Four Guidelines to Caring for Orchids

Many believed that to care for orchids, you had to be either rich or some kind of orchid expert because it was too difficult. Luckily, this is only a myth. Knowing that there are more than 25,000 orchid species and with more than 100,000 hybrids, the probability increases dramatically that an orchid can fit into any person's lifestyle, skill level and budget. There are four guidelines to caring for orchids.

The first guideline in caring for your orchids is finding out what specific requirements do they have. Most orchid types are no more difficult to care for than ordinary house plants. But some orchids have special needs. Your garden center can tell you more information about your particular orchid. Orchids can display a beautiful and delicate bloom. They have sheer beauty which makes them a popular house plant. When you provide proper care for your orchids, they will continue to bloom as they did when you received them from the garden center. An orchid with popular demand is the Phalaenopsis. Usually this orchid variety comes in white or purple and is easy to care for when compared to other less common varieties.

The second guideline is controlling the light they receive. With the correct amount of sunlight, and depending upon the species you have, your orchids could bloom for up to three months. Placing your orchid near a window will allow the maximum amount of daylight your orchid will receive in a day. But orchids are sensitive. Don't expose your orchid to hot, over powering sunlight since it can be harmful to your plant. Try focusing on the more soothing light available in the morning or in the later afternoon. If you live in an area where sunlight is available late in the evening, this is ideal. An east side window is the best place to locate your orchid. Fluorescent lights can be used to substitute natural light. The exposure time should match what the plant would receive if it were receiving natural light. Fluorescent lights should be about a foot above the plant.

The third guideline is insuring the temperature is properly regulated. Generally, orchids thrive best in temperatures that range between 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If your orchids are exposed to very warm conditions that surpasses 90 degrees Fahrenheit, they will begin to lose their buds and not bloom. Watering also helps to regulate temperature, but do not over water. Over watering may kill any flowers that are about to bloom. A rule of thumb is to water once every two weeks. You can also use a water tray; it is good for maintaining proper humidity levels, but be careful not to allow the roots to rest in the tray. The roots may soak up too much water and develop root rot.

The fourth guideline is timing the fertilizer application. You can maximize the amount of time an orchid blooms by fertilizing the plant just before it blooms. Once blooming has started you may stop using the fertilizer. You can also increase your orchid's flower blooming by pruning the orchid while it is in its blooming season. A second set of flowers may very well appear. Given the right amount of care using these four guidelines, your orchid plant will display rich, stunning and beautiful blooms throughout the season.

Zack Ryan is an orchid enthusiast. For more great tips on orchids click on orchid care or visit http://orchidharvestsecrets.com