West Corner Orchids

Orchids are a beautiful gift

Orchid Care - The Facts on Caring for Orchids!

Cultivating orchids in your home is not that different from growing any other common indoor plant. All plants need the necessary elements for life these being; water, nourishment, light, humidity and air. The majority of orchid species originated in equatorial regions, where they are exposed to conditions of bright light and high humidity, other species come from alpine regions where it is cooler and the air is very moist. With over 25,000 species and 100,000 hybrids, spanning both the Terrestrial and Epiphytic type genus it is plain to see that you need to research the species of orchid that you wish to cultivate very carefully so as to replicate its natural climatic conditions, as closely as possible. This is a necessary prerequisite when it comes to proper orchid care.

With such a vast array of species and hybrids available it should not be too difficult to find an orchid that fits into your lifestyle and complements your level of expertise as a horticulturalist. Some very common and widely grown orchids require no more care and maintenance than any other common types of houseplants. In this article I shall attempt to list a couple of the most common species grown in the home and give you an analysis of the requirements needed to successfully produce healthy, thriving plants with the most amazing blooms.

Phalaenopsis Orchid:

These plants are commonly referred to as ‘Moth Orchids' and are one of the most recognizable and easiest to care for. Due to low maintenance requirements and their beautiful, elegant blooms they are one of the most popular species to grow amongst novices and professionals alike. The magnificent blooms will often last for up to three months and will normally bloom twice per year.

These plants thrive in much the same temperature range as we normally enjoy. The average daytime temperature should be approximately 75-85 degrees Farenheight whilst the minimum night time temperature should not be less than 60-65 degrees Farenheight. Slight deviations will not harm your plant except when it is flowering, but constant cool conditions will stop your orchid from flowering. These plants are happy under normal lighting conditions in the home, do not place them in direct sunlight as their leaves will burn, they prefer a shady area. They require water about once per week, as long as there is moisture just below the surface of the medium your plant will thrive. Do not over water. Phalaenopsis orchids enjoy a high humidity environment; a level approximately around 55-75% humidity is ideal, place your pot on pebbles in a watering tray and the evaporation will create the necessary humidity without too many problems. Nourishment should be provided using a high nitrogen fertilizer administered at least once per month throughout the year. Repotting will be necessary every two years on average.

Dendrobium Orchid:

This species of orchid's flowers closely resemble those of the Phalaenopsis and for this reason are sometimes called ‘Phalaenopsis type orchids' they are very common house plants and relatively low maintenance. They are commonly used as cut flowers due to their strong elegant stems and stunning flowers.

These plants thrive in much the same temperature range as we normally enjoy. The average daytime temperature should be approximately 75-85 degrees Farenheight whilst the minimum night time temperature should not be less than 60-65 degrees Farenheight. Occasional deviations will not harm your plant but avoid prolonged exposure to cool temperatures. These plants thrive best with supplementary lighting placed above them. Do not place them in direct sunlight, they prefer a shady area. Placing them in an east facing window is the ideal situation. As these plants are Epiphytes; the variety that attach themselves to trees or rocks, they prefer their medium to become dry between waterings. Nourishment should be provided using a high nitrogen fertilizer administered at least once per month throughout the year. Repotting will be necessary every two years on average.

Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium orchids are two of the most popular types cultivated within the home. They are popular due to the fact that they are relatively low maintenance and produce the most elegant beautiful blooms in a whole range of distinctive colors.

 

About the Author

Want more important insights on orchid care? visit my website at http://www.orchidgrowth.com
where you will find lots of helpful tips and information on buying, propagating, cultivating and caring for healthy, thriving orchids.

Caring For Orchids At Home

We did not find any matches for your request.

We did not find any matches for your request.