Orchid care is commonly thought to be a difficult affair. However with a little know how it is an engrossing hobby that will reward your time with beautiful and fragrant blooms. The important factors in successfully cultivating orchids are the pot, the soil, the environment, and watering. If you pay proper attention to these factors and read the signs your orchid gives you, it will flower for you indefinitely.
The first thing to consider when preparing to grow orchids is the potting you will use. Generally speaking orchids should be repotted no more than once a year, and in some cases only once every two or three years. Orchids require pots with excellent drainage; if the soil is not allowed to dry out your orchid will develop root rot. It is recommended that you use a plastic or clay pot, do not permanently keep orchids in decorative pots as they almost never provide the drainage necessary.
Once you have your pot, the next item to consider is soil. Differing species of orchids thrive on different soils, and depending on the one you choose, you may need anything from bark to peat soil to lava rocks. It is also important to keep in mind that different soils will dry at different rates. Lava rock for example dries much more quickly than peat soil.
With your plant, soil, and pot in hand you can now pot your orchid. Orchids prefer smaller pots to larger ones. When potting, trim dead growth both from the roots and stems of the plant. Keep from over packing the dirt around the plant, if it is packed too tightly it will not allow the water to drain.
Orchids thrive on indirect light. Direct light will cause them to overheat however, so it is important to check the leaves once you have the plant placed. If the leaves feel hot to the touch, the plant is getting too much direct light and would benefit from a shadier location. On the flip side, if the leaves are an extremely dark green the plant is not getting enough light and should be moved to a less dark location. The right balance of light is a key factor in your orchid’s care.
It is natural to want to water your orchid frequently, but over watering is a top mistake many new growers make. Plastic pots dry faster than clay ones; and the type of soil you plant your orchid in will also affect the watering schedule. The climate, especially humidity is another determining factor in your watering schedule. Proper orchid care guidelines say that you should only water when the soil is completely drained. An easy way to check this is to keep the plant identification stick that most store bought plants come with. Keep the stick in the soil, and remove it and check for dampness. If it is still damp your orchid does not need additional watering yet.
When you do water, you should give the plant at least 30% of the volume of its pot in water. Plant problems don’t stem from the amount of water you give your orchid, but from giving your orchid water too often. The best time to water your orchid is in the morning, to give it plenty of time to begin drying before night slows the process. Fertilizer can be added to your watering at your discretion. Be sure to check the mixing strength of the particular fertilizer you choose to ensure a healthy mix.
If you follow these easy steps you will find that orchid care is not only a fun hobby. You will see the fruits of your labor in the beautiful blossoms of your plants and the delightful aromas they exude.
