Watering Orchids is very simple when managed with the rest of your orchid care. I will list some basics. Seasonal ChangesThis is one of the most problematic transitions for the home horticulturist. From winter to spring to summer can be a challenge. The amounts of water need to increase for the plants health. The warmer the weather the more water needed. (The opposite happens in the fall to winter transition.) This is a...more
What are the quickest and easiest ways to propagate your orchids?Plant division – the quickest way to propagate orchids You can speed up the propagation process somewhat by dividing orchids like cattleyas. Rule(s) of thumb: the larger the volume of plant divisions (meaning 3-4 growth sections), the more successful the propagation tends to be. In addition, the largest divisions with the most pseudobulbs (the thickened stem which...more
Orchids have specific requirements such as the amount of light it's exposed to; it's watering and fertilizing cycles and the nourishment it receives. Probably the most important factor to an orchids' health is the type of light it has access to. Although it varies with different species, they do still require a decent amount of diffused light because orchids come from the tropical parts of the planet and are acclimatized to this. As a result, the optimum place in your home to place an orchid is in a window on the east side. This will help emulate the light and shade patterns it is used to. It will also give your orchid the cooler morning and afternoon light that it prefers, and help avoid the harsher sun at noon. Twelve hours of light each day will give the best results but sometimes it just won't be possible because of hotter than average days and during summer.Hard Growing and Soft Growing OrchidsAs the owner of an orchid, it pays to do some research to find out how much light and shade your particular plant needs to flourish, and fortunately, there several simple ways to gather as much relevant information as possible. First, just talk to the people in the store...more
Repotting your orchids is one of the best ways to help them maintain long-term health and vitality. By performing this critical step you really get to know your orchid in a new way. Orchid repotting allows you to replace old, nutrient deficient potting media, and replace the pot itself, which can sometimes have unwanted bacteria...more
While the needs of different orchid species can vary, it's relatively easy to determine the quantity and frequency of water that your plants require. There are many factors that affect the amount of water an orchid needs and how quickly it uses the water you provide. Understanding those factors and learning a few tips about how and...more
Pruning your orchids is an effective way to clean off the worn-out, unnecessary growth from the previous season. By removing the excess growth, you can refocus your orchid's energies on growing new, healthy blooms in the future instead of wasting it trying to maintain growth that has already been spent. Fall is undoubtedly the best time of year to take care of any orchid pruning that needs to be done. I usually aim for October, depending on how my orchids are fairing. Usually by then the flowers are dead or dying. The important thing to remember is not to wait too long. Pruning in December or January is generally too late. If you delay pruning for too long then you risk damaging the new growth for the upcoming season. Pruning is actually very easy and, for me, kind of fun. It's like preparing a gift that I know I will receive again in a few months. Once I've handled the pruning I know that I'm on the road to anticipating beautiful blooms again. All you really need are a good pair of garden clippers and some way to sterilize them. I recommend a bleach/water solution but you can use whatever works for you. It's important to remember that sterilization does matter...more
An orchid pot truly is the essential container for your beautiful plant. It has special characteristics that allow your orchid to ventilate and drain properly to help you get the most life time out of your plant. On top of that, you can...more
Since so many orchids are found naturally in sunny regions of the world, you would expect that the orchid in your home would require brilliant light too. The majority prefer 4 to 6 hours of natural light every day. Don't forget though,...more
Orchids are normally considered as fragile and delicate plants that need proper care and maintenance. That is why, orchid growing is done usually by specialized gardeners and hobbyists. These people have years of experiences and skills to maintain...more
Growing orchids is a delight for most people. They offer incredible beauty but bring a temperament that must be managed to enjoy successful cultivation in a home environment.There is a diverse range of orchid species to choose from...more
The orchid has a vast and rich history. In fact, long long ago, only the rich, powerful or even royalty were the only ones with access to orchids. But these days they are available to us all. Orchids are not only not too hard to care...more
The orchid is a tropical plant, native to lands of excessive heat, moisture, and diffused light. For this reason, orchids may be a tad bit more needy than some other household plants. Here we will explore orchid's lighting needs,...more