How To Care For Orchids
David Slone
August 02, 2008
Orchids are some of the most beautiful houseplants you can find. Orchids are delicate plants that require nurturing and loving care to flourish. However, if one carefully follows orchid care instructions and provides the plant with the appropriate attention, caring for orchids can be very fulfilling as a hobby or just as beautiful accents to oneīs home.
The first step one must take is, of course, planting the orchid. Fill the pot with soil 2/3 to capacity. (More on soil choices later.) Place the plant in the center of the pot and spread the roots out in the soil. Next, fill in the rest of the soil and water the newly potted orchid.
There are quite a few options when choosing the soil for planting an orchid. Some popular choices are osumda fiber and fir bark. Bark mediums usually require more frequent watering, so if you choose to use bark, be mindful of this. All orchid soils provide support for the roots while also allowing for air spaces between the particles, providing good drainage for the plant.
Orchids like humidity, so to increase humidity around the plant, it is a good idea to gently mist the leaves on the plant. Do not, however, mist the plant directly, but instead mist it in a way that the water rests on the leaves as it settles. Orchid enthusiasts often fill a tray with pebbles, fill it half way with water and have the pot resting on a dry layer of pebbles on top. This allows the water to evaporate and thus, creates a more humid climate for the plant.
Lighting is very important in caring for orchids. In fact, it may be the most important aspect of its care. These plants require about 12 hours of light each day, possibly more in the wintertime when the weather is cooler and the days shorter. For this reason, the best place to keep an orchid is near a south-facing window, where it will receive indirect light from the sun.
Watering, as in any plantīs care, is vital to the life of your orchid. One should never over water an orchid to the point where there is a pool of water in the pot. Generally speaking, orchids should be watered once a week, or when the soil feels dried out to the touch.
Make sure to properly prune your orchid to keep it clean and healthy. This not only helps your orchidīs health, but also keeps it looking its best. Orchids are one of the most beautiful flowers in the world and their beauty has inspired many people worldwide to take up orchid care as a personal hobby. Of course, they also provide your home with an exquisite touch year round. Whatever your interest in orchid care, you will find success if you follow these instructions and provide your orchid with love and care.
To learn more about caring for houseplants visit www.houseplantsforyou.com where you will find detailed information about popular houseplants such as the Mother-in-law's Tongue, African Violet, India Rubber Plant, Heartleaf Philodendron and more. The collection of housplant information and care articles will help you to be a better plant keeper with happier, healthier plants.
Copyright 2008, HousePlantsForYou.com. Permission is granted for republishing this article on your website or blog under the condition that all links and copyright information be left intact.
The first step one must take is, of course, planting the orchid. Fill the pot with soil 2/3 to capacity. (More on soil choices later.) Place the plant in the center of the pot and spread the roots out in the soil. Next, fill in the rest of the soil and water the newly potted orchid.
There are quite a few options when choosing the soil for planting an orchid. Some popular choices are osumda fiber and fir bark. Bark mediums usually require more frequent watering, so if you choose to use bark, be mindful of this. All orchid soils provide support for the roots while also allowing for air spaces between the particles, providing good drainage for the plant.
Orchids like humidity, so to increase humidity around the plant, it is a good idea to gently mist the leaves on the plant. Do not, however, mist the plant directly, but instead mist it in a way that the water rests on the leaves as it settles. Orchid enthusiasts often fill a tray with pebbles, fill it half way with water and have the pot resting on a dry layer of pebbles on top. This allows the water to evaporate and thus, creates a more humid climate for the plant.
Lighting is very important in caring for orchids. In fact, it may be the most important aspect of its care. These plants require about 12 hours of light each day, possibly more in the wintertime when the weather is cooler and the days shorter. For this reason, the best place to keep an orchid is near a south-facing window, where it will receive indirect light from the sun.
Watering, as in any plantīs care, is vital to the life of your orchid. One should never over water an orchid to the point where there is a pool of water in the pot. Generally speaking, orchids should be watered once a week, or when the soil feels dried out to the touch.
Make sure to properly prune your orchid to keep it clean and healthy. This not only helps your orchidīs health, but also keeps it looking its best. Orchids are one of the most beautiful flowers in the world and their beauty has inspired many people worldwide to take up orchid care as a personal hobby. Of course, they also provide your home with an exquisite touch year round. Whatever your interest in orchid care, you will find success if you follow these instructions and provide your orchid with love and care.
To learn more about caring for houseplants visit www.houseplantsforyou.com where you will find detailed information about popular houseplants such as the Mother-in-law's Tongue, African Violet, India Rubber Plant, Heartleaf Philodendron and more. The collection of housplant information and care articles will help you to be a better plant keeper with happier, healthier plants.
Copyright 2008, HousePlantsForYou.com. Permission is granted for republishing this article on your website or blog under the condition that all links and copyright information be left intact.
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