Caring For Orchids at Home With Ease

Caring for orchids is no longer tedious and complicated with the right tools and knowledge to do so. These delicate flowers can be the most ornate additions to your garden, providing a splash of color or a touch of exotic charm. It doesn't take a professional horticulturist to tend for orchids. With these handy tips, you can look forward to seeing your own orchids grow and bloom in all their glory.

Controlling light, water and wind

• When planting orchids, you need to recreate the conditions in which they grow. Most orchids grow in wooded areas with humid or mild temperate climate. They get adequate shade from trees and other foliage when the sun heats up.
• With this knowledge, it is important to not place the plants under direct sunlight. Most orchid types bask in natural light, but how much is enough? The color of the leaves gives a good indication. Yellow would mean too much sun whereas dark green leaves indicate too little.
• Water is another basic need of plants. For orchids though, a little goes a long way to ensure their steady sustenance. Orchid growers suggest watering orchids once every week using a spray bottle to distribute the water evenly. Controlling the amount will prevent the liquid from accumulating in the pot or container.
• As orchids thrive in humid climate, make sure that they are not subjected to sudden drafts or gusty winds. Protect them from the rush of cool air from an electric fan or air conditioner if you decide to place them indoors. Orchids will grow in a healthy state without the constant harsh elements.

Pruning and Repotting

Following the basic rules to orchid growing will lead to seeing the flowers in full bloom. Anyone who gazes at these sophisticated flowers will be impressed by its beauty. To look forward to more blooms in the coming seasons, gardening experts recommend pruning. Once the bloom cycle is over, cut an inch off the last blossom stalk to maintain its growth. Pruning can be accomplished during the latter part of either fall or winter.

The orchids may outgrow their pot as time passes.

• Putting them in a new, not necessarily bigger, container is a must. Orchids Repotting allows the plant to grow further and bloom. If the pot is large, the growth of new foliage would be slower as the roots tend to fill every space. Take note of the different periods in which repotting should be done. The most common repotting period for most orchids types is every 18 to 24 months. Hobby shops selling gardening supplies would carry basic repotting items such as coconut husk, sphagnum moss, fir bark, perlite and tree fern fibers.

Using the Best Orchid Fertilizers

Lastly, always remember to provide the orchids their nutritional supplements. With the right fertilizers, orchids can grow faster with healthy leaves and radiant blooms. Fertilizers containing phosphorus, nitrogen, iron and potassium are beneficial for the plant.

Phosphorus contributes to the production of flowers whereas potassium encourages fruit development. Nitrogen ensures the lush overall growth especially the leaves. Measure the right portions of fertilizer during application. Horticulturists recommend a dose of nitrogen first when there is new growth showing. Towards the end of the season, applying potassium and phosphorus can commence.

Try to keep in mind these helpful tips in planting and caring for orchids. In no time at all, you can admire them bloom in your own backyard.

Happy Orchid Growing :)

Lexy Ninh has been an orchid expert for many years now.

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