subject: Orchid Problems Can Be a Thing of the Past [print this page] A common misconception is that orchids are hugely difficult to maintain. But the fact is this: there are over 25,000 species of orchids and more than 100,000 known hybrids and this makes it very doable for anyone to find the right orchid to integrate into their lifestyle, budget and skill level as a budding horticulturist.
The majority of orchids do not demand any more specialized attention than the average indoor or garden plant. But of course, there a few types that do need some special care. The first essential step is to find out what specific needs your particular orchid has. Orchids produce a very beautiful, yet very delicate bloom that very few flowering plants can compare to, and this is one of the features that make them such a popular house plant. If your orchid receives the attention it requires, it will produce blooms for years just as spectacular as when you first bought it. The "Phaleanopsis" orchid is especially popular as it is easier to maintain than some of the other, rarer species. If it is white or purple then this is the case!
An orchid will bloom for at least 3 months of the year every year if it is taken care of correctly. A window on the east side of your home is the best location for any orchid. 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. Another option is fluorescent lights about a foot above the blooms as this method is a good substitute, although exposure to natural sunlight is preferred.
The ideal range to have an orchid growing in is between 55 Fahrenheit (13 Celsius) and 80 Fahrenheit (27 Celsius). Any higher than this will harm your orchid and it will start losing its buds or just stop flowering at all. If an orchid is subjected to temperatures higher than 90 Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) it will very quickly lose its buds or will just stop blooming altogether. Although orchids should remain moist. over-watering can actually kill the flower. Alternatively, water your plant just once every one or two weeks or, alternatively, keep it in a water tray constantly. If you do keep your orchid in a water tray, make sure that the roots don't touch the edges or the bottom of the tray as it will then be continuously soaking up too much moisture.
A very good tip to keeping your orchid blooming for as much of its lifespan as possible, is to fertilize the plant before it blooms each time. After it has bloomed, fertilizing your orchid is not required again until the next season. To help a second set of blooms to develop, prune your orchid while it's flowering. You will have in your possession a beautiful orchid plant that displays a full and rich bloom that everyone will comment on, provided it receives the correct amount of love and attention.
