Care – Quick and Easy Guide to Orchid Care and Culture

December 12th, 2010
Parts of a flower of Dactylorhiza sambucina 1=...
Image via Wikipedia

There really is not much difference at all between growing orchids and growing other plants. All plants really need the same care to be healthy and this consists of meeting their basic needs in terms of water, food, warmth, sun and air. Orchids require these same basics to grow and thrive – it is only the amounts which separate them from other types of plants. The amount needed of each of these elements for growth also separates orchids from one another.

Giving orchids care begins with providing the right humidity level for the type of orchid you intend to grow. Generally speaking, orchids need between 40% and 70% humidity day after day. While most plants control water evaporation, orchids cannot, and are constantly in a state of losing water. The amount of humidity in the air is the only controlling factor. Know how much humidity your orchid is going to require before purchasing it.

If you are growing orchids, you need to supply continuous atmospheric moisture, whether it be by hosing the garden or inside, by spraying the plants, setting them over trays of water or keeping them in a container such as a glass environment where you can control the humidity levels. Humidity is not a problem in cold weather. You should follow periods of humidity by a time of drying out. This is similar to having morning sun followed by an afternoon shower, and then morning sun once again the next day.

Orchids also need air. In nature, orchids often grow up trees because they have excellent air circulation. While all plants pull carbon dioxide from the air, orchids are exceedingly efficient about it. Good ventilation is essential to growing healthy orchids indoors. A good source of air circulation is a ceiling fan. Even indoor orchids need fresh clean air inside so open a window whenever possible. If it’s cold outside, arrange it so the air is warmed before it hits the plants. For example, open the window from the top and not the bottom.

Place your orchids where they will get the most sunlight they can without suffering any ill effects, such as sunburn. Orchids need lots of light–around ten hours per day. This light should not be at full intensity at all times so start them out in the sun and then move them to shadier spots or filter the light through curtains until you achieve the desired effect.

Orchids need to be protected from frost and snow. Many orchids grow naturally where temperatures dip well below freezing. In the Andes, for instance, temperatures in the 20s are not terribly uncommon. But you must be very attentive to colder temperatures, and orchids that do experience cooler temperatures must remain dry. Cold and wet are not good conditions for growing orchids. Cooler orchids are those said to need a temperature averaging fifty degrees. You can find temperature charts online or in orchid books that will show which orchids do best at certain temperatures.

Your orchids need to be fed. You cannot ignore this step of giving orchids care. Some growers still argue about what orchids need to be fed and how much. But, especially if you are a beginner, you will want to do everything possible to have healthy orchids.

Begin by using orchid liquid fertilizer, whether it be synthetic or organic. Most orchids today are planted in osmunda, or dead fern roots, which decomposes. Always check your orchids for yellowish or brownish discolorations which might mean the plants are malnourished. Check out recipes for nutrient fertilizers online.

If you meet these basics of orchid care and culture, you should have no trouble at all being successful at growing orchids. Orchids will respond positively as long as they have the basics of air, light, food, humidity and protection.

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