Caring for Orchids

Orchids seem to have the reputation of being very hard to grow. Perhaps it is because the flowers of the orchid plant are so exquisitely beautiful and oftentimes look so complicated and intricate that people think the plant is delicate and fussy. Yet, the truth is, orchids are easy to grow, although they require a certain degree of knowledge and skill. It doesn’t really take a lot of knowledge to grow and care for orchids successfully, but the more you know about them, the better you will become at growing them.

Here are a few simple tips on how to care for these exotic beauties:

1. Light. It is essential that you provide your orchid plant the appropriate amount of light. Giving it too little light will most likely stunt its growth and will negatively affect its health. Giving it too much, on the other hand, will damage its leaves and roots.

2. Water. There are certain orchid species that love being soaked well enough with water, while there are also some types that prefer being dry. So it is advisable that you know your orchids well and be able to identify their specific species. Make sure that your potting medium (usually coconut husk or cork) stays fresh enough so as to allow any amount of water to drain. Make sure that water won’t be collected in the center of the pot because this will cause the plant’s roots to get too soft and eventually rot. Also remember that orchid plants use up more than the usual amount of water when they are in the flowering stage. It’s good to moisten the leaves when watering, but never spray water directly on the orchid flowers as it may cause fungi-related problems later on.

3. Temperature. Keep your orchids in the appropriate temperature, which is 65-85ºF or 18-30ºC. For short periods, the plants can survive in temperatures that range from 60-100ºF or 16-37ºC. Just don’t expose them to sudden temperature changes. Very low temperature will cause the orchid’s leaves to turn to yellow and later drop off.

4. Blooms. It is essential that you maintain the orchid blooms, which usually last in a 4- to 12-week period. When these fade, you must cut off the spike or cane some half-inch from where it projects. Cool temperatures during the night will help initiate orchid blooms. With very good care, your plant should be able to bloom each year.

5. Feed. Apply fertilizer to your plant alternately, preferably every other watering. The ideal amount is one-third of the fertilizer’s normal concentration. With proper feeding, you’ll see new growth, which you can see as a new spike or cane budding from the old one’s base.

6. Re-pot. Orchids greatly prefer being root-bound, which means roots protrude above the potting media. When the plants start having newer spikes or canes, this means that they would eventually outgrow their containers. So, it is wise to replant your orchid into a larger one carefully, complete with potting media and a good drainage.

7. Potting Media. Use the appropriate growing media for your plant. Most orchids cannot survive in soil, mainly because they have thick and fleshy roots that are used to attach themselves to barks or trees and to absorb water and the nutrients from feeds. Orchids also grow best when they are attached to pieces of cork, coconut husk or bark. The ideal growing media also have good drainage and aeration. There are also potting mixtures for orchids that are commercially available. These usually contain pieces of tree fern fiber, charcoal, fir bark and other materials.

8. Container. Orchid experts usually prefer clay pots to hold their orchids because clay is a porous material. When using a clay container, make the drainage hole larger, or bore additional holes on the sides, near the pot’s bottom. Just remember that watering and feeding or fertilizing practices will have to be adjusted according to the type of pot or container as well as the potting media you are using.

Growing and caring for orchids can be simple if these steps are taken to heart. It will also be easier if you select the species of orchids based on the growing conditions of your home, as each type has different needs. Before long, you will enjoy the colorful and elegant sprays of orchid blooms in your garden.