Orchids are known to be relatively tough to grow and people come up with terrifying horror stories about how they failed to grow one. But these are easily over shadowed by the hundreds of success stories, some of them from first-timers about how they managed to grow these beautiful plants, and how they enjoy relishing their beauty for hours together. Learning how to take care of orchids doesn't have to be a tough nut to crack and can be done in six easy steps as follows:
STEP 1
Orchids
Choose a clear plastic pot for your orchid. This gives an immediate advantage in that you are able to monitor the roots of your plant, and also look out for any pests. It is essential to use a good medium for your orchids. A good choice can be tree ferns, known to provide excellent aeration and retain moisture for a long time. Coco plaques can be a refreshing alternative and orchids are known to love it.
STEP 2
Another tip for learning how to take care of orchids is to avoid over- watering. This is a common mistake committed by first -timers leading to the death of orchids, and must be avoided at all costs. It is important to plan your watering frequency based on the climate of your surroundings, the type of medium used and the type of your orchid. Always test the soil for dampness before watering. Rain water is best for your orchid as it contains useful organic matter compared to tap water.
STEP 3
Orchids need a certain level of humidity in their surroundings. It would be imperative to boost its humidity, if the surroundings are not humid enough. During summers, these plants can be placed in a shallow dish containing pebbles and water to restore their humidity. Orchids must be spared from watering during late afternoons or early evenings, as these can lead to condensation and rotting of roots.
STEP 4
Light is an important factor for how to take care of orchids and this must be made available in the right amount. Direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided, as this can cause sunburns. If light is not available due to climatic conditions, it is recommended to use a fluorescent light above the plants and these have been known to produce good results
STEP 5
Maintain the right temperature for your orchid when you are discovering how to take care of orchids. There is a wide misconception that orchids grow in high temperatures. However it is important to maintain a right balance of temperature and humidity, failing which orchids will grow but not bloom.
STEP 6
When orchids are moved from their natural habitats to your homes, they no longer get to eat their favorite foods comprising of decomposing leaves, bird/animal droppings etc. You can make sure that your orchid gets this by feeding it with fertilizers. Specially formulated orchid feed can be purchased from garden centers and various compositions are available; some to help enhance growth and regeneration, others to promote flowering.
It is highly recommended to note the subtle differences between each type of orchid and read the instructions that come with your orchid in order to grasp how to take care of orchids.
As it can be seen, caring for these lovely plants can be as simple as following six easy steps. The return of investment is high, with enthusiasts claiming that they can spend up to 2 hours staring at their natural beauty. So why not start caring for these lovely plants from today on?
How to Take Care of Orchids in Six Easy Steps
Carl Harrison is an orchid enthusiast. For more great tips and advice on how to how to take care of orchids, visit http://www.theorchidresource.com