Caring For Orchids - Questions and Answers

Q: What is the right frequency for watering orchids?

A: The common notion that orchids should be watered several times a week is a wrong one. Orchids are an exception to the rule for most plants, even if they are found in tropical forests. New growers should take note that the frequency of watering orchids depends on the species and that generally orchids are watered every 5 to 12 days. Other factors include the current temperature of the pot or medium and what the current season is? Common sense dictates that orchids need more water in the summer than in the rainy season.

Q: How frequent should I fertilize orchids?

A: Orchids should be fertilized once a month. Fertilizing too much will burn the roots and leaves, killing the plant. A lack of fertilization will stunt growth and flowers will have a hard time growing. Be sure to feed your orchids with the appropriate food. It should come with instructions on how to use so you won't get confused.

Q: I'm growing phals at home but they're not blooming. Is there something I need to do?

A: Definitely yes. The most common reason why flowering plants don't bloom is because they lack sunlight. Move your plant to a suitable location. If you want to keep it inside the house, place it by a wall facing south. The light should be strong but indirect. You can also expose your orchids to artificial light from fluorescent bulbs. Keep the bulb at a height of 1 - 2 ft above the plant. Expose it for 12 hours a day for several weeks and you should see some flowering.

Q: The leaves of my orchids got black spots. What is wrong with it?

A: The answer is simple: sunburn. Get your orchids to a shaded area or if you want to keep it where it is, block the window with some curtains to reduce the sunlight. For precautionary measures when placing orchids near windows, keep an eye out for leaves fading to a yellow color, especially those facing the window.

Q: I want to raise orchids inside my house, what kind of lighting system should I use?

A: You can use ordinary fluorescent bulbs to light up the area. This is a common and practical way to do it. If you want to take it up a notch and go pro, you can purchase special fluorescent bulbs like the cool white bulb that gives off more blue or the warm white bulb, which stresses red light.

Q: There is something growing on one of my phal's flower stems. What should I do next?

A: Well your orchid just gave "birth" to a new orchid. When you see roots beginning to grow, it's time to get your tools out and start repotting. Gently cut it from the main plant. Put it in a small pot containing seedling bark. Then transfer it after a year or two to a larger pot.

Q: What pests attack orchids?

A: The garden snail and slugs are common tenants, living inside the potting media. They chew on the tips of the roots. Aphids and Thrips are also insects that either chew or suck on the plant.

Q: What is the difference between terrestrial and epiphytic orchids?

A: Terrestrial orchids live on rotting wood. They need moist, but not wet, media to grow on. Examples of terrestrial orchids are cymbidiums and paphiopedilums. Epiphytic orchids are orchids living on tree branches. They don't live on trees like parasites, rather, they are just there to get some air for their "air-roots". They prefer an open medium to grow in. Common examples are orchids under the phals and dendrobium genus.

Charles Perkins is an orchid expert. For more information on caring for orchids [http://www.orchidgrowingsolutions.com/caring-for-orchids/], visit [http://www.orchidgrowingsolutions.com/].