Archive by Author | Carl Harrison

How Orchid Roots Help in Producing Magnificent Blooms

Orchid roots are the most important part of the plant, because the strength of them is going to determine how bountiful your blooms are going to be. They are known as either fine or thick-rooted depending upon the type it is. An example of a one of the finer plants is an Oncidium, while the popular Phalaenopsis is thick-rooted.

Trimming The Base of Your Plants

You should trim this part of the plant whenever you repot it. You can just use your hands to remove any old planting mixture that might be intertwined. You will easily be able to tell the difference between the brown, dead parts of the plant or even the mushy ones and the nice, green healthy ones. Be sure to cut off all dead and rotting debris. The goal is to have air circulating continually around them. This will enable the plant to have more flowers and longer lasting ones. Always repack the pot with fresh new planting media.

How These Plants Work in Their Natural Habitat

When you think about the roots of your plant, consider outdoor types. No outdoor varieties grow out of the ground in the way that a regular flower or vegetable plant does. In the rain forest for example, they are found growing along trees with their base attached to the tree bark. Some of them grow as lithophytes along rocks, while others spread out along the ground. But even these ground-dwellers have shoots that run along the ground and not into it.

All of these outside types receive water from rain but none of them have roots that reach into the water and draw it up into the plant. The base of these plants soak up rain water that is passing by and a skin-like covering on this part allows them to store water for when it is dry. They can get very dry and shrivel up but will do it all again the next time there is rain. High humidity in a tropical environment can give moisture to the orchid base but they are never in water.

Over Watering Can Be Avoided by Using These Simple Steps

That is why so many of them die from being over-watered. Many people think that they should water their flowers once a week like they do most of their other plants, but this, for an orchid is very unhealthy. That’s because they do not drink up the water. Just like the outside plants they have little hairs on their core which take in the water they need when they are dry and thirsty. But any water that is not immediately absorbed by the plant is not going to be absorbed at all.

Problems That Can Arise

This water is going to sit in the planting medium and make the plant unable to get the oxygen it needs. Then the plant will rot and it will get sick and die. Plants do dry out at different rates, but basically what your flowers need are one day of a little liquid water and then 20-29 days of humidity without watering. By then the base will be dry again and they can use a little more water. This is something to think about in winter. In the heat of summer they need to be watered more often but still try to not overdo it.

Selecting a Good Medium That Will Provide Support for these Roots

The kind of pot and potting mixture you use is going to help determine how fast your particular variety dries out. Sphagnum moss retains a lot of moisture while bark only holds a little. That is why fir bark is a good choice for many of them. The planting medium should have lost all of its liquid water and most of its absorbed water before the roots should be watered again.

The example that is often given of lifting your orchid to see how heavy it is really works. Then lift an empty pot filled with just planting medium. If it is time to water your blossoms, the weights will be similar. If your plant is heavier, wait. And, remember that it is better to give them too little water than too much.

Five Types of White Dendrobium Orchids

Jun6

No flowering plant has captured the fascination and passion of people in quite the same way as orchids have. A century ago, many adventurers died hunting these new and exotic plants in remote and treacherous jungles and swamps. They were sought not only for their showy flowers, but also for interest in their unusual pollination schemes, and for their pharmaceutical possibilities.

The Rapid Growth of Orchids and Their Popularity

Now, a bustling trade revolving around these flowers valued as a billion-dollar global enterprise with millions of customers sees an estimated 30,000 wild varieties cataloged, along with thousands of new varieties, both hybrids and cloned. Despite rapid advances in germination and gardening techniques collectors are still esteemed for their successes in maintaining a blooming plant. These flowers have retained their mystique as temperamental, exotic plants.

The Ancient Meanings of These Plants and How They Were Viewed

Over time orchids have represented a variety of meanings, from love and pure beauty to wealth. They were believed by the Orient to aid in relieving lung illnesses and the Aztecs drank a concoction of these flowers and chocolate to increase their strength. Over the years, the medicinal properties of them have no longer been used; instead these flowers have been cherished as exotic, beautiful creatures.

Perhaps the most cherished and given varieties, are the white dendrobium ones. These delicate flowers have often been showcased at weddings, used in Hawaiian leis as a form of welcome, and giving as gifts to those that we want to share our love with.

Types of White Dendrobium Orchids

The First Hybrid: Snow White

The stem of this flower is detailed with beautiful white flowers, typically 8-10 flowers per stem. In South Asia, these flowers are given as gifts for anniversaries as they represent purity, good health and positive spirits. These make beautiful cut flowers, and can often be seen as the primary flower in wedding arrangements and vases.

Pagoda White Hybrid

Sold in markets in Singapore and Thailand, these flowers make a gorgeous houseplant due to the natural curve in their stem. The star shaped flowers measure about 2.5 inches in diameter and are pure white with a touch of pink in the center. A full grown plant can be between 2-3 feet tall, with 7-12 blooms on a stem.

Emma White

These delicate flowers open up with a pale green color, but within a week, change to the pure white form of the classic dendrobium. The size of the flower is about 2.8 inches in diameter, and the potted plant will grow to about 28 inches in height. These flowers have a classic elegance to them, and so are often used to in baptismal ceremonies or to express enduring, romantic love.

White Surprise

If you are looking for a larger type of flower, then this is the variety for you. This plant retains the purity of the white orchids, and makes a beautiful centerpiece.

Dendrobium Nobile: White

This is a higher maintenance dendrobium orchid, requiring bright light and a consistently humid environment. This plant requires regular watering and fertilization during its growing period, but once blooming needs to be slowly weaned off of both. This is an ideal plant for the buyer who is looking for a bit more of challenge.

For centuries they have been revered for their beauty, purity and exotic qualities, however there is nothing more cherished then these particular flowers. They are ideal plants for the beginner grower, as they retain their beauty while being fairly easy to maintain. In addition, they are the perfect flower for weddings, showers, baptisms or any other occasion where you want to express your admiration for love, beauty and purity.

Five Steps To Properly Caring For Dendrobium Orchids

Jun6

Orchids classified as Dendrobium belong to a specialized group known as epiphytes. Epiphytes are in a group (including the ever-popular bromeliads) that adheres to objects like trees or rocks. They are called so because, though they attach themselves to objects, they aren’t parasites. They don’t receive nutrients from the would be “host” and they are often referred to as “air plants.”

The Habitats in Which These Plants Can be Found

These flowers are found in the Far East, Borneo, the Philippines, Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand. There are 1200 species in many colors, shapes and sizes. Many of them you will be familiar with already. If you are interested in basic Dendrobium orchid care that you can use to have these plants blooming in your home, then this article is perfect for you.

Getting Into The Detailed Care These Plants Require

Dendrobium care is not the easiest task to perform especially for beginners, but they work well for an intermediate gardeners. Along with cymbidium, cattleya hybrids, laelia and stanhopea, this species will grow well when cultivated outdoors, but they can be grown indoors too.

An interesting fact about these plants is that instead of pseudo bulbs they have little knobs growing from the stems commonly called “pups.” Pups are one of the means through which they propagate.

Dampening The Roots Plays an Important Role With These Flowers

When growing these plants it is important to dampen the roots, but when dormant they need to be allowed to dry out. In the dormant state their stems will look like bamboo stems. When your flower begins to come out of dormancy, its joints will swell, and you will know that it needs to be watered more regularly.

One of the best ways to know if your plant needs water during its active phase is to hold its pot in your hand. This is a simple tactic that everyone should take use of immediately. If it is very light weight, then it might need water. If heavy it probably doesn’t.

This procedure is something that you will develop and knack for over time, but watering or not watering these plants properly is vital to its overall well-being. After a while you will also begin to recognize the signs and appearance of a healthy flower, bright red roots, for example.

Misting Your Plant is a Helpful Benefit

This task could also consist of just misting the plant because it is vital to its health, particularly on hot summer days when many of your plants become a little desiccated. Light spray is especially important to seedlings, rootless starts, and weak or less healthy plants and misting is good for all your plants.

Some enthusiasts of this particular flower find success by potting their plants in light, damp soil and don’t actually water them until their roots show. Instead they mist them fairly heavily daily.

Take Advantage of The Dampening Process

One of the best procedures for simple dendrobium care, is to do something called “dampening.” In dampening you wet down the walls, paths, and all areas around the container. This method is less likely to cause less damage, and it imitates the features of nature creating a gentle, humid mist or slow drizzle that will surround your orchid.

Checking The PH of The Water

Another vital part to growing dendrobiums successfully is the PH of the water. It should be slightly acidic, between 4.5 and 5. Check your water to see if it is acid or base, and if it is base, then you must do something to bring the acid level down a chemist, or even your hardware store or a tropical fish dealer should give you a simple chemical to add to your water. Bringing down the Ph is very easy to do.

As you can see with just a little bit of proper dendrobium orchid care can go a long way especially if you want these plants thriving whenever you want to see them blossom.

Find Out How To Start Growing Cattleya Orchids Today

Jun6

Cattleya orchids are among the most popular types and, because of their longevity, are considered the standard by which others are judged. Named in honor of one of the earliest horticulturalists with an interest in them, William Cattley, this beautiful flower is one of the epiphytes, or a plant which grows happily on another plant without disturbing it in any way.

How These Flowers Receive Their Nutrients

They, like other epiphytes, have pseudobulbs to store the water and nutrients which feed the plant. They all attach to the rhizome, which is like a stalk that transports the nutrients to and from each of the pseudobulbs. Cattleya can be left to run up trees or be mounted to other objects with success if planted outside, but inside the orchid is going to need a medium mixture of planting media.

When You Should Start Repotting These Particular Flowers and What Soil is Best for Them

You can repot a Cattleya if the plant is starting to grow out of its pot or if the medium it’s in is worn out. Repotting can be done after blooming or in the spring.

Don’t repot unless they are healthy and have a minimum of four or five pseudobulbs. You can divide the plant with a knife, remove any rotten roots and fill the new pots with new planting mix. These plants prefer a planting medium that drains well, and one that is in the neighborhood of fifty percent bark.

Also try tree-fern fiber, coconut fiber, rock chips, or some more recent combinations that include osmunda, perlite and peat moss. Fertilize Cattleyas regularly, once a month and every two weeks when growing.

Humidity That Can Easily be Added With This Simple Technique

One of the toughest things for gardeners trying to grow these indoors is the fact the plants need to have between fifty and eighty percent humidity at all times. For most, this means that pots need to sit on a tray covered with gravel with water underneath. They must not directly touch the water. It is also necessary to have a good amount of circulating air so that they do not get diseases. In the home, this can often be done by opening a window or turning on a fan.

Keeping The Temperature at Optimum Levels

Keeping the correct temperature for them is very important. They usually need to be around fifteen degrees cooler at night. With Cattleyas, this means temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees during the day and 55 to 60 degrees at night. They need plenty of light and a little sun but not direct sunlight. This can be accomplished by using a sheer curtain in the window to block out some of the sunlight.

Making Certain That You Provide Your Plants With Correct Levels of Water

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make with these flowers is over-watering, so wait until your plants have completely dried out before watering. One way to test is to fill an empty pot with planting mixture, see how heavy it is, and then lift your pot for comparison. If the container is heavier, it means it still has enough water.

Final Thoughts on These Plants

They say that the discovery of this orchid was largely by mistake. The plants which William Cattley bred came as packing in a shipping box for another plant. The breeding of these has come a long ways since then. The plants are slow to get an initial bloom, sometimes taking as long as three or four years.

Once they do get started they can have up to ten blooms per plant and a well-taken-care-of plant can flower year-round. You can have some gorgeous colors–every type except blue and black!

Exotic And Unusual Paphiopedilum Orchids

Jun6

Paphiopedilum is a Greek derivative from the words Paphius and Pedilon, which means shoes. They are also known as Lady’s Slipper Orchids, and have some traits not generally found in them. They are well sought after by enthusiasts, even as they become rarer to find.

Where to Find These Special Plants

These types were in abundance in Great Britain and Europe, but because they were over harvested, they can only now be found in specialty shops which makes them another rare orchid for collectors. There are roughly 60 species in this genus and are natives of southeast Asia, India, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

They are easy to grow but do take a lot of tenacity and patience to succeed in gaining long lasting blooms, which have a waxy texture. Some blooms can last up to 6 weeks on the plant.

Interesting Characteristics of These Flowers

The flowers are beautiful with variegated blossoms which gives them an exotic look. They have a fascinating range of colors which draws many fanciers of these flowers to admire their beauty. The flowers can be white, maroon, yellow, red, pink, green and deep burgundy (almost black). The blooms on some slipper ones can be quite extravagant with long, twisting petals and vivid blooms. An example of this flower is the Paphiopedilum Philippinense var. Roebelenii.

Although this flower has a rather large petal, almost pitcher shaped, this plant is not carnivorous. The use of the large petal is to retain the pollinators so that they visit the correct parts of the flower. In fishing terms it’s called the “catch and release” program.

Some species also have hairs, warts, stripes and other markings which make them so interesting in appearance.

How It Retained The Name Lady Slipper?

They are easily recognized by a cup-like lip called the pouch and a prominent dorsal sepal, which looks like a dainty little slipper. Hence they were given the name Lady’s Slipper. Another description that has been given to the flower is helmet and mustache, which when you look at it, is a very apt description!

The plants are mostly found growing on the ground or rocks but there are certain species like Paphiopedilum Lowii which grow in trees. They are a small to moderate sized plant, with leaves that are stiff, waxy or leathery. They range in color from glossy green to beautifully mottled. The leaves are generally a fan-shaped tuft.

The plant has an erect stem and bears one or more flowers, which arise from the center of each new growth. Some species such as Paphio Stonei and Rothschildianurn, can produce up to six flowers on each stem.

Seasons In Which are Perfect for Observing These Specimens

The main blooming season is from mid-autumn onwards, although some variations occur among the species.

These particular organisms are divided into two groups:

Warm-Growing: this group consists of mottled-leave types like Paphopedilum Maudiae, which is an ideal orchid to grow for beginners

Cool-growing: the leaves on this plant are plain, green leaves

Filtered Light Is Always Best

As with most flowers, Paphiopedilum orchids prefer bright filtered sunlight, good air circulation and good drainage so that the roots don’t get too wet. Don’t water the leaves as they are prone to rot. They will grow near a window or under lights as long as the daytime temperature is no higher than 85 degrees F. All types, both warm and cool growing types, require reasonably cool nights, especially in the spring when they will be setting their buds for Autumn and the flowering season.

This group of orchids do not contain pseudobulbs, so their nutrients are stored in the leaves.

Easily Begin Gardening Orchids By Implementing These Simple Tips

Jun6

The beauty and colors of the exotic orchid flower are just so magnificent and everyone can benefit from having them thriving in their home or garden. Many people have a great fear about caring for them because a misnomer about these flowers is they need to be cared for 24/7.

Fortunately this is not the case and with this article you will understand how easy gardening them can be with some simple and correct information. All you need to do is create the right conditions for these flowers to start blooming and bring you lots of joy in your home or yard.

Choosing Between Two Separate Methods

There are two different methods you can use to to start this task. You can choose to plant them inside of pots and hang them around your home or in a large windowsill; or you can start growing them in your garden outside.

Both methods are relatively equal in difficulty, but most people prefer to grow them inside because they would like to keep them all year round. If you live in a climate that has a cold season you would only be able to grow them once per year outside. The choice is up to you how you want to garden your plants.

The Light Requirements That You Must Provide

Light happens to be a major part in the life of these exotic flowers. If you want to start gardening orchids you will need to rely on two forms of light that is needed to have these plants flourish. You can use the sunlight or artificial lights such as fluorescent lighting. Both are equally as good, but one thing you should know about sunlight is that too much can harm your plant. This sounds unusual but if you think of the plants natural climate which is in the tropics many trees protect them from too much sun and they have adapted to thrive like that.

Never use direct sunlight on these flowers and make sure that you have some piece of material that will filter most of the sunlight in order to prevent the leaves from burning. Fluorescent lights are another way of cultivating them and can be used during any time of the year.

Humidity is a Must for These Plants

Humidity is another important part of the health of these exotic flowers. If you are planting these flowers outside during the hot humid seasons of the year then there is really no need to supply them with any more humidity because the moisture content in the atmosphere should be enough to keep them blooming and flourishing. If you are cultivating them inside then you should know how to supply them with extra humidity especially during cold dry months of the year. One way to do this is have a humidifier right next to your plants.

Most humidifiers should be adequate for these types of plants and you shouldn’t need more than one. You can also place a tray of water with rocks underneath your plants as well which will supply them with proper moisture content. If you don’t know how to know if you have the proper amount of humidity then I would suggest purchasing a hydrometer from your local store. Most places should sell this type of equipment all year round.

These are just two tips that you can use when gardening orchids in your home or outside.

Discover The Secret Strategies To Easily Growing Orchids Indoors

Jun6

A popular myth about orchids is they are very difficult to grow. Well I’m going to let you in on a little secret; they are not difficult to grow at all. Yes, it’s true with the right information, knowledge, and techniques you too can begin growing them in no time.

All they need is the right habitat in order to thrive and flourish correctly. That’s exactly what this article is about. I will discuss some simple techniques that will help your flowers to thrive in the perfect environment.

Selecting The Correct Orchid Medium

The first thing you need to know about growing these precious organisms is using the proper medium. The truth is they will not tolerate soils that are less than perfect. What I mean is that they can only be grown in specific soil that consists of organic or inorganic matter. Some examples of organic matter include coconut husks, osmunda fiber, and fir bark.

Some examples of inorganic matter include charcoal and lava rock. You can easily find perfect plant mixes in places such as home depot, Lowes, etc. You can even visit a local greenhouse and see if they carry these types of mixes as well.

Creating the Perfect Environment

They require a very particular environment in order for them to flower properly and beautifully. The whole point for cultivating these plants is to see them flower, right? They must have the proper temperature. It all depends on what kind of flower you grow in order to determine the correct temperature. But there are some things you should know about their temperature needs. For example, when planting these flowers inside you should never let the temperature drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are no types that can tolerate any temperatures below 50 degrees. If the temperature outside is forecast to get below this temperature you should bring your plants inside. Just as well they do not like temperatures that are too hot as well. The temperature should not get above 80 degrees Fahrenheit otherwise your flower can dry out too fast. These are some things to keep in mind when growing orchids.

Humidity Set at Proper Levels

Living in a humid climate has its advantages and disadvantages. First of all they love humidity and will not grow without it. There are ways to get around this even if you don’t have humid conditions where you reside. One thing you can do is place a humidifier where you’re growing your plants to increase the moisture content in the air.

One cool trick you can do if you don’t want to purchase a humidifier is placing a tray filled with water and stones underneath the flowers. Make sure the plants are not touching the water and this will give them the correct amount of humidity.

Watering is Key To Beautiful Blooms

The last important factor of growing these plants in your home is correct watering. Supplying correct measures of water is the most overlooked step when caring for them. This is a very crucial step and it needs to be done correctly. You need to prevent over-watering of your plants because water can cause fungal infections, bacterial disease, and other illnesses. Keeping your orchid too dry can cause death for your plant if you leave it dry for too long.

Keeping the soil moist is what you should be aiming for. Make sure the medium is moist at least an inch into the soil. You can find this out by using your fingers to test the moisture content of the soil. Placing your fingers down an inch you will be able to see if the medium is moist enough. By assuring the soil is moist will make growing them inside a breeze.

From this simple article you discovered the secrets to growing these flowers and how it can be easily accomplished without having to worry about causing harm to them. Follow these simple tips and you and your orchid will be happy for many years to come.

Caring For Paphiopedilums Using These Five Tactics

Jun6

Paphiopedilums are great for beginners, as they are one of the easiest orchids to grow, and they only require bright light and normal home temperatures. They’re also great for growing in confined or small spaces. They are a relative of the North American temperate-zone Lady’s Slipper orchid, the Cypripediums. Taking care of them does not require any high maintenance providing you follow the guidelines.

They do not like stale potting medium, so it’s a good idea to change it once a year, but preferably every six months. The secret to producing beautiful blooms is to look after the root system as they don’t have bulbs or stems to store moisture or nutrients.

Watering Your Plant

If your plant is new, wait between 10-12 days before watering it, and then once a week from then on, depending on the climate. Before you move it into a decorative container, make sure that all the residual water has been drained off first. You need to keep the roots moist and damp but not soggy. During hot and humid weather, it’s advisable to give them a light mist first thing in the morning. Too much water will cause the flowers to deteriorate. By following these simple rules, your blooms should flower for up to 3 months.

Using Plant Food To Watch Your Flowers Blossom

To fertilize Paphiopedilums, be sure to use one with a high nitrogen content. It’s recommended that you fertilize approximately once a month, taking care not to over-fertilize as you will burn your plant. To avoid this happening you can dilute the fertilizer and use it maybe twice a month. Occasionally it’s a good idea to drench the plant with water to flush the fertilizer from the pot.

Temperature Ranges That Will Produce Colorful Blooms

This particular species grows in either a warm or cool temperature. To thrive in a warm climate, the daytime temperatures need to be around 75-85 degrees F and not below 60 degrees F during the night. These plants from the warmer climates produce beautiful mottled leaves. The solid-green leafed plants growing in higher altitudes, grow best in daytime temperatures around 70-80 degrees F, and nighttime no lower than 50-60 degrees F.

They require humidity, so if you have them growing in a greenhouse and the conditions are dry, it’s a great idea to use a humidifier.

Lighting Up Your House for Your Orchids

Paphiopedilums do not like to be moved from spot to spot, so once you have found a great place for it, leave it alone so that it can acclimatize to its’ new position. Leaving it in the one spot will give you a much healthier plant. Place them in a bright sunny position but not direct sunlight eg. a window, but also making sure that they avoid the midday sun, as this could burn the leaves. Not nearly as much light is required so make certain that you provide only adequate amounts unlike Cattleyas, Cymbidiums or Vandas, which require much more lighting for spectacular blossoms.

The leaves should be a solid green color, so if the leaves start to look pale or yellowish, it could be getting too much light. If you’re growing them in a greenhouse under lights, then using four 40 watt fluorescent tubes and two 40 watt incandescent bulbs directly overhead, can produce enough light for them. If you notice the leaves are a dark green and hanging limply, then you don’t have enough light.

Re-Potting Tips You Can Use

To increase the life of your plant, it’s advisable to re-pot at a minimum, every two to three years with fresh potting medium. Using a fine-grade bark or simple mix, which is well draining, is the recommendation. Do not divide your plant at this stage, as the larger clumps will produce more new growth and more flowers. Placing your plant in a smaller pot to accommodate the root system, will also encourage new growth.

Lady’s Slipper orchids are the only terrestrial ones commonly grown indoors. They can grow up to 2 feet in height, and they will reward you with many blooms which will last for weeks if they are cared for properly.

Cambria Orchids and How To Easily Grow Them in Your Home Immediately

Jun6

The Cambria orchid is a hybrid with spectacular colors that is becoming very popular. It is not terribly difficult to grow and it excels at the average temperatures in most homes. They are also known as the Beallara orchid, and its parents include the Odontoglossum, Cochlioda Lindl, Brassias, Miltonias, and Oncidiums.

Getting The Correct Temperatures Set for These Flowers

Cambrias are happy when room temperatures are in the 64 to 68 degree range. They do well in a location which is nicely lit but with indirect sunlight. A window with a southern exposure is perfect for them. This one does not like to have light at root level so a regular planting pot should be used and not a transparent one such as is used with some other species.

Placing These Plants In Areas of High Humidity

A humidity level that is quite high is needed for these plants–one in the range of 60 to 70 percent. There should be lots of holes in the planting medium for air circulation and good drying. The planting mixture should look dry before watering. You should give this plant some fertilizer with every third or fourth watering.

Start Watering Correctly and Avoid Over-Watering Today

When people are having trouble with Cambria orchids, the reason is most often over-watering. The plant will do much better in a traditional nursery pot with plenty of holes in the bottom than it will do in a more elaborate ornamental pot. If the plant came from the flower shop in an ornamental pot, it is going to be a good idea to repot the plant.

An ornamental pot holds in too much water and doesn’t allow for enough air circulation around the roots. They will need to be transplanted approximately every two years. Just make sure your planting mixture is very porous and don’t pack it in the pot too tightly.

Making Your Flowers Bloom With Very Little Effort

The thing that makes these flowers special is that it does not need anything particular done in order for it to bloom. If you take good care of it, it will go ahead and bloom all on its own. The plant develops a bulbous at its base from which the flowers will grow. Any number up to four spikes may develop, and because they rise straight up from the base, there is lots of room for the showy flowers to be seen.

The Amazing Colors and Qualities of These Orchids

The Cambria plant has remarkable flowers which can come in many mixed colors. Some of these include purple with white, as well as with light and dark reds and oranges with any number of white variations. Once a shoot has stopped blooming, you can remove it from the plant. They will grow new shoots again, and then a hard, green pseudobulb will develop.

In spite of what many websites may say about them, it does not need to be put away in a cool room or not be watered as often in order for new blooms to grow. This is one of the reasons this plant is so good as a house plant. Just take good care of it in terms of light, water, and a little bit of plant food, and it will flower on its own when it is ready again.

Appropriate Orchid Plant Care For Flourishing Flowers

Jun6

In order to perform proper orchid plant care, there are several considerations, and though there are some variations based on species or variety, the general concerns can be boiled down to those issues and these generalizations:

First consideration: Kind and Intensity of Light

Most like indirect morning sun as filtered through a curtain sheer. They will need to be moved when the temperature gets higher or the sun gets brighter. If this situation is not available to you, you can use an incandescent bulb, but these have other drawbacks because they generate a lot of heat.

Oftentimes a better choice is fluorescent lights because they deliver a broader spectrum of light and give off less heat as well. If you are willing to go that extra mile with the expense, high density discharge lights are probably the best because of their efficiency and quality of spectral light.

Second consideration: Temperature

They are not so temperamental when it comes to temperature, much less so than about light, but different species do have difference “preferences” in order to be the healthiest and bear the most blossoms. The temperature ranges typically fall into three groups–those that do very well in a typical American home; those that require cooler temperatures and more light; and those that require a warmer temperature—never below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Getting the right temperature for your particular flower is vital because if you get too much the plant might wither and die. If it receives too little, the leaves will become soggy and rot. Proper care is essential to the lifespan of the flower.

Third consideration: Humidity

Tropical orchids? Lots! They need both lots of humidity and warmth. They need extra water and, if you have them outside, you need to have some sort of water feature near them so they won’t become desiccated. Water them 2-3 times per day and be careful not to let them dry up in the summer when they are not supposed to be dormant.

Specifically speaking, orchids need 60% to 80% humidity in order for them to thrive and bloom. Most growers won’t have a problem with this unless days are very hot. If a problem exists with the humidity, try using a small humidifier in the room where you have placed them.

Fourth consideration: Air Movement

They like slight breezes. You can accomplish that with an open window or a small personal fan.

Fifth consideration: Watering

This is a tough one to judge completely because different species and varieties require different amounts. However, as a rule of thumb, most of them like to have their roots well-drained. Certain ones that are watered too often will develop rotted roots, and there’s not much you can do to rectify that. The amount of watering differs according to circumstances as well.

For example, you won’t have to water after 3 cloudy days; or if the temperature is below 60 degrees; or a plant in a plastic pot has received very little air movement; or finally, if the humidity has been 70% or higher. Orchids respond a lot to proper or improper watering. “Oh no!” you might think. “How will I ever remember all this”? Pretty soon it will become second nature.

Sixth consideration: Fertilization

Although the basic environment that these beautiful flowers reside in contributes most of their needs, there are some that they use up very frequently, and those are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These mixtures are readily available in gardening stores for all your plant care needs.

Seventh consideration: Nutrition

Orchids, like most plants, do need some nutritional supplements, and you can pursue and purchase these from your gardening shop along with the basic plant care that they need.