Orchids have long been a sign of love and favored as either a corsage worn on the dress, or as a wristband at most Proms. Most orchids have no scent, but their beauty and elegant colors give the wearer a sense of pride, not quite felt with wearing a Carnation. They are a thing of beauty in themselves, and the colors are bright and magnificent. The stems can be cut, and easily placed in a vase, as they call attention to themselves by lighting up any room with their multiple colors and shapes. Yet in order for them to remain at their best, you need to know the specifics of how to take care of Orchids properly.
Steps to Care Orchids
- Water the orchids. Water thoroughly when dry and allow the media to dry between watering. The plants use more water when they are in flower. Mist the foliage between watering but avoid spraying water directly on flowers as it makes them susceptible to fungus which will make them rot.Keep evenly moist and never let the media dry out completely. Remove the inner pot from the decorative one, place in the sink or in the shower if you have many. Add orchid food to a watering can or container, and completely water the base. Allow the water to completely drain before replacing it into the decorative pottery planter. Never allow it to sit in water, as it will kill the plant. Orchids are not planted in earth, but in the shell of a coconut, bark or cork. Their roots grow from the top, and not the bottom as usually found in plants. Also avoid excessive water in the center of the plant where new leaves grow as it may cause rot.
- Keep the correct temperature. 65-85ºF (18-30ºC) is best. For brief periods, they can withstand temperatures ranging from 60 to 100ºF (16-37ºC) but they dislike sudden temperature changes. Cold temperatures will cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually drop off. If this happens, remove the yellow foliage and continue caring for the plant normally. During the winter, do not feed the plant. In late spring, start applying a balanced fertilizer every other watering, using 1/3 the normal concentration.
- Watch for new growth. This will be in the form of a new cane growing from the base of the old ones. Under correct conditions, the new cane can be larger than the mother cane before it is ready to bloom again.
- Maintain the blooms. Peak blooming time starts from late winter, primarily February and March. Blooms normally last from 4 to 12 weeks. When the blooms fade, cut off the spike ½ inch above where it projects from the foliage. Cool nighttime temperatures (from -20ºF below daytime temperature) help to initiate blooms. With proper care, the plant should grow and bloom annually.
- Feed the orchid. During the winter, do not feed the plant. In late spring, start applying a balanced fertilizer every other watering, using 1/3 the normal concentration. New growth will be in the form of a new cane growing from the base of the old ones. Under correct conditions, the new cane can be larger than the mother cane before it is ready to bloom again.
- Re-pot when necessary. All orchids prefer being somewhat root-bound with their roots protruding from the top of the media. However, as plants produce more new canes or spikes, they can eventually outgrow their pot. Carefully replant your plant into a larger pot with porous media and good drainage. When watering them, remove the inner pot from the outer clay pot, make sure all the water has drained out from the holes on the bottom, and then replace it.
- Use the correct growing media. Orchids are commonly killed by being planted in soil. Most orchids are epiphytes and require very different growing media than houseplants. Epiphytes have thick fleshy roots used to attach themselves to trees or bark and to absorb water and nutrients. They grow best in soilless mixtures or attached to pieces of bark or cork. One of the best ways to kill an epiphytic orchid is to plant it in soil. They require a growing media with extremely good aeration and drainage. Commercially prepared orchid potting mixes are available or a mixture can be prepared containing chopped tree fern fiber, volcanic stone, charcoal, a little peat, fir bark or combinations of these.
- Get a suitable container. The type of container can be either plastic or clay, although clay is often preferred due to its excellent porosity. If using a clay container, enlarge the drainage hole or make additional holes on the sides (near the bottom) of the pot. Watering and fertilizing practices may have to be adjusted, depending on the type of container and media selected.
- Have proper air circulation. Having good air circulation can make all the difference for the health of your orchid. This will help your orchid heal if you do experience a fungal or pest infestation that must be treated. Air circulation is also a big part of the prevention of these types of infestations by keeping the leaves and flowers dry.
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