Orchids are increasingly gaining popularity as one of the most favorite indoor plants.
Not only are there many different species of orchids that can be found naturally, there are now also many hybrids.
Growing orchids is very easy when you know how to give them the right amount of water, light, fertilizer and air.
While many species of orchids do enjoy cooler conditions, several species do very well in temperatures that are around 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
One of the easiest types of orchids to grow is the Phalaenopsis orchid.
This species of orchid adapts extremely well to the indoor environment of a home or office.
The length of time that an orchid blooms for is dependent on its particular species.
Phalaenopsis have a generous two to three month flowering period from when the first bud opens, whereas, the flowers on a Cattleyas orchid plant may only bloom for a month at most.
Some species of orchids will bloom once a year, while other species will bloom several times a year and some, amazingly, will bloom continuously.
Another aspect of orchids that makes them so popular is the wonderful fragrance of certain species.
However, the scents from fragrant orchid flowers are extremely variable.
Some are very subtle while others have a very strong fragrance.
Orchid scents can range from fruity to flowery.
Did you know that some orchids have aromas that smell like chocolate, raspberry, coconut, lilac or citrus? Orchids should be planted in bark rather than regular potting mix.
Alternatively they can be grown in New Zealand sphagnum moss.
It is important when growing orchids to plant them in pots that will supply them with good drainage.
Regular potting mix is bad for orchid plants because it cuts off air circulation at the roots and blocks water from draining.
Over-watering can damage your orchid so they should only be watered about once a week or fortnight.
During the summer, your orchid plant may need to be watered more frequently about every four to five days.
An easy rule of thumb to follow is the more heat, the more water you should give your orchid while the less heat, the less amount of water.
Orchid plants that are grown in New Zealand sphagnum moss should be watered less often than those planted in potting bark.
These plants can be watered once every seven to ten days.
Your Orchid will do very well sitting in an east facing window as they prefer a lot of light that is not too strong.
Since orchids are found naturally in tropical conditions, they are used to receiving both shade and sun.
However, the Sun exposure must not be too strong.
Orchids that are suffering from too much sun will display yellowing leaves.
If this occurs you should increase the amount of shade that your orchid receives.
Yellowing of orchid leaves may also indicate insufficient feeding.
Orchid plants should be fertilized on a regular basis about every other week.
However, once your orchid blooms, you can stop fertilizing it until the flowering period is complete.
You should also water your orchid plant before applying the diluted nutrient solution if the potting bark is dry.
Not only are there many different species of orchids that can be found naturally, there are now also many hybrids.
Growing orchids is very easy when you know how to give them the right amount of water, light, fertilizer and air.
While many species of orchids do enjoy cooler conditions, several species do very well in temperatures that are around 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
One of the easiest types of orchids to grow is the Phalaenopsis orchid.
This species of orchid adapts extremely well to the indoor environment of a home or office.
The length of time that an orchid blooms for is dependent on its particular species.
Phalaenopsis have a generous two to three month flowering period from when the first bud opens, whereas, the flowers on a Cattleyas orchid plant may only bloom for a month at most.
Some species of orchids will bloom once a year, while other species will bloom several times a year and some, amazingly, will bloom continuously.
Another aspect of orchids that makes them so popular is the wonderful fragrance of certain species.
However, the scents from fragrant orchid flowers are extremely variable.
Some are very subtle while others have a very strong fragrance.
Orchid scents can range from fruity to flowery.
Did you know that some orchids have aromas that smell like chocolate, raspberry, coconut, lilac or citrus? Orchids should be planted in bark rather than regular potting mix.
Alternatively they can be grown in New Zealand sphagnum moss.
It is important when growing orchids to plant them in pots that will supply them with good drainage.
Regular potting mix is bad for orchid plants because it cuts off air circulation at the roots and blocks water from draining.
Over-watering can damage your orchid so they should only be watered about once a week or fortnight.
During the summer, your orchid plant may need to be watered more frequently about every four to five days.
An easy rule of thumb to follow is the more heat, the more water you should give your orchid while the less heat, the less amount of water.
Orchid plants that are grown in New Zealand sphagnum moss should be watered less often than those planted in potting bark.
These plants can be watered once every seven to ten days.
Your Orchid will do very well sitting in an east facing window as they prefer a lot of light that is not too strong.
Since orchids are found naturally in tropical conditions, they are used to receiving both shade and sun.
However, the Sun exposure must not be too strong.
Orchids that are suffering from too much sun will display yellowing leaves.
If this occurs you should increase the amount of shade that your orchid receives.
Yellowing of orchid leaves may also indicate insufficient feeding.
Orchid plants should be fertilized on a regular basis about every other week.
However, once your orchid blooms, you can stop fertilizing it until the flowering period is complete.
You should also water your orchid plant before applying the diluted nutrient solution if the potting bark is dry.
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