A Guide To Taking Care Of Orchids

Growing orchids can be challenging, and it requires some basic knowledge about their daily care. To grow these beautiful plants, one needs to focus on temperature, watering, light and fertilizer.

Tips for Taking Care of Orchids

One of the most important aspects of taking care of orchids is watering, and the frequency depends on the temperature, type and the time of the year. As a general rule, orchid plants should be watered every ten days or so. Do not water them frequently as it will kill the roots.

The water needs of the orchid plant vary as per many variables, but you can easily test if the growing medium is in the ideal condition. Poke a stick or your finger into the pot, and it feels moist, do not add water even if the surface of the pot appears dried.

Maintaining the ideal temperature is another key in taking care of orchids. Most species of orchids grow best in the temperature range of 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Some orchids may need cooling period for flowering. You need the information regarding specific type of orchid so that you can adjust the temperature accordingly.

Another important aspect of taking care of orchids is the right amount of fertilizer. As a general rule, apply fertilizer to orchid plants approximately once a month. Insufficient application of fertilizer can stunt the growth of the plant, and can also inhibit the flowers from growing. But, make sure that you don’t use too much fertilizer as it can burn the leaves and roots, and can also inhibit the flowering.

Final key in taking care of orchids is proper lighting. The leaves of orchid plant must be bright green. Darker shades of green indicate that the plant is not getting enough light, and reddish green shade indicates that they are exposed to too much light. Paphiopedilums and Phalaenopsis are the species that need less light and these must be placed in the window that has a shade on top.

Just like other houseplants, orchids also need to be repotted to bigger pots once they grow. The process of repotting this plant is a bit complicated, but proper orchid plant care while changing the pot can ensure thriving, blooming and healthy plants. Repotting is required when body of the plant has grown over the edges of the pot or when the growing medium has broken to an extent that it prevents the air circulation to the roots between watering.

Taking care of orchids can be difficult, but breathtaking floral view can be worth all the efforts. There are lots of books available on orchids, and you must get the adequate information regarding the species you have to get best results.