subject: Top 6 Guidelines for Growing Orchids Indoors [print this page] Orchids continue to cast a spell on flower lovers around the world. Their unique beauty, wide selection and hardiness makes orchids a flower of choice but many people still fear the rumors of persistent challenges to maintain healthy plants.
Do not dismiss your orchid purchase just yet!
It is possible, with little risk of failure, to raise healthy orchids in your home and making the effort is well worth the effort and challenges.
If you are buying your first orchid, select an orchid that is strong and resilient like the Phal or Moth orchid. Next, spend a little time to learn about proper potting, lighting, watering and fertilization needs of your plant. Don't guess.
Below are some key success guidelines for growing healthy orchids:
#1
Don't grow your orchids alone. Get help. Orchids are hardy plants but you must understand their unique growing needs to be successful. For best results get tips and guidance from you local orchid specialist at your local nursery or garden center. They can ensure you select the right orchid for your home and teach you the key growing steps to take based on your climate and geography.
When you are searching for your first orchid, be sure to buy a healthy plant to begin. Avoid orchids that have leaf damage or patches of brown or black on the leaves. These are clear signs of potential disease. Also, avoid plants that have yellowing or off colored leaves.
#2
Now that you have purchased a strong healthy plant and you understand the growing needs of your orchid, the next step is to find a good place for your plant in your home. What you are looking for is a warm spot that receives plenty of sunshine but not too intense. Lighting needs are driven by the type of orchid you have purchased.
In most cases orchids thrive indoors when temperatures range from a low of 65 and a daytime high temperature in the range of 75 to 85.
#3
Orchids are tropical plants and do best in humid environments. Of course not all home environments provide the needed humidity naturally. If you live in a desert climate, a humidifier may be needed. Another humidity solution is to place your potted orchid in a saucer of water with a bottom layer of small stones. Be sure to the roots of your orchid are not directly touching the water.
#4
Orchids need good drainage in their pots. The roots of the plant are best when they are moist but not too wet so a porous potting medium such as bark or sphagnum moss is best. Using a clay pot with several drainage holes works well.
#5
In addition to good drainage, proper watering for orchids is critical. In most cases it is best to water only when the potting medium is visibly dry. Over watering is a common mistake for new orchid growers. A simple test is to insert a pencil, a stick or your finger into the potting medium. If you can feel or see moisture, wait a little longer before you add water to the plant.
#6
Certainly plenty of light and the right levels of water are essential but they also need consistent fertilizer or plant food. Talk with your local nursery orchid specialist to purchase a suitable fertilizer and get instructions regarding the amount and frequency for fertilizer based on the orchid types you own and the area of the country you live.
The process of potting, placement of the plant in your home, feeding and temperature are all part of the enjoyment people have caring for orchids in the home. The reward is seeing some of the most beautiful flowers in the world decorate your home. The stunning beauty of orchids makes all the effort worthwhile.
