4 Quick Tips In Caring For Orchids

Caring for orchids is often seen as complicated and only for the well experienced horticulturist. At one time this may have been true. Today, with the many thousands of species and almost equal amount of hybrids, caring for orchids have never been easier.
Easier, because orchids require no more attention and maintenance than any other garden or household plant. But some general care and attention is required. Here are some basic guidelines you should keep in mind when caring for orchids.
Shopping For Orchids
The care of an orchid begins before you bring the orchid home. Shopping for orchids is very important because not all orchids are created equally. Be careful when purchasing an orchid from a supplier that that is already blooming. Although they are pretty and provide instant beauty, this orchid may already be in full bloom and about to expire.

If your intention is to decorate your home or garden for a few months, then orchids in full bloom is acceptable. But if you want orchids that will live for years to come, then buying an orchid in full bloom is not the way to go.

Watering
Not watering an orchid properly is a major reason why many orchid growers find their plants rotting, drying out, or dying. Most orchids are found in the tropical areas of the globe. Being from these environments mean the orchids require high levels of humidity.

Do not assume because they are from these types of environment they require constant watering. Quite the contrary. For most orchids, you can water them at least once per week during the winter months and twice per week during the dry and warm months.

The size and type of pot will also determine how much to water orchids. Typically orchids in smaller pots dry out quicker than orchids in larger pots. The type of soil is another indication. Bark tends to dry out faster than sphagnum moss. Because the soil looks dry does not mean the plant needs watering.

A good rule of thumb is to take your finger or a wooden pencil and stick it in the soil. If the soil is moist, the orchid does not need watering. If the soil is dry, then water the plant. When watering the orchid, rain water of distilled water is best for the orchid. Tap water is usually treated with chlorine and can prove harmful to orchids.

Lighting
Coming from tropical environments, orchids get a good balance of shade and sunlight. Natural lighting is best for the orchid, but sometimes, due to the conditions in the home and the direction the home faces; artificial light is sometimes used as an alternative.

Generally you do not want to expose orchids to direct sunlight for long periods of time without some shade. Try to avoid sitting an orchid in the window facing the western sun. Doing so will expose the plant to the hot afternoon sun and cause the orchids to burn. It is ideal to place the orchid facing the east exposing it to the cooler morning light and preventing it from burning in the strong afternoon sun.

Orchids generally require 12-14 hours of light during the winter months and about 16 hours during the summer months. This will also apply if you are using artificial lighting. With artificial lighting you do not want to give it more light than it would get with natural lighting. This could prevent the orchids from blooming.

Keep in mind just as we require the nighttime to sleep in order to get our rest, orchids also require the darkness in order to properly bloom.

Repotting
The reason you want to repot your orchids is to provide fresh medium for the orchids. Over time the medium decays and the orchid needs new medium to continue to thrive and bloom. Generally you want to replace the medium every 18-24 months, but this will depend on the plant.

Choosing the correct type of medium is also essential. Depending on the type of species of orchid, whether it is terrestrial or epiphytic-tree dwelling the potting medium is essential. Generally, tree bark is used. Others types of potting soil is fir bark, coconut husk, sphagnum moss, and sometimes a mixture of two or three of these materials. If you are not sure what to use for your orchid, speak with someone at the store where you purchased the orchid.

Following these above guidelines will assure healthy orchids. They will also guarantee your orchids will continue to bloom beautifully providing you and your family enjoyment for years to come.

By: Joshua Bell

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Joshua Bell is and orchid expert. For more information on caring for orchids, visit www.orchidcareclassroom.com