In general, orchids are considered to be the jewels of the plant world, thanks to their striking beauty, intricate shapes, and wide varieties of colours and patterns. Although they have a reputation for being finicky or hard to care for, orchids can actually thrive indoors with the proper care and attention. Proper techniques of caring for orchids make growing orchids indoors rewarding and, yes, within the realm of possibility even for beginners.
This orchid care guide will walk you through the basic needs of these exotic plants, from providing just the right amount of light and humidity to watering and feeding them. By following these best practices, you can appreciate long-lasting, extravagant blooming and healthy growth for years to come for your orchids.
The first thing about well-planned orchid care is the choice of the right type of orchid. Since there are thousands of species, a beginner might want to choose from Phalaenopsis, commonly called the moth orchid, that suits the situation at hand.
These are robust and widely available. Phalaenopsis flowers for a long time. When purchasing an orchid, find healthy plants with firm, green leaves and roots. Do not buy orchids with yellowing leaves, mushy roots or signs of pests.
Lighting is also essential in growing orchids indoors. Orchids love bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can damage the thin leaves. East or south-facing windows would do, but should natural light not be available, a grow light can substitute for it.
It is easy to determine when the leaves of an orchid are receiving adequate light. Healthy leaves are bright green; if they're dark green, the orchid may need more light, while yellowing leaves may signal overexposure.
Many would-be growers struggle with the maintenance of their orchids because they have no idea when to water. Orchids are epiphytes, by nature, growing on trees rather than inside the earth. They, therefore have to be air-rooted, and not to sit in water.
Watering should roughly be done once a week depending on your humidity for each month and the specific type of orchid. Use room-temperature water, and let any runoff drain out. Never allow water to sit in the crown of the plant, as this tends to cause rot.
Orchids are native to tropical regions, hence they prefer very high humidity. For an orchid grown indoors, make sure that the humidity level is between 50-70%. Should your house be dry, especially during winter, place a tray of water filled with pebbles under your orchid or install a humidifier.
Just as important is good circulation around the plant. Stagnant air encourages fungal-type plant diseases, so it is advisable to keep your orchids in a reasonably well-ventilated space.
Pot and growing medium The pot and growing medium you use play an important role in orchid maintenance. Orchids should be planted in a container that allows the roots to breathe and drain excess water. Clear plastic pots work well because you can monitor the health of the roots and moisture levels.
It is also advisable to avoid using regular soil, rather opt for the various orchid mixes made from bark, sphagnum moss, or a mixture of those materials, matching the orchid's natural environment.
Orchids require feeding to get those gorgeous blooming orchids. A balanced fertilizer, such as 20-20-20 will do. Feed your orchid every two weeks during the growing season that is spring and summer, and feed less during fall and winter.
And always dilute the fertilizer to half of the strength recommended, so it doesn't burn the roots. Flush the potting medium of the orchid with water once a month to get rid of salt buildup from the fertilizer.
Repotting is an important orchid care procedure. The growing medium deteriorates gradually; this can strangle the roots. Orchids usually require repotting once every one to two years, but when you see that medium breaking up or roots growing out of the container, it's time to repot.
It is best to repot during the time after your orchid has completed its flowering cycle. Use a pot only a little larger in size and renew the growing medium so roots start to grow anew.
The best experience while growing an orchid is to watch your plant bloom. Orchids tend to be temperamental about reblooming, but they reward a patient person with generous blooms if all the right conditions are in place. For that reason, temperature fluctuation is one of the most common triggers for blooming.
Try moving your orchid to cooler nighttime temperatures, ranging from 55 to 65°F, for several weeks. Of course, it should also receive adequate light and nutrients to push buds into flowers. Once buds have appeared, avoid moving the plant around because even the slightest change in environment may trigger bud drop.
There's always something that's wrong even when you follow all the instructions in the letter. Yellowing leaves may be due to overwatering while wrinkled leaves could be a sign of dehydration. If your orchid isn't blooming, it might mean that it needs more light or feeding in the right way.
Pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scales can be another problem. Always inspect your plant, and if you've got pests, treat them immediately using soap with insecticidal qualities or neem oil.
Or orchids' care changes just a little in the seasons. During the time of active growth in spring and summer, your orchid needs more frequent watering, feeding, and attention to light. In fall and winter, in contrast, the plant growth slows down.
The plant even may enter a resting phase. In this period, watering and fertilizing must be reduced, although only by keeping up with the basic humidity and light needs. Understanding this natural cycle will help you adapt your care routine to meet your orchid's needs year-round.
Once you have learned the fundamentals of the care of orchids, you'll probably want to add more. Again, you should choose a species according to its special needs.
Good starter species include Dendrobiums and Oncidiums - both offer a wide range of flowers in a myriad of shapes and colours. As experience builds, you can push the envelope to include even some of the exotic varieties, growing a beautiful indoor orchid garden.
These are some of the best features of orchids aside from their obvious grace. Orchids are remarkable for purifying indoor air, thus improving the quality of the environment inside your home. Such flowers are also said to give moods, fostering a peaceful as well as uplifting ambience in spaces.
An orchid addition will bring instant elegance to your room and possibly be the apple of the eye of natural beauty. Orchid care can become a very meditative and satisfying hobby, offering you the feeling of accomplishment and peace as you look at these gorgeous plants sprouting, and blossoming, and even giving you that satisfaction and joy.
This sounds quite technical and overwhelming at first, but once you know what you are doing, orchid care is quite an easy and very fulfilling project. As long as you know proper lighting, watering, humidity, and the right nutrition, you'll be able to provide your orchids with the perfect indoor garden environment. You will be amazed at how beautifully and abundantly blooming orchids can fill your home with joy. Whether you’re caring for your first orchid or adding to an existing collection, these captivating plants are sure to inspire and delight.
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