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Many established orchid growers receive a wide selection of questions on the best way to maintain healthy orchids, and how to avoid some of the common problems associated with orchid growing. Here is a selection of some of the most frequently asked questions together with their clear and straight forward answers.
Question 1 - What is the most effective method of watering to keep my orchid healthy?
Answer - For common orchids like Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium, which are usually sold in a free draining bark based potting medium, the recommended watering method is to let the water to drain right through the pot prior to returning the orchid to its normal growing location. Avoid any standing water being in contact with the orchid pot.
During the orchid growing season, water about once a week with twice weekly watering during spells of hot weather. Also water the orchid during the morning or early afternoon to allow any excess moisture to evaporate in the warmer temperatures.
Ideally rainwater should be used but, as this is not always available, tap water at room temperature is an acceptable alternative.
As a guide, the potting medium and aerial roots should be dry to the touch and the pot and orchid feel lighter before the next watering application.
Question 2 - How can I be certain that my orchid is receiving sufficient light?
Answer - The colour of your orchid's leaves is an accurate indicator. If the normally light to olive-green leaf colour is turning to dark green or bluish-green this is a clear sign of insufficient levels of daylight.
Daylight is essential for the orchid to continue blooming through the growing season. A lack of floral growth or even small flowers is a sign that the orchid requires more light.
Question 3 - Can I plant my orchid using normal potting soil or compost?
Answer - This is a definite no. Most indoor grown orchids are from the epiphytic orchid group that grow on trees, not in the ground. They use their roots both as anchors attached to the tree bark and as a means of absorbing moisture and nutrients.
Their aerial roots require air circulation which they receive when planted in a potting medium containing tree bark which also provides good open drainage when the plant is watered.
Question 4 - Which is better for orchids, time-released fertiliser pellets or water-soluble fertiliser?
Answer - Although many orchid growing guides recommend water-soluble fertilisers, the alternative time-released fertiliser pellets are an acceptable alternative.
The choice of which type of fertiliser to use is often one of personal choice with some orchid growers finding the time-release fertiliser pellets more convenient than having to remember the intervals between soluble fertiliser applications.
Always use a specialist orchid fertiliser which, if it is in soluble form, can be applied at intervals of two weeks as part of the watering sequence during the growing season.
Question 5 - Do newly bought orchids really need to be re-potted, when they appear to be healthy?
Answer - The primary reason for re-potting is when the existing potting medium has started to decompose. Newly bought orchids should have fresh potting medium which is rot-free but many orchid enthusiasts do not take the chance and will re-pot with new medium anyway. For the new orchid grower here are some ways to check that the medium is suitable to remain.
Firstly, check that the potting medium has an open texture which exposes the root system. If it is densely packed around the roots, your orchid will not remain healthy and should be re-potted.
Secondly, check on the condition of the potting medium by firmly squeezing it in your hand. If the medium crumbles rather than remaining intact, it has begun to decompose and should be replaced.
Question 6 - If orchids that originate from tropical regions require frequent watering, why are they susceptible to rotting?
Answer - Primarily orchids are prone to fungal and bacterial based problems which can emerge when the plant is subjected to extended periods of being wet.
In their natural habitat of growing on trees, in an elevated position, orchids receive continual air circulation which accelerates water evaporation and surface drying.
For this reason it is advisable to water and mist orchids during the maximum day time temperatures.
Question 7 - Are there any orchids which produce a scent?
Answer - There are several orchid types that produce a distinctive fragrance or scent and here are two of the better known varieties.
The Cattleya Orchid has a distinctive fragrance which adds to its popularity including its use as a corsage flower at weddings.
Another well known orchid that is noted for its fragrance is the Dendrobium Orchid.
Question 8 - My home has dry air. How can I provide humid conditions for my orchid?
Answer - A widely recommended method is to stand the orchid pot on a small tray of small stones or pebbles that are kept moist. The evaporating moisture will increase the humidity level around the orchid. It is important to avoid any contact between the water in the tray and the orchid pot.
Another method of increasing the humidity level is to spray or mist the orchid. This should only be carried out when the air temperature is sufficiently high for the moisture to evaporate.
About this Author
Want to learn more about caring for orchids [http://www.orchidplantcentre.com/caring-for-orchids]? Visit Ian Cameron's website at [http://www.orchidplantcentre.com] for helpful hints and information on buying, growing and caring for orchid plants.
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