Growing Orchid

Orchid Growing Containers and Soil

As with all plants, the choice of containers and soil should be done carefully for orchid growing.  Clay pots and hanging pots will require more frequent watering and plastic pots will have to be watched to make sure the plants are not allowed to soak in water.  In dry areas the container should be chosen so it can be set on water covered pebbles for increased humidity.

The soil should be a firm enough to support the plant but light enough to allow the delicate roots to grow and take hold.  Bark and pebbles can be added to the medium to make a suitable soil that drains well.  The orchid grower will have ample opportunity to learn the best soil and container for their home since the plants will need to be repotted about every two years.  

Light and Temperature for Orchid Growing at Home

Most orchid plants will need plenty of light but not direct sunlight for any length of time.  Orchid plants typically do well in a window of the home that is somewhat shielded from direct light especially in the hottest part of the day.  Orchid growing can even be done in a dark environment with the use of good fluorescent lighting.  The light must be left on for about 12 hours each day to insure adequate lighting.   

The temperature should be kept at about 60 to 70 degrees although there are orchids that will tolerate it a little cooler or a little hotter.  Orchids should never be allowed in freezing temperatures and should even be moved to the interior of the home when the temperature will drop to prevent to much cold through the windows.  

Watering Growing Orchids

The School

The requirements to get into the University of Orchid Growing are very specific and although anyone can apply, not just anyone will be accepted.  For starters, you have to have a green thumb.  Not a purple thumb or a red thumb, but a pure green thumb.  Sparkly eyes are the next requirement to be accepted into the University of Orchid Growing.  If you do not have a sparkle in your eye you can not see the sparkle in the flowers.  A beautiful singing voice is a must because orchids love to be sung to and they have been known to grow in time with the music.  

You must have your own set of gardening tools in which to plant the flowers.  And you must have the perfect pretty set of gardening gloves because orchids will not grow if you use ugly gardening gloves to plant them.  The last requirement needed to be accepted into the University of Orchid Growing is to have your own personal rain cloud.  Now this can not be a grumpy rain cloud who pours water whenever it is sad or grumpy.  This has to be a happy rain cloud with a silver lining that will sprinkle rain only when asked because, as you know, orchids like to have lots and lots of water, but they do not want to drown.  If you meet all of these requirements you will be a shoe-in for a spot in this illustrious orchid growing program and you can choose from a variety of orchid degrees.

Degree Plans

Once you have been accepted into the University of Orchid Growing you have to choose your degree plan.  They have two year degree plans, four year degree plans, and six year degree plans to choose from.  The two year degree plan is the most basic and teaches the student how to capture the vibrant colors of each specific orchid.  The four year degree plan teaches you about the colors, but also the mixtures in which the orchids must be planted.  

Though there may be different kinds of plants that you could add to your own backyard or patio, one of the most popular plants that are known for their beauty and other outstanding characteristics are the orchid flowers.  Here are some general tips that you could take note of to ensure that your orchid flowers would bloom abundantly and beautifully and it is guaranteed that you will have the best orchid plant collection when you follow these great tips.

Pointers to Help Take Care of Them

One of the most essential keys or tips that you could follow when it comes to taking care of orchid flowers is to make sure that you have the right kind of light because it is one of the most important factors when it comes to successful orchid growing.  Keep in mind that the leaves of your orchid and the orchid flowers could easily be burned if they are receiving too much light.  On the other hand, it is also not good for the orchid flowers to not receive enough light and you must remember that when the flowers are in bloom, it is essential that you keep them away from direct sunlight.

Another great tip to follow that would ensure beautiful orchid flowers is to make sure that you also have the right temperature.  For those orchid plants that have low temperature needs, what you could do is to place them on the floor or on the shelves that are near above them.  And for those that may need warmer temperatures, you could use curtains to mimic the warm weather or you may use electric fans to help circulate warm or cool air that is needed.

How to Select your Orchid Flower

It may be true that the hardest part of orchid care may be the selection process. There are so many species of orchids available, that it is easy to become overwhelmed with the plethora of choices. Generally, when you are hunting for an orchid flower that will do well inside your home, the species to select from are phalaenopsis (also known as the moth orchid), cattleya (the most popular orchid found in bouquets), and dendrobium. By limiting your selection to these three varieties, you are more likely to find an orchid flower that you will be able to successfully grow indoors. You can then select from factors like when the orchid flowers bloom and how much sun and water each variety requires.

How to Grow Orchids

The first note to make when it comes to growing orchids is that most of these plants do not require soil to grow in. Many are considered “air growers”, which means that they usually grow on trees. Others grow in mulch on the forest floor, and still others root themselves in sand or soil. It is important to know which growing medium that your particular orchid flower will prefer. Light is another factor in the growing of orchid flowers. The majority of these plants will require plenty of bright, filtered light to thrive, so a southern-facing window is often the best location for your orchid flower. These plants also need sufficient water, but should never be allowed to become waterlogged. Finally, humidity is a key in good orchid care, so if your home is lacking in this component, make sure that you add additional humidity for your plant.

So the first rule of thumb in orchid care is to know where your plants come from. Here’s a brief guide. Epiphytes grow and flourish on tree trunks while hardy lithophytes make their home on rock and rock surfaces. On the other hand, the myco-heterotrophs are those that lack chlorophyll and feed on nutrients from decaying plant matter. The last category and one in which a large number of today’s household orchid plants belong to are called terrestrial plants.

Most household orchids include the popular varieties such as the Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid), Dendrobium, Cymbidium and the lovely Cattleya or the Corsage Orchid. Even if these varieties are quite common, don’t think that it automatically becomes foolproof orchid care.

One should consider that successful orchid care involves being aware that varieties still follow their geographic influences with some general rules.

Some Useful Orchid Care Tips

Orchid Care Tip 1: While orchids don’t need extra care and are not generally delicate, you should remember that if you’re living in a temperate country, only bring them out during the summer. In temperate climates, regular living room temperature is generally okay should you wish to display your prized specimens there.

Orchid Care Tip 2: Ask the nursery for orchids that can grow optimally in particular parts of your house; example, your porch, living room or window sill. Some hybrids are bred for such specific areas.

Orchid Care Tip 3: If you are a novice orchid grower, try a variety or hybrid that is easy like Phalaenopsis. People like this variant because it can flower all year as compared to others who normally only blossom once a year. In taking care of this variety, remember to always cut the stem after flowering to ensure that it blossoms again or grows a new stem segment.

Orchid Care Tip 4: It’s okay to give your orchids fertilizers. Make sure to follow certain conditions like the orchid’s flowering season. While general fertilizers are okay, try looking for special formulations specifically just for orchids.