"Orchids are too delicate, so it must be difficult to grow" - Does it sound familiar? Have you heard that before? Or maybe you are thinking of that right now?
What if I say that growing orchids is not as difficult as you may believe. Orchids are species of plant that can be found on every continent, except in Antarctica. It is true that most of them grow remarkably well in tropical rainforests. This is therefore, the main secret of growing orchids successfully.
My research shows me that many people grow orchids successfully in their backyards in various medium, pots, indoors and outdoors; almost everywhere in the world. Growing delicate orchids is no harder than growing any other household plants; but only if you know how.
And I will tell you how in a minute. For now I will reason with you why I think caring for orchids is just as easy. As I said earlier majority of orchid species are found in tropical rainforest environments, with predictable elements that make them thrive beautifully. Without too much guessing, we could break down the essential substances that make up rainforest environments. For example, the soil is normally made up of dirt, decomposed leaves, branches, and other plant products mixed with rich minerals from rainwater and also animal droppings. Also, the air is normally humid and moist.
This is the secret, and if we could imitate it then we could achieve our goal.
Okay to the top 3 orchid care instructions:
1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
What does it mean? No, I didn't mean the best location for you to look at the flower. There is only one reason for this instruction, ie. lighting.
Just a quick lesson on biology, the reason for plants needing enough light is because they are able to produce their own carbohydrate from substances they absorb. In order to do this, plants need light. This process is called photosynthesis. The best light is the sunlight, however, you can substitute it with fluorescent lighting if you grow your orchids indoor.
Whilst all plants require enough amount of light, too much of one thing is bad for them. Too much sunlight, particularly in the summer months, can burn the plant. In the natural habitat, orchids grow in shadier areas. So, watch signs of burning of the leaves, such as reddenning on the edges, as you may want to move it away from the sun. Make it a point not to expose the orchid to direct sunlight.
2. SOIL AIN'T SOIL
Not all types of soil are the same for all plants. Orchids do need specific type of soil to get maximum growth. In their original habitat in rainforests of Southeast Asia, orchid plants extract their food from decomposing organic materials, such as other leaves, petals and barks, droppings from birds, and minerals contained in rainwater. Science has proved that orchids really the following ingredients Potassium, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus.
There are commercially prepared potting mixtures that are specific for orchids with the right substances and degree of acidity. However, you can create your own blend you wish. Coconut fibres are a good base to use, combine it with tree barks, fern leaves, and sphagnum moss. Or my favorite is usually to mix the commercially accessible and my very own potting mixes.
Every now and then, feeding your orchid plant with a bit of orchid fertilizer every time you water is a good idea.
3. MOISTURE, HUMIDITY, AND WATER
Water is so crucial. Never let your orchids dry. However, it is as important not to drown your plant in water. They don't just absorb liquid from their roots, but also from the moisture in the air. Many people think that they can just water it more frequently to compensate for a dryer air.
Again in their natural habitat, orchids live in tropical rainforests with high level of humidity, e.g. greater than 50%. It would be wonderful if you can imitate this environment.
In dryer months, it pays to keep it moist. I often use a home-made trick of keeping them moist by using hand sprayer and mist my orchid vegetation. This enables me to put additional droplets of water on the plant in dryer weather.
When caring for orchids, you ought to also know when's the correct time to water them as well as how frequent the watering ought to be. During wintery months, orchids should be watered only once per week. But in summer months, you only need to water orchids twice every week.
Caring for orchids is not as difficult as some people may believe. For as long as you learn and follow orchid care instructions properly, you can never go wrong. Good luck with your orchidilic endeavor!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5090573
