Saturday, July 27, 2013

Caring for Orchids - Guide to Make Perfect Orchid Bloom

Caring for orchids is not a complicated process, despite the firmly held belief that orchids are difficult and complex plant to keep alive in your home.
By taking some time to do a research about the unique needs of your specific orchid; you will realize that you are on your way to having a thriving, happy, and healthy plant. Some of the most basic tips in caring for an orchid to help you achieve a beautiful orchid bloom are listed below.
Keep Watering Your Plant a Balancing Act 
The crucial part of caring for orchids you own is to know exactly the fine balancing act that is needed to make certain that their optimal health and well being is achieved. Water serves as the orchid food. Although a high humidity level is required for the orchid to thrive properly, giving your plant too much water can result to fungal and viral infections as well. Orchids also hate excess water on their leaves. It is true that in their natural habitat, orchids have highly humid environments, and they are also frequently exposed to frequent rain showers; but remember orchids are also exposed to high heat and free flowing steady breeze, which results to high evaporation that keeps excess levels of water to a minimum.

On the other hand, it is also highly possible to underwater your orchids. One rule of the thumb to follow is that between watering, you should never allow the roots of your orchids, and the potting media, to totally dry out. This can be initially difficult and may take a bit of trial and error for you to be able to perfectly master the right timing of watering your orchids.
Temperature Balance - Is it Too Hot or Too Cold? 
Orchids grows best in temperatures that remains above 65 degrees Fahrenheit; if at any instance that the temperature will drop below to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, more often than not, your orchids will drop off its flowers. Or in worst cases where temperatures may drop to much below than 65 degrees Fahrenheit you are at the high risk of losing your orchids. Therefore, a well balanced temperature is very important to keep your orchid thriving. You should know the specific temperature requirements of your specific orchid; To be sure of the exact temperatures your orchid requires, you should talk to an orchid expert and verify your doubts.
Having the Appropriate Containers 
When it comes to successfully caring for an orchid, the type of container form where your plant is potted also plays a very important role in the success of your quest to successfully grow an orchid. Using a pot that is specifically designed for orchid use can be the best choice. These pots must have holes on the sides and underneath to effectively drain excessive water and allow the free flow of air.
Potting Media 
Using a potting soil as a media for your orchid is highly discouraged. Potting soil will more likely hold excess water around the roots of the plant. It can also prevent the roots of your orchids from getting sufficient air to circulate. This can result to a rotten root.
Lighting needs 
Your orchids should receive sufficient amount of sunlight throughout the day. To achieve the lighting requirements, you must put your plant in a window that provides access to sunlight. However you should not place your plant in an area that receives full sunlight because this can burn the leaves of your plant.


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