Four Popular Orchids And How To Care For Them
I realize that it can be frustrating to hear that caring for orchids is easy while yours are slowly losing their leaves and looking sicker day after day. Are you ready to finally hear the truth? It is simple, but often not easy, especially for first time orchid growers. It all comes down to just a few things that you need to pay attention to. While some orchids are like close family, others are more like inlaws, and don’t mix well. They have different requirements. But in general, properly caring for orchids requires 4 basic elements. They are light, water, temperature and fertilizer. You just have to know your orchid type and adjust the amounts of these elements appropriately.
Luckily, most orchids have some common preferences. Most of the popular orchids prefer a humid environment. You can create a humid environment by adding a layer of stones to a tray and then putting water in the tray up to the top of the stones. Now place your potted orchid on the rocks, making sure the roots are not soaking in the water. Adequate air movement is crucial too, or your orchid will just rot. To give most orchids enough light without overdoing it, east facing windows often work great. Depending on your orchid type, it may require more light, but be sure to avoid direct sunlight. Make sure it is filtered or you will burn your leaves.
Orchids grow all over the world, all on their own. This tells us that your orchid will do well if the same combination of these four elements is supplied. All you have to do is create an environment closest to your orchid’s natural habitat. The great thing is you don’t need any special equipment to determine whether you are providing the right environment for your orchid. You can easily determine most of this just with some good old fashioned attention to your orchid.
Some simple observation can reveal a lot. For example, take a look at the roots and see how they feel. If they are soggy, they clearly don’t need any more water. Perhaps the roots look fine, but the leaves have begun to turn yellow and to fall off. Then maybe it is getting too much direct light. Or maybe there are signs of disease or pests.
Following is an overview of basic needs for some of the most popular, and easiest to grow orchid types. So determine which orchids you have and follow these guidelines.
Dendrobium Orchids
The fact that Dendrobiums are easy to grow is one reason they are so popular. Place your dendrobium in moderate light. Use your observation, but they typically require water every one or two weeks. Try to keep them constantly moist when they are actively growing, but let them dry out a bit when they are more dormant. Keep the temperature between 50 and 70, and feed it every 30 days.
Phalaenopsis Orchids
Another favorite orchid, it is frequently one that people acquire as their first orchid, e.g., the white moth orchid. These grow naturally in the tropical areas of Asia, and what makes them popular is the variety of colors and their longer bloom times. the tropical regions of Asia, it comes in many colors and is one of the longest blooming orchids. Most Phalaenopsis prefer low light conditions. Phalaenopsis need more water than other orchids, since it does not have pseudobulbs that can store water. Try to keep it constantly moist rather than dry. Preferred temperature range is 50 to 75F.
Cymbidium Orchids
A Cymbidium orchid is yet another easy to grow orchid. They flourish in brilliant lighting, and they can even thrive outside the house if the temperatures are not too excessive. Cymbidiums like to be continuously moist, but you should not soak them. Stay clear of direct sun, as this can burn the leaves. This is yet another orchid that favors temps between 50 and 70F, however you can get more blooms by always keeping the temperature on the lower end of the range.
Cattleya Orchids
Yet another orchid that comes in a range of colors, some Cattleya orchids have contrasting stripes and other patterns. There are possibly more hybrids of Cattleya than any other variety of orchid. They like brilliant, but again indirect light. Their leaves will be brighter green if they are receiving a sufficient amount of light. Water thoroughly when they are in their growth phase, but cut back once flowers begin emerging. Allow the plant’s roots dry out in between waterings. Can you guess the ideal temperature? Right, 50 to 70F. See you know a lot already!
I have covered the essentials of caring for orchids, concentrating on 4 of the most widely used and easiest to grow orchids.As you observe and make adjustments to keep your orchid happy, you will learn the exact amounts of water, light, food and temperature that work the best. Just don’t stop trying if you have a setback. You never know, it may even become a passion of yours like it has for numerous others.
Caring for orchids is not difficult, but many think so. So Brian Paul decided to share his knowledge with others by releasing these orchid growing hints and a FREE orchid care minicourse. Get yours at Growing Orchids