subject: Fabulous Advice On Orchid Care And Maintenance Just For You And Your Orchid [print this page] Fabulous Advice On Orchid Care And Maintenance Just For You And Your Orchid
Many people are reluctant to grow orchids because they figure it's too difficult, and or the plant is too frail for thumbs that may not be entirely green. It's true that orchids do demand special, or should I say different care from most conventional houseplants, but following the compulsory rules of orchid care will make you an expert.
Here are my favored tips on orchid care and maintenance that will help you proudly grow healthy and beautiful orchids year-after-year:
Re-pot Your Orchid After Purchasing
When you bring your new orchid home from your garden center or nursery, you will need to re-pot it in fresh potting mix to help prevent the spread of possible disease. Keep your orchid away from your other houseplants for a week before re-potting. Use a plastic pot, terracotta or clay pot; however, it's necessary that your pot provides sufficient holes at the bottom for adequate ventilation, and that the pot is not overly large for your orchid.
Orchids are not quick growing plants, but they necessitate re-potting about every two years as they outgrow their old pot.
Get The Correct Potting Mix
Orchids, unlike other common plants, do not grow in regular soil. Most tropical species of orchids grow on trees in lush tropical climates. As a result, the roots of the orchid subside in the bark of the trees. Other species develop in rocks and other organic material that provides for a well ventilated and moist, but not a wet surrounding.
Because of the way orchids prefer to grow in their natural surroundings, they require a potting mix that's similar in material; a mix that will provide good air circulation through the roots and adequate drainage of water.
Choose The Best Location To Put Your Orchid
Finding the right spot to place your orchid is one of the most overlooked tasks of orchid care and maintenance. The best location is in a south facing window that gets plenty of sunlight, but with see-through curtains on the window to slightly dampen or diffuse the light source. Orchids will get half a day of sunlight in their natural environment, but sunlight that is slightly dampened by the lush foliage surrounding it.
Maintaining The Right Temperature Is Vital
Orchids do like a warm temperature of about 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-30 degrees Celsius). They can tolerate temperatures slightly outside of this range, but for relatively short periods of time. With acceptible air circulation and high levels of humidity, orchids can endure and grow well in hotter temperatures.
Through the process of photosynthesis, orchids are able to produce its own energy. As the sun sets and the temperature drops, this energy is released to the plant for its growth. It produces during the day, and grows at night. Therefore, the fluctuation of temperature is crucial for orchid's growth and care.
The Proper Amount Of Water Is Essential For Orchid Care
In their natural setting, orchids get their fill from torrential rain water, but they may go without water for a week or two depending on the season. Similarly, you should thoroughly soak your orchid with water making sure you let the water drain completely. Giving your orchid too little water is better than giving it too much. Don't just let your orchid sit in water. This will only cause the roots to rot, or fungus to grow.
One trick to determine if your orchid needs water is to place a dry stick or the end of a pencil into the mix. If the end of the stick or pencil comes out moist then your orchid is fine.
Orchid care and maintenance is not complicated, nor should it require any more time than other common houseplants to care for. Orchids have bred in exotic locations of the world for centuries. All they need is to feel a little at home in the way you care for them.
