Orchid Care - Basics You Should Know

The orchid plant has thrived in rainforests for countless years, but people who haven't learned about orchid care are still reluctant to attempt raising these lovely plants. Orchids can be a challenge, especially for a grower who is an amateur, but once you learn the basics of orchid care, you can be successful in growing these most gorgeous and fragrant plants.

The first part of orchid care that you need to remember is the temperature at which they thrive. As a rule, the correct temperature for most orchids is between 65 and 75 degrees F in the daytime. If the temperatures drop a little overnight, that will not be a problem, but variations of more than a few degrees can be. Some types of orchids do have different temperature requirements, so read up on the orchid plant type you plan to grow, so that you can meet its needs.

Humidity is the next aspect of orchid care to look into. The best daytime humidity level for most orchids is between fifty-five and seventy-five percent. If the days are dry and warm, you can increase the humidity by placing each orchid plant, in its pot, into a dish with pebbles and water, and keep water in the dish constantly. In this way, your plants will receive the optimum amount of water. Make sure that the water isn't deep enough to touch the pots, though - you don't want the roots sitting in water, or they may rot or become infected with fungi.

The most common mistake made by those new to orchid gardening is over-watering. They reason that since the orchid plant originates in the rainforest, that it should be kept wet at all times. So they try to imitate nature in their home. However, in the rainforest, the orchids have competition for sustenance. In your garden at home, there isn't any competition.

Orchids are used to living with humidity, but if you over-water them, you could kill them. You will need to check for the particular water needs of the orchid types you are growing. Many growers have had success watering once or twice a week. Be sure that you offer your plants water more often in the hot summer months.

The Odontoglossum, Paphiopedilum, Cymbidium and Miltonia and similar varieties of orchids prefer that the soil remains a bit moist, even between waterings. The Vanda, Phalaaenopsis and Ascocenda do well with drier soil between waterings. Be sure to never leave an orchid plant in standing water, lest the roots rot.

One of the most important parts of orchid care is that of providing the right amount of light for your plants. Your orchids will not bloom if they don't receive enough light.

A few orchids, like the Dendrobiums and the Cattleyas prefer more light. You can place them in a south-facing window and they will do well. But don't expose them to so much summer sunlight that their leaves burn. Paphiopedilums and Phalaaenopsis do better with less light, so you should place them further away from the sunlight by the windows.

While you check your orchids, remember that part of orchid care is keeping an eye on the colors of the leaves and flowers. If the leaves appear dark green, they may not be receiving enough sunlight. If they have a reddish cast, they may be getting too much light. Generally, you should ensure that each orchid plant receives about twelve hours of light each day. If your area doesn't get that much sunlight, you may need to supplement that light with orchid care grow lights. Be sure not to leave the lights on for more than twelve hours in a row.

When you spend time orchid gardening, and take care to provide your orchids all that they need, they will beautify your home for years.

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