Orchid Growing Secrets
Knowledge is your best means of growing beautiful, healthy orchids. Here are some orchid growing secrets you should memorize.
Making the Right Choice
Researching the species of orchids available and/or native to your area will be a definite advantage. Visit your local greenhouse or nursery to see what species they carry. Ask if the orchid you like is easy for a beginner. If you are a more experienced gardener, ask what special requirements will be necessary.
Libraries and bookstores are fantastic resources for orchid growing secrets. There are many volumes dedicated to orchids. Look for a book that includes species information as well as care guides.
The internet is a very useful source of orchid facts and data. Some orchid growers join online forums where information and advice is shared. There is also a wealth of pictures of orchid species online.
Feed Your Orchid
Organic and inorganic fertilizers are readily available to orchid growers. Organic fertilizers are naturally developed from plants and animals. Inorganic fertilizers are made from minerals. The three main nutrients contained in fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Your fertilizer choice will depend on the growing medium you are using. Plants grown in bark may need more nitrogen. Orchids in tree fern fiber based medium will respond well to balanced fertilizers. Read labels carefully to find the right balance of nutrients for your plants.
The best and easiest way to fertilize your orchids is to maintain a weekly schedule. With one watering each week, add a very weak (half strength) fertilizer solution. Bark mounted plants can be sprayed with the fertilizer solution.
Secrets and Tips
You know that your orchid needs sun, so you place it in the window. What you may not realize, is that the plant will naturally increase growth on the side nearest the light. Turning your plant regularly will encourage even, balanced growth.
Orchids need rest. Many plants require a decrease in water and fertilizer once newest growth has matured until new growth starts. Check for the specific needs of your orchid.
It’s great to explore resources and be willing to try new techniques and products with your orchids. The safest way to try something new is to test it on a few plants and observe the results prior to applying it to your entire collection. This will help you avoid an unsuccessful experiment that could damage all of your orchids.
Light gardens can be purchased premade in a variety of sizes. Don’t forget that orchids need to “sleep” without light for several hours. Check the projected size for the variety of orchid you want to keep in your light garden to be certain the plants don’t outgrow your space.
An easy way to increase humidity is to place pots in water-filled saucers.
When choosing a spot for your plants, check the area for excessive heat pockets or cool drafts that may ultimately affect orchid health and growth.
When you purchase an orchid, check the growing media. Some mass market stores may mix media and over fertilize to push the plant to flower early, attracting buyers. If you have this situation, repot the orchid as soon as flowering has finished.
Memorize these orchid growing secrets and you will be able to have thriving orchids for years to come. These orchid care secrets are some of the best techniques you can use to maintain healthy orchids. Above all, take the time to enjoy your special flowers!
