Caring for Orchids Like a Pro
Many have held to the stereotype that caring for orchids was only for wealthy people and that orchids are too temperamental to be easy to care for. However, the orchids come in so many varieties that there is sure to be something for everyone. Whether you are a novice gardener or a skilled horticulturist, there is sure to be something that will fit into your budget both time and money wise.
Most types of orchids do not require anymore work than any other house or garden plants. However, there are a few orchids that need special care. Of course caring for orchids properly means that you need to do some research on their needs.
There are very few plants that produce such a delicate and beautiful bloom as an orchid can. This is the number one reason why orchids have become such a popular choice. Your orchid will stay as beautiful as ever when caring for it properly.
Phaleanopsis orchid is the species that is most commonly seen. Many people like the phaleanopis orchid specifically because of its attractiveness and its tendency to be the least difficult orchid plant to care for.
If taken care of effectively according to care guidelines, most orchids can bloom for at least 3 months out of each year. You should place your orchid near a window so that it can receive sunlight throughout the day. However, midday sun can sometimes be too strong for orchids, so try to get your new plant only morning and evening sunlight to avoid any problems. Placing your orchid in the part of your home that faces the east is best.
You can substitute natural sunlight with fluorescent lights that should be placed a foot above the orchid’s flowers but, you still want to limit exposure to normal daylight hours.
Your orchid should be maintained in temperatures below 80 degrees, but not lower than 55 degrees. Orchids that are in weather that passes 90 degrees will start to lose their buds or will stop blooming all together. When caring for orchids temperature must be watched carefully. Temperature is important when caring for orchids
Orchids must stay moist, however it is important to know that the roots should never be over watered, as this condition can actually kill off the floral blooms. The climate that you live in will regulate the frequency of the watering of your orchid. Most climates will require once a week watering in the winter months and twice a week watering in the warm or dry summer months.
If you feed your orchid plant fertilizer before it flowers, then it will flower for a longer amount of time than if you wait. You can stop fertilizing it when it begins to flower. Another tip for keeping your orchid in bloom for the greatest amount of time is to carefully prune the orchid while it is blooming. With some careful pruning, you will find a second set of blooms.
Caring for orchids doesn’t have to be a difficult task; rather, by taking a few careful steps, you can have great looking blooms for a long time all on your own.
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For more information on caring for orchids read this article by Nancy Molins “Orchid Care: What You Need to Know About Caring For Orchids”
