subject: Caring For Your Orchids [print this page] For a very long time, people who have been interested in cultivating their own orchids have believed it to be near impossible. With thousands of orchid species and over 100,000 hybrids, a person of any skill level can grow orchids without issue.
Most orchids don't require any more attention than the average indoor or garden plants. But there are few types that do require some attention due to their delicate nature. Firstly, you'll need to determine the specific needs your new orchid has. Because they have such delicate blooms, orchids have become very popular as a house plant. If the proper care is given though, your orchid and its magnificent blooms can be maintained to look just as it, and they, did the day you bought it. A popular orchid is the phaleanopsis because it is known to be easier than to care for than more exotic varieties. You know you have a phaleanopsis orchid if the color is white or purple.
If taken care of correctly, your orchid will bloom for at least three months of the year every year. The best place to keep your orchid is by the window on the east-side of your home. This will ensure it will receive the sunlight it requires, but it should avoid the midday sun due to the harsh extremities and will suffer as a result. 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 good light source can be of the artificial kind, being fluorescent lights. If you use these, they should be positioned a foot or so above the orchids blooms.
The best temperatures to grow orchids between are 55 Fahrenheit (13 Celsius) and 80 Fahrenheit (27 Celsius). Any higher than this will have a damaging effect on your orchid which you certainly don't want. The result of an orchid being exposed to 90 Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) or higher is almost certainly death. You must be very careful to avoid over-watering orchids because this can easily happen. The flower must remain moist though. Rather, water your plant just once every one or two weeks or, instead, keep it in a water tray constantly. Remember, if you do use a water tray don't allow the roots to touch the bottom or sides - this will lead to too much water to being absorbed.
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. Pruning your orchid while it's in the process of flowering will help a second set of blooms to develop. 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.
