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Care and Feeding of Orchids

    Orchids are one of the most extensive and wide ranging plant species in the world. The notion that they are sensitive and difficult to take care of is not entirely true. With regular care and a little knowledge, you can be very successful growing many types of Orchids.

    Orchids come in three classifications, easy, medium and hard to grow. Do not take this to mean the easy verities are not interesting and beautiful. Simply start with a few of the easy to grow species and you will do well as they really just need regular water and some love to do very well. I once won an Orchid at a bonsai show. With just regular watering it grew for years and even flowered.

    Here are a few basic things you need to know about caring and feeding of Orchids;

Sufficient lighting

    One of the keys in growing good Orchids is the right light level. Direct sunlight can be too much for some Orchids to take. On the other hand, low lighting may not allow your Orchids to bloom. Place them in indirect light or a place where they get direct sun in the mourning only.

The right temperature

    Most Orchids grow best in warm surroundings. In order for your Orchids to bloom it is best to provide a 10 degree drop in temperature at night. At night, temperature should not fall lower than 55 degrees. During the day, keep the temperature above 75 degrees and no higher than 95 degrees.

Watering

    Orchids have a low tolerance for being water logged. Water your Orchids early in the day and do not water during the evening or night. You want the roots of your Orchids to be dry some what before night time. The material or soil where Orchids grow should be kept slightly damp never soggy. Most Orchids do not need constant watering every day, once or twice a week would be enough. You should monitor (and admire) them closely every day until you know their needs well.

Fertilizers

    Orchids do not require constant fertilization. If the tip of your Orchid's leaf turns slightly brown after you apply fertilizer, this could mean you are giving it too strong a mix. Use a weaker solution or ad another week in between fertilizing applications. The three numbers (20-20-20) in a fertilizer rating are for Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium.

    During the blooming season use a low nitrogen or 10-20-20 fertilizer. Go back to a 20-20-20 fertilizer after the flowering season ends. Watering your Orchid should be done from above so excess water flows out the bottom of the container; this will flush out excess fertilizer and helps to avoid the build up of salts in the growing medium. The rule to use when applying fertilizer is always feed with a weak solution then increase frequency if more is needed.

    With just a little attention your Orchids should flourish and provide you with years of enjoyment. I must warn you about growing Orchids, one is never enough. After you gain confidence through success with one Orchid, you will want to ad more and why not? Growing Orchids will provide a fascinating and enjoyable experience unmatched by other indoor or tropical plants. What are you waiting for? Get your first Orchid today!