Caring For Orchids At Home

As a symbol present in almost any prom or wedding we remember, the orchid has ever been a reminiscence of love and endearment. We love them so much not because of their scent that is almost inexistent in most of the species, but because of their breathtaking beauty. The ones amongst us considering cultivating orchids must be aware of the considerable effort this might take. They should be equipped with the appropriate knowledge of the methods and processes of growing orchids and also, aware of the place where they can find relevant information on the topic. Each type of this amazing plant needs special treatment for development.

There are lots of media covering orchid care. From Internet, hard prints, audio and video formats-the knowledge is nonstop. There are also forums that offer discussions and even community groups that teach tips and techniques. It is a matter of choosing what is readily available and what is easily accessible. The Internet offers thousands of articles and contents and its just one click away. Caring for orchids are discussed and taught by e-books, which are obtainable on purchase. This passed information is being enhanced from time to time, processes that did not work are automatically discarded and new techniques have been incorporated.

There are common guidelines to use in order to successfully grow an orchid, although the different orchid variations might require specific care. The ideal temperature for an orchid should be between 75-85 degrees F during the day and 59 or more during the night. They shouldn't be left in the sun, especially at noon. Watering is optional - they require watering once a week when they are blooming and once every two weeks otherwise. Water them only when their roots are dry. Orchids should be repotted once every two - three years. As fertilizers, consider using small amounts of nitrogen rich ones.

Caring for orchids is a fragile process. The person undertaking this should be careful to avoid common mistakes such as the climate, the temperature, potting medium, over-watering, too much exposure or re-potting. Orchids need this consistency, which is crucial for their survival. Except the potting medium, how to avoid these mistakes was explained in the paragraph above. Avoid using regular top soil for the orchids, they need special soil that retains moisture - such as soil rich in shredded coconuts, wood chips or sphagnum moss. This soil lets the pockets of air to retain water so that the orchids can take the moist out of it for nourishment. Following strictly these instructions you can be assured the orchids will blossom at least three times every year.

Beginners should start by cultivating Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium or Oncidium, as they are the easiest to cultivate. A species that can be found in almost all flower shops is the Phalaenopsis, known because of its spike that once cut, a secondary spike will grow increasing therefore the blooming period. Venus Slipper (Paphiopedilum) needs the right temperature in order to bloom. Specific to the Dendrobium is that the blossom can stay extremely long - you can see how old it is by the aerial roots it develops. Another plant grows once the old parent dies. Easy to grow, Oncidium or dancing girls can survive under really harsh conditions.

Dendrobium, Vanda and Cymbidium are the hardest types of orchid to grow. Dendrobium lives as epiphytes and lithophytes in almost all parts of the world so its temperature requirement can be so confusing. Vanda orchids are tricky. Its stem aims to grow towards the sun but when it reaches the roof, its lower leaves frequently drop off. But no matter how hard it is to cultivate, flower enthusiasts and hobbyists are challenged to nurture it. Cymbidium ebumeum usually originates from India and blooms only from February to March. Its scarcity and rare blooming period are considered by many as a tough one to deal with.

Caring for orchids also need the knowledge, skill and some talent in pruning. Removal of dead leaves and stalks can be done once a year at most, including shaping the plants especially in fall or winter. When the blooms and stalks withered, use pruning shears to cut it one inch from the end of the bloom stalk. Expect new flowers to bloom in the next season. Removing the stalk will encourage new shoot to grow. The baby plant can be removed and replanted in a new pot. If the last flower fell, cut the stem and seal the cut with melted candle or powdered cinnamon.