subject: Caring For Orchids: A Basic Guide [print this page] Caring for orchids may seem a very difficult task for the new flower lover but if you keep a couple of basic things in mind, caring for your own orchid will be a rewarding task. Orchids usually come from tropical countries but actually, they can be found all over the globe so they thrive in every possible climate. Orchids are hardier than they look except perhaps for a few specialized hybrids.
So the first thing to consider in caring for an orchid or perhaps even before you purchase one for blooming is the kind of plant that will thrive in your environment. If you plan to care for tropical orchids, it would make sense to place them in an environment where they can get a decent amount of warmth and sunlight. If your orchids came from cooler climates, you will have to adjust the place where you plan to keep them so that you won't have any trouble trying to make them bloom.
Basically, what you want to figure out is what kind of things your particular variety needs in terms of environmental temperature, humidity, planting medium and lighting. And no matter what kind of orchid you care for, they all need water. How much will again depend on the kind of orchid. Some require a light misting; others need a good amount of water while other kinds only need to be watered every two weeks. Some kinds of orchids can stand living on water but that's a very different story. Your plant will tell you if it needs being watered a tad bit more.
Caring for orchids requires you to be observant so try to check your plant every so often. The leaves will be the first to show signs of trouble. If a leaf appears very wrinkly it may be a sign that you need to water it a bit more. Just make sure you drain the water very well so that the roots won't rot before putting the orchid pot back on its plate.
Most orchids are epiphytes or air plants. In their natural habitat, they are attached to the bark of trees where leaves and roots are well aired. This is another consideration in caring for orchids. Giving your plant enough space for air circulation is important to ensure that your plant will flower. The air needs to move as well. That's why some orchid growers place a fan near the area where their orchid plants live especially if the plant lives indoors. Apparently, keeping air circulating will keep the plant healthier by regulating the temperature on all the parts of the plant, leaving no side too hot or too cold. Experts say this is a surefire way to keep your plants growing vigorously. Related to this is the humidity where the plant lives. If your plant is kept indoors where there is little humidity, you may notice the effect of low humidity in your plant. Humidifiers or humidity trays may help.
The planting medium also should be the right type for your particular orchid variety. Again, good air circulation is important. (It's an air plant, remember?) So even in the choice of planting medium, caring for orchids includes choosing a combination of materials that will provide good drainage yet retain enough moisture to keep the plant healthy. Orchid growers are very particular about this because one thing they try to avoid is encouraging the growth of fungus or disease that can result from the lack of good air circulation and good watering. These are just a few things to consider but if you want to get the best tips for growing your orchid, talk to the local growers in your area. They can give you the great advice in caring for orchids.
