Orchid Care - the Basics
Successfully growing orchids is no harder than growing houseplants - it's just different. Don't be embarrassed for a minute by what you don't know. We all started out the same way.
New to orchids? We can help - see Orchid Care for Beginners.
Just like any plant, orchids need light, water, and air to grow. But before we look into those , there are 3 things you should know about growing orchids that make them different from growing houseplants.
1. Orchids are Tougher Than You Think!
In nature, orchids grow in harsh environments. To survive they adapt to living comfortably on a slim diet of water and nutrients. They don't want a lot of attention and they're tougher than you think. Keep this in mind when growing at home!
2. Don't Over Do It!
One of the quickest ways to kill an orchid is over doing it. Once you find the right growing conditions, these plants require very little care. They're solitary creatures and they don't like to be fussed over. In most cases, they do better when left alone. Growing in our hydroponic system they practically take care of themselves!
3. Learn the Rhythms of Orchid Growing
Caring
for houseplants is pretty much the same throughout the year. Orchids, on the
other hand, have definite seasons, or rhythms, to their growing pattern. The key to
successful growing is adjusting your plant care to match the seasons. This
isn't difficult - it's just different.
The 3 seasons for growing orchids are; 1) growing season, 2) blooming season, and 3) a well deserved resting season.
Growing Season - The longest (and most important) season. The plant's metabolism becomes active as it builds up the energy to bloom. Give it what it needs and you'll have magnificent blooms every year!
Blooming Season - Cool evening temperatures initiate a flower spike which signals the start of the blooming season. Cut back on water and switch nutrients to a flowering formula. When first flowers open, move the plant away from sun to prolong the life of the blooms.
Rest - After the flowers fade, a well deserved rest begins. Cut back on water and nutrients. New growth signals the start of a new growing season.
Healthy orchids should bloom at least once a year, some twice a
year. One of the most difficult things about growing orchids is waiting for the next blooming season.
Orchids have internal calendars marking their seasons, and they vary with each type of plant. Some orchids bloom in summer, others bloom in winter. Some bloom for only a week, others display flowers for three months or more!
Healthy orchids should bloom at least once a year, some twice a year.
Orchids - Knowing What Makes Them Grow
Orchids use combine light, water, temperature, and humidity to grow. Your challenge is to develop the right balance of these elements to grow healthy plants - and beautiful blooms.
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Orchids need lots of light, more than most houseplants. more about light | |
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Orchids don't like wet feet. | |
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Many orchids grow in temperatures found in most homes. | |
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Orchids don't need a steamy, hot jungle, but they do insist on at least 30% humidity. |
There's a Wide Range of Growing Conditions for Orchids
Orchids grow on every continent except Antarctica, so there's a wide range of growing conditions for these plants. The key to successful orchid growing is choosing plants that match your growing environment.
Learn what type of growing conditions you have (more at A Place for Growing). Then, do some research and find out what type of orchid would be happy in your growing environment.
