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growing orchids |
| Orchid Care > Growing Orchids |
Growing Orchids Guidelines
Growing orchids really can be quite simple. Luckily when it comes to growing orchids there are many plants that are suitable for the beginner. Regardless of what kind of growing conditions you've got to work with.|
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In fact despite a somewhat frail appearance, if you've mastered growing violets you should find growing orchids no bigger challenge. Ying and Yang of Growing OrchidsWith over 35,000 known species of orchids to figure out which is best for you requires knowing a bit more about how they grow. .Like do you want a tropical orchid? Rather than growing in soil epiphytes are found clinging to trees and are supported by aerial roots. Such orchids are not potted. They mounted onto bark or moss. |
Their origin determines what temperature ranges they thrive in. As you'd expect warm types like it hot. Tolerating day time temps that range from 70 to 85 degrees F. With night temperatures of 60 to 65.
Yet daytime temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees F are required by the terrestrial types. They can handle night temps that dip to 50-55 degrees with no problems.
Then if you're out to impress your friend by growing orchids, you've got to know there are orchids that grow upright. While others are horizontal growers.
How they grow determines what kind of light they need. Horizontal orchids prefer high light environments. Like what you'd have in a south facing window. For instance Cattleya orchids thrive in areas with lots of light but no direct sunlight.
Uprights favor less light. A east window is best for them. Phalaenopsis orchids do quite well with little light.
Oh and orchids will make it clear if they're happy with the light you're giving them. Contrary to what you might expect, if the light is too intense the leaves will turn yellow. If light is lacking the leaves will go dark green.
While most orchids like high humidity, they're really not that fussy about it. They can make do with the humidity levels of your home.
Like violets orchids should be allowed to rest after flowering. During that rest period, you want to only water them sparingly and not fertilize them at all.
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Growing Orchids |
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