The orchid goes back to the time of the Greeks. This exotic flower has been considered a symbol of beauty, love and luxury. In the Middle Ages, they were used as medication against many illnesses. It has also had a reputation of having aphrodisiac properties and hence has been used as one of the main ingredients in love potions.
In the past, this beautiful flower could only be seen in its natural habitats, however, these days orchid growing has become very popular, with people growing them in their homes and gardens. The problem with growing orchids in colder climes is that most of them belong to tropical climates. Hence, when they are grown in colder climates, it is difficult for them to attain their optimum growth, and will often even fail to bloom.
If you want to grow orchids and enjoy their beautiful blooms, here are a few orchid growing tips that you can use:
Choosing Your Orchid
First of all, you will need to choose the right type of orchids. Although most of the varieties of orchids prefer the warm, humid climate of the tropics, there are a few that are quite adaptable. For example, the Phalaenopsis, which has its origins in Asia and Australia, grows very well in the conditions and temperature of the average home in America.
Providing Adequate Light
Different types of orchids require differing amounts of light. For example, the Dendobrium requires a lot of light, whereas the Phalaenopsis thrives quite well with artificial light. The Cattleya does well in medium light, so you can place it on a window where it can get about four hours of sunlight a day. Hence, as is evident, one of the most important aspects of knowing how to grow orchids is to plan in advance where you will keep them so that they get the optimum amount of light they need.
Planting At The Right Height
Find out whether the orchids you select prefer to be grown in the soil, or at a height, and if they like air. When you visit an orchid horticulturist, you will notice that some species are kept at a height, while others are grown on the ground. One of the most important orchid growing tips is to find out what height your orchids need to be grown at. For example, Epiphytes are orchids that love the air as they derive the major part of their nutrients from the air. Whereas terrestrial orchid plants get all the nutrients they need from the soil.
Providing Adequate Air And Humidity
That said, all orchids require air. So ensure that the place where you keep them is ventilated properly, although not drafty, as that will ruin the blooms. Also, if the air in your home is low in humidity (less than 40 percent), your orchid plant may require to be misted with a spray, or increase the humidity by using a humidity tray. This is just a plastic or metal tray, filled half with water and layered with pebbles. The plant should be placed on the pebbles, ensuring that no part of the plant or its roots come in contact with the water in the tray.
High Quality Soil
Compared to most other plants, orchids require the best quality of soil. Hence you need to keep the soil nutritionally rich all the time. It will be necessary to fertilize the soil regularly.
Adequate Watering
While watering is essential for all plants, orchids have special requirements, according to each species. Most people have no idea about how much water their orchid needs. Many people tend to water their orchids too much, often leaving water standing in the pot, which leads to root rot. Others underwater their orchids, which kills the plant. One of the first considerations is to ensure that the pot you use has good drainage. While you do need to water your plant thoroughly, you also need to make sure that there is no stagnant water. Check the soil, and when you feel it has dried out, you will know that it is time to water your plant. If your orchid is growing in bark, it will need watering about once a week or so.
Fertilizing Adequately
Orchids that grow in bark and peat mixes or bark thrive best with a 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer or, even better with a 30-10-10 special orchid fertilizer. To get the best results, use a urea free water soluble fertilizer. In order to fertilize, just add it to the watering schedule you follow, according to the instructions given on the fertilizer package.
Adequate Temperature
Despite orchids being tropical plants, they like the night temperature to be cool. When grown professionally, in greenhouses, they are kept at a temperature between 55-65 degrees at night. This the temperature that keeps the soil moist.
Pruning Periodically
You need to prune your orchids in order to give them an aesthetic shape as well as to remove the dead parts. Pruning can be done periodically all through the year, or you can keep it to once in a year, usually in the fall season or in the early winter. When you see that the blooms are dead with the stalk drying up and becoming brown or yellow, you will know it is time to prune your orchid. Use a pair of sharp shears and cut it down to about an inch from the soil it grows in. During the next blooming season, a new bloom will grow. Sometimes, you may just need to cut off the end of the stalk of the bloom, and get another bloom again. Often, when you do this, you will find a baby plant or new shoot springing up, in which case, just plant the new plant in another pot.
Growing orchids can be one of the most interesting and challenging things that you will ever undertake. When you do embark on it, one thing is absolutely certain, you will need to be dedicated to it. The above tips will help you to grow beautiful and healthy orchids that will give you a lot of pleasure.
