Take The Guesswork Out Of Caring For Orchids

Caring for orchids is thought by many to be incredibly difficult and cumbersome

, with often disappointing results. But, with more the 25,000 species and more than 100,000 hybrids, it is possible for anyone to find an orchid that will compliment their lifestyle, budget and level of skill as a horticulturist.

Most types of orchids tend not to require any more work than any other house or garden plants. But, some orchids do have special requirements. Before you buy any orchid, be sure to learn about its needs, so you can determine if you have the necessary equipment and skills. The enjoyment of caring for orchids with such spectacular blooms is what makes people fall in love with orchids. In fact, the source of popularity in caring for orchids lies primarily in their unique blooms. Given the right care, you will find that you can keep your orchid looking as good as the day you brought it home.

One orchid type that almost anyone can grow is the popular phaleanopsis This is the popular white or purple orchids that are available due to the fact that they are easier to care for than some of the less common varieties of orchid plants.

You ought to be able to enjoy at least 3 months of blooms on your orchids, if you give them the care they need. Since orchids need light throughout the day, try to place it close to a window, or use grow lights. But you should avoid the midday sun which can be too harsh for these plants, so aim to give your orchid morning and evening sunlight. Many experts recommend placing orchids in an east facing window, to catch the morning light. If you need to, you can put your orchid under an artificial light, where you can better control the amount and quality of light it receives.

For best results, keep your orchid's environment between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Orchids that are in weather that passes 90 degrees will start to lose their buds or will stop blooming at all. Keep your orchid in a moist, humid environment, just like where it grows naturally, but don't over water. Giving your orchid a complete drink of water every ten weeks should work fine, or you can put your orchid ontop of a tray with water in it. Place the orchid on rocks in the tray so the roots don't soak in the water.

To maximize the time your orchid blooms, give it fertilizer before it blooms. Stop fertilizing once your orchid has bloomed. In addition, if you prune the old blooms on your orchid, you can keep it flowering longer. That will promote another set of blooms to emerge. With the right care, your orchid will provide you with satisfaction, as it gives you lots of blooms throughout the flowering season.

by: Brian Paul

POST COMMENT

How to Safely Water Orchids There Are So Many Orchid Types I Don't Know Which One To Grow ORCHID YELLOW LEAVES - 4 PRIME CAUSES Orchid Lights: Is HID the Growers Answer? Orchid Watering Needs and Seasonal Changes Orchid Propagation – What's Needed to Get It Right? Orchid Growing Lights Can Be The Answer Orchid Repotting – An Essential Step In Long Term Orchid Care Watering Orchids: How and When Orchid Pruning – An Essential Step to Prepare Your Orchid for the Next Blooming Season The Orchid Pot: The Essential Container For Your Plant Do You Really Need Orchid Lights? Care For Orchids