Caring for Orchids

Orchids can be an amazing addition to your indoor landscape, but unfortunately, they have a reputation for being finicky and difficult. While they do require precise care, if you know what their needs are, you can easily grow a variety of beautiful orchids and enjoy their exotic loveliness throughout the year. To care for orchids properly:

• Provide Good Light
  Orchids need at least 6-8 hours of bright indirect light or morning sun. Light is the key to growing orchids; without enough proper light, an orchid may live 20 years but never rebloom.

• Increase Humidity
  Orchids are tropical, and some varieties require 65-75 percent humidity. The plant can sit on pebbles in a water-filled tray that is kept filled up as it evaporates. Grouping orchids can also improve their collective humidity.

• Adjust Temperature
  Ideal orchid temperatures vary depending on the type of orchid and the time of year. Warm orchids require 55-65 degrees temperatures at night, with daytime warmth reaching 75-85 degrees. Cool orchids need the same night time temperatures, but only 65-75 degrees during the day.

• Water Appropriately
  Water the plant every 5-7 days in the sink, as the growing medium has fast drainage. Smaller orchids may need to be watered every 3-4 days. The water should be at room temperature and without any additives other than fertilizer.

• Fertilizing
  Use a Blossom Booster fertilizer with every other watering while in bloom. When not in bloom, use 30-10-10 fertilizer every two weeks.

• Repotting
  Use only a potting mixture designed for orchids. These mixes are made up of different sizes of fir bark pieces, perlite, and even charcoal. Repot your orchid when it is nearly overgrown with roots and is not in bloom. This will average about every 2-4 years.

• Resting Period
  After blooming or producing new growth, most orchid varieties go into a rest period. Reduce the watering slightly and maintain good lighting to allow them to re-energize.

Blooming Orchids

Each type of orchid requires different conditions to bloom (example: Phalenopsis needs 6 weeks of cold nights). When you achieve that delicate balance, and your orchid bursts forth with a delicate bloom, make sure you do not change your cultural practices, or the plant will abort the buds. Even a small change in humidity, temperature, or light can cause the plant to abort its bloom, but when you keep the conditions stable, you’ll enjoy the reward these exotic flowers offer.