subject: General Guidelines On Caring For Orchids [print this page] Orchids are extremely popular for their beautiful flowers which display such exotic beauty and ingenious simplicity. At the present time, there are over 25,000 species and over 100,000 hybrids. With their amazing variations of vibrant flowers in different sizes, shapes, and colors, caring for orchids is now being taken on by many people who love orchids. Whereas before caring for orchids was regarded as difficult and only for the experts or for those who could afford to employ an orchid carer.
Caring for orchids right in your own home is easy and rewarding. Like any other house plant, most orchid species don't need intensive care or require you to have a special ability. Only a few types of orchids need particular attention. Nevertheless, for successful orchid care in order to yield many of the fragile and excellent flowers, it is important and worth your time to understand your orchids' specific needs. Orchids are appealing to many because of their gorgeous blooms and with proper maintenance, orchids will bloom almost continuously. The easiest to care for and the most well-known among orchid species is the Phaleanopsis, which does well in the home or office environment.
Orchids, given regular conditioning and proper care, will thrive and reach full flower production which can last for at least three months. Proper orchid care means appropriate sunlight throughout the day. For this the best place to put orchids is on the eastern side of your home near a window. Make sure it is kept away from direct full exposure to sunlight because it can be very harmful to the health and vitality of the plants. During winter or when there is poor sunlight, you can use a fluorescent light for temporary lightning as a substitute.
Orchids thrive well in temperatures that are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit but no higher than 8o degrees. Sudden drastic changes of temperature, especially temperatures above 90 degrees F are extremely detrimental to their valuable buds and might ruin your orchids maximum flowering potential. Enough water is crucial for keeping the right amount of moisture conditions for the plants. Make sure to water once every week or when the potting media has dried out. Not enough water will dehydrate the roots but too much water will damage the flower and can cause root rot. Placing orchids above a water reservoir without the water actually touching the potting medium is a good strategy.
In caring for orchids, fertilization is greatly advised to keep the orchids healthy and vigorous. But remember two things: First, it must be done once a month only before orchids bloom if done more often it will have an adverse effect. Second, make sure to utilize orchid soluble fertilizer with only a small quantity of nitrogen because too much nitrogen will intensify leaf growth to the expense of flowers. Orchid care also requires getting rid of dead, sick and damaged plant tissues and flowers. This helps increase your orchid flowering period as well as reducing the likelihood of diseases.
Indeed, understanding your orchids' specific needs, along with appropriate attention, will allow for a show of exotic beauty and fabulous fragrances right in your own home for your pleasure and enjoyment all flowering season long.
