Don't Fret - Orchid Care Isn't Hard

For a very long time, people who have been interested in cultivating their own orchids have believed it to be near unimaginable

. With thousands of orchid species and over 100,000 hybrids, a person of any skill level can grow orchids without issue.

The majority of orchids do not require any more specialized attention than the average indoor or garden plant. But there are few types that do require some attention due to their delicate nature. Firstly, you'll need to determine the specific needs your new orchid has. The blooms of an orchid are truly beautiful and this is what sets them apart from other flowers, but it's also the blooms that are quite fragile. If the proper care is given though, your orchid and its magnificent blooms can be maintained to look just as it, and they, did the day you bought it. Due to their popularity from being known to be easily cared for than other less common orchids, the chances that you own a Phaleanopsis orchid are quite high. If it's purple or white, then you definitely do!

If taken care of correctly, your orchid will bloom for at least three months of the year every year. The best spot to place your orchid is by the window. Being placed here will mean it gets the right amount of sunlight and shade it needs and will enjoy the morning and afternoon sunlight. Be mindful, though, of the midday sun as it should be avoided because it can be very harsh to the orchids leaves. The optimum location is on the eastern side of your home where it can enjoy the morning and afternoon sunlight and have maximum benefit. An option to consider is the use of fluorescent lights as a substitute for natural light.

The best temperatures to grow orchids between are 55 Fahrenheit (13 Celsius) and 80 Fahrenheit (27 Celsius). Any higher than this will have a damaging effect on your orchid which you certainly don't want. If orchids experience temperatures in excess of 90 Fahrenheit (32 Celsius), the result will be extremely harmful. You must be very careful to avoid over-watering orchids because this can easily happen. The flower must remain moist though. Water your plants just once or twice each week or two, or you can simply keep them permanently in a water tray. Remember, if you do use a water tray don't allow the roots to touch the bottom or sides - this will lead to too much water to being absorbed.

Fertilizing an orchid before it blooms will do wonders for its flowers and how long it stays in bloom. When it blooms, fertilizing won't be necessary until the next time it flowers. Also, pruning your orchid while it's blooming will instigate a second set of flowers to begin developing.

by: Dane Swann

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