Many hobbyists prefer to grow orchids rather than many other plants. One reason is that orchids are easy to grow and does not require much expertise. Unlike other plants, watering and fertilizing is not much of a concern in growing orchids at home. The plant sprouts beautiful blooms without depending so much on the kind of environment the plant lives in. A tropical plant, but can live in different environments. They can easily adapt changes and can still manage to give wonderful blooms. The hobby is commonly found in Asia and some of these hobbyists have even made it to the point where they artificially grow different sets of colored orchids.
Orchids grow on trees, which make them require a specific atmosphere. Despite the said requirements, orchids remain to be a flower of choice by many because it is still easy to have and grow one at home. Just learn the technique and your orchids will grow and bloom just the way you wanted.
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Watering
Watering orchids do not have to be marked on your calendar whether daily, weekly or on any schedule. Orchids die when the grower had watered the plant too much. Watering this plant depends entirely on how much water the plant needs and by taking into account the light, humidity, air circulation, and on what technique will its roots be grown in. The grower can just simply monitor the plant and prevent it from getting dry. Just like that, no need to organize water schedules on the orchids. It depends on the conditions present in your homes.
The usual technique of sticking your finger works fine on monitoring the health of your orchids. See if it is still moist and if not, then it is time to water the plants again. Once you understand the environment to which these orchids live in, then watering them will no less be an easy job for you. Few growers would use transparent pots for their orchids as their method of figuring out if the plant already needs water. The condensation determines if it is still moist. In addition, since these orchids look nice on pots, choose pots built with draining holes to prevent overwatering them.
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Potting
As we have mentioned, the pots you should use are those built with draining holes. In this way, watering the plants will not be difficult. Remember that over-watering these plants is the most common reason for killing the orchids. In case, you chose to get pots with no draining holes, then the plant could possibly sit on too much water harming its growth and survival.
Growers choose either to use pots made of moss or bark. Both require different watering methods and styles. With moss, drying out does not happen quickly since this moss acts as a sponge that stores enough water for the plant. In this kind of potting, watering needs not to be done frequently just until the moss dries out. While on the other hand, barks contradict. It holds less water as compared to moss but is actually a good thing for the orchids. This potting method has a higher chance of not over-watering the orchids. But just before you buy any of the two, know that the type of orchid you are having may require either of the two for its healthy growth.
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Fertilizing
Securing the orchids’ growth is a concern to many growers. Unlike in the wild where orchids get its nutrient from the trees they live in, once grown at home would require proper and responsible fertilizing. Proper in a manner not to overfeed the plant with fertilizers, and the responsibility to use only those intended to let the plant have a healthy growth. Water-soluble fertilizers are preferred by many since they can just mix it with the water used for watering the plant. Choosing the right fertilizer results to good blooms on these orchids, make sure what you bought have the required nutrients for healthy growth.
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Lighting
Orchids have a large family with different variations under it. There are orchids that can live in low light, and there are orchids that would prefer strong light. If the type of orchid you are having needs some sunlight, then you can place them in places in your homes where it reaches direct sunlight. But do not expose it with too much sunlight to prevent them from drying out. Morning sunshine is preferred rather than sunset and afternoon sunlight. However, if your orchid can live in low light places, then the dim light your home has would suffice. In addition, take the orchids in places where there is no direct sunlight when it blooms since the heat caused by the sun may dry out its bloom quickly.
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Humidity
Knowing its origin shed light as to what environment orchids can live in. Though mostly found in tropical places with rain forest humidity, orchids stay fine in your homes. Just do not let it get exposed to too much heat nor cold. Your homes will be just fine for the orchids and there is no need to take any extra measures for its humidity requirements. Monitor it and when the plants start to deteriorate, just take the necessary measures to prevent the plant from drying out.
Orchids for Starters
Adding some orchids in your home tables or along your window panes would be nice. Its blooms will definitely add color to your places. If you have not tried growing one in your life yet, then lady slipper or the nun’s orchids may do well. You can find this at any floral shops in your area or order one from your local florist. They are the orchids for starters and taking care of them is easier as compared to other orchids. Just learn the proper way of watering these orchids, in that way alone will already keep your orchids healthy
