Caring for Orchids: A Way to Get a Taste of the Tropics

Orchids are one of the sturdy plants despite their flower's delicate appearance. Even if they thrive regardless of neglects, they still require some care. Caring for orchids is all you need in order to have the most beautiful, exotic and romantic flowers in your own house and to keep them blooming every season for the next years to come.

You do not need to be an experienced gardener nor do you need to have a greenhouse or a green thumb to keep your orchids as beautiful as possible. All you need are some of this easy, fun, and rewarding guide in caring for orchids.

* Letting your orchids sit in a waterlogged pot can be very harmful and dangerous. The frequency of when to water them depends greatly on a lot of factors such as the type of orchid, light conditions, temperature, container characteristics, and media.

If your orchids are actively growing, you can water them once a week. Make sure you allow them to dry up first before the next watering. Each time you water them, apply enough water to the point that water will drain from the bottom of the pot. However, if your orchids are growing in open bark mixes or in small or clay pots, then more frequent watering such as twice a week is necessary.

* You should know the importance of giving your orchids proper nutrients for them to grow and produce flowers. These needed nutrients are Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus. You can find them in local garden supply stores. Make sure you read the directions in the label before using.

* Regular fertilization is also required for them to grow and bloom properly. But keep in mind that too much fertilizer can be potentially dangerous to the orchids. Easy and widely used fertilizers that are specifically made for orchids are the water-soluble types. You can apply these fertilizers monthly, but it may vary from manufacturer's recommendations.

Remember that depending on your orchids, fertilizing may require a higher ratio of nitrogen, such as 15-5-5 or 30-10-10 for orchids growing in barks; 20-20-20 for the mounted orchids; and 10-30-20 for the bloom-booster type.

* Reduce the application of fertilizer and water when the growth of the foliage stops. You can resume the application once a new leaf starts to grow again.

* Just like any other plants, orchids are also susceptible to pest attacks such as the scales, thrips, spider mites, and mealybugs. These insects feed on the leaves and flowers, making your orchids look unappealing and unattractive. The best thing to do in order to get rid of these insects is through the use of chemical sprays.

Make your orchids bloom again this year, next year, and the year after next. Caring for orchids will never be a hard thing to do with this helpful guide. Once you get the hang of caring for orchids, for sure you will have a wonderful and admirable family heirloom with you since some orchids can last for more than a hundred years.

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The Exotic Black Orchid

Orchids are a very popular flower most likely because of its exotic look. Even more unique is the the black orchid, whose genus name is bulbophyllum, this specific orchid accompanies many species in its class that can vary greatly in its appearance. The name bulbophyllum originates from both the Latin and the Greek. The latin "bulbus" means bulb-like and the greek, "phyllon" meaning leaf are descriptive of its form. This exotic plant is the largest genus in the Orchidaceae or Orchid family, as well as being one of the the largest in the entire plant kingdom. Numbering at about 1805 species, the study of the black orchid is no small feat.

The many different species of the bulbphyllum can vary greatly in their look, form, smell, growth pattern, and environment. This can make it difficult to identify and most times is done so by looking at the specifics and the structure of the flower on the plant. The genus itself can range from anything like an erect plant to a winding root climber. This, again is why it is so important to have the specifics of identifying a true bulbophyllum. For this reason it can be extremely difficult for even the most experienced taxonomist and yet since it is so challenging it makes it all the more interesting.

The environments that the black orchid grow in, also vary. The different countries that they thrive in range from Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, South America and, last but not least Papua New Guinea. Almost a third of the species originate out of Papua New Guinea, making its forests diverse with these sophisticated plants. Some of these forests and habitats are losing their natural form, which, in turn, is inhibiting growth. There are several species that are under the threat of becoming extinct. Four are on the endangered list and unfortunately, two are critically endangered. The bulbophyllum filiforme is native to Nigeria and Cameroon where it grows in tropical or sub-tropical dry forests and is now on the critically threatened list because of the loss of its natural habitat. Another on that same list is the bulbophyllum Kupense, also native to Cameroon but this species grows in a sub-tropical moist montane.

The black orchid is both beautiful and exotic, not to mention intricate in its design. A common person may not be able to label a black orchid as such which makes it all the more interesting to those who study them and are able to differentiate. It is important that we preserve the environments that they grow in so that we can continue to study this complex and obscure plant.

Steve Fortuna is an expert with Orchid Flowers, having been working with them for many years. You can find more information and pictures on phalaenopsis orchids, dendrobium orchids, and more by clicking a link above.

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Indoor Orchids - The Best Way To Care For Them

Orchids are considered as wild plants. It is expected therefore that their natural habitat is mostly outdoors, where the environment is tested by the elements: wind, rain and sunlight. It is therefore a bit difficult for one to fully comprehend the idea of indoor orchids. But this condition is very well possible. Because of its versatility, you can very well expect your orchids to thrive in any situation.

In growing indoor orchids, there are certain factors that need to be controlled. Since their natural habitat is the outdoors, it is best that we try to assimilate this condition. Therefore, you need to control and perhaps alter certain situations in order to adapt to their natural environment.

One of the very first things that we need to understand is the varied types of orchids that are also as varied as its temperament and ideal growing conditions. With over 35,000 species, each type or classification also has a different requirement. Before you choose or pick a specific indoor orchid, you must first research its natural habitat. But if you are eager to transfer one of your orchid collection to grow indoor, the most suitable type is the variety known to be White Orchid or Moth Orchid.

Once you have decided the kind of orchid that you will grow indoor, it is now time to know how to care for them. There are certain conditions that need to be controlled in order to ensure that your orchids will grow really well. Let's try to see how we can help your orchids survive indoor.

Since growing indoor orchids will most probably deprive your orchids of natural sunlight, it is best to check the location where you will position your orchids. Indoor orchids are best exposed to bright indirect sunlight. Exposing it to direct sunlight may be harmful enough to impede blooming. In case you have no choice but to put your orchids where it will be exposed to direct sunlight, it is best to hide it behind sheer curtain or blinds for added protection. It will serve as a shield and filter of sunlight.

In watering your indoor orchids, it is best that you saturate them and let the water drain all the way to the bottom of the pot. Then, you must leave the orchid for a few days to allow the potting media to get dry. This condition is assimilating the natural condition of being rained on and then drying out.

Another important pointer to remember is to allow enough air flow to circulate in the location of your orchids. It is a must that you open your window during the hot summer months and put a ceiling fan inside the room where you put your orchids. This will prevent bacterial and fungal diseases.

These are just basic conditions that you need to create for your indoor orchids in order to grow healthy and bloom continuously even if kept indoors for a long time.

Linette Petersen is an orchid enthusiast who believes that anyone can grow beautiful orchids as long as they have the patience and the perseverance to pursue their desire.

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