Orchid Care Secrets
Caring for your orchid requires finding the right balance for your particular plant. Providing light and protection from pests and orchid diseases are all part of caring for your orchid. With this is mind, here are some orchid care secrets you should know about.
Light
Select the area where you wish to grow your orchids. Measure the intensity of the light easily by using shadows. Hold your hand about 12 inches from where you will be placing the plant, between where it will reside and the window. A sharply defined shadow indicates bright light. A blurred shadow suggests a more diffuse light. Find an orchid that will thrive in your particular light conditions.
Light that is too harsh may be diffused with vertical blinds or a sheer window curtain or by moving the plants further from the window.
Artificial light can be a great alternative for orchids. The foliage will remain unblemished by the sun and plants tend to grow more evenly under lights. Incandescent bulbs produce heat; fluorescent bulbs are cooler and more efficient at delivering light to your plants.
Remember that plants do not thrive in 24 hour lighted settings. 12-16 hours of light per day is generally recommended.
Pest Control
Orchids can usually tolerate insects without major damage, unless they are weakened by inadequate growing conditions.
If you are unsure what pest is residing on your orchid, take it to the staff at the nursery. They can lend their expertise and help you identify the appropriate treatment.
Examples of insects that have an affinity to orchids are: Mealybugs, Aphids, Scales, Spider Mites, Whiteflies, Thrips, and Fungus Gnats. Treatments may include physical removal of the offending insect, washing the leaves, or insecticides targeted for the specific pest.
Diseases
Orchids that are crowded together so that air does not circulate between them are more prone to disease.
Fungi tend to grow in unsanitary areas. Keep the area clean and do not allow your orchids to sit in excess water.
Bacteria and viruses can also affect orchids. To avoid the introduction of bacteria or virus, always use sterilized cutting tools when removing a leaf, flower, or dividing a plant. Wear clean gloves when repotting. Water orchids individually and do not use the runoff to water other plants.
Orchid Care Secrets
Use a fan to circulate air around your indoor potted orchids. This will help keep them from overheating and will decrease the chance of fungus or bacteria growth.
Keep your plant healthy by removing dead blooms. Fungi can invade dead leaves and flowers. Remember to use sterile cutting tools.
Before using a pesticide, check the label. Many pesticides are not for indoor use. Take your plant outside to spray, let the chemical dry, and then return to the house. If using an indoor pesticide, make sure there is adequate ventilation.
To treat a small infestation of mealybugs, aphids, or scale, use rubbing alcohol. Either spray a half-and-half solution of alcohol and water on the affected plant or wet a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and wipe along the affected areas.
If you are uncertain what is ailing your orchid or just want some more orchid growing secrets, then consult an expert. Greenhouses, nurseries, Orchid Societies, or Cooperative Extensions are all great sources of orchid care secrets.
