Caring For Orchids is not Hard
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.
Attention is the Key
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. First and foremost, you need to know and understand what the particular requirements are for your new orchid. The blooms of an orchid are truly beautiful and this is what sets them apart from other flowers, but it's also the blooms that are quite fragile. 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. If it's is either white or purple, then you do have a phaleanopsis orchid.
Positioning Your Orchids
If taken care of correctly, your orchid will bloom for at least three months of the year - every year. The best spot to place your orchid is by the window. This will ensure that it receives the correct amount of sunlight and shade. But, due to a sometimes harsh midday sun, it can suffer so this should be avoided. 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.
Taking the Temperature into Consideration
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. Although orchids should remain moist. over-watering can actually kill the flower. Water your plants just once or twice each week or two, or you can simply keep them permanently in a water tray. 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.
Orchids Adore Fertilizer
A top tip to maintain your orchid and the longevity of its blooms, is to use fertilizer before it blooms each time. Once it has bloomed, you don't need to fertilize it 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.
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.
Attention is the Key
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. First and foremost, you need to know and understand what the particular requirements are for your new orchid. The blooms of an orchid are truly beautiful and this is what sets them apart from other flowers, but it's also the blooms that are quite fragile. 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. If it's is either white or purple, then you do have a phaleanopsis orchid.
Positioning Your Orchids
If taken care of correctly, your orchid will bloom for at least three months of the year - every year. The best spot to place your orchid is by the window. This will ensure that it receives the correct amount of sunlight and shade. But, due to a sometimes harsh midday sun, it can suffer so this should be avoided. 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.
Taking the Temperature into Consideration
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. Although orchids should remain moist. over-watering can actually kill the flower. Water your plants just once or twice each week or two, or you can simply keep them permanently in a water tray. 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.
Orchids Adore Fertilizer
A top tip to maintain your orchid and the longevity of its blooms, is to use fertilizer before it blooms each time. Once it has bloomed, you don't need to fertilize it 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.
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