How to Take Care of Orchids in Six Easy Steps

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

Taking Care of Orchids - 6 Tips to Make Your Orchids Bloom Healthily

Taking care of orchids is not a very demanding job. Once you know what to check and what to do, you can actually leave the plant to bloom healthily. Like any other plants, there are important things that you have to keep in mind to make your orchid growing successful. There are also some mistakes to avoid to help you make your plants bloom well.

If you plan to take care and grow orchids at home, here are some tips that you might find useful.

Orchids

1. Do not plant your orchids on the ground. Orchids grow in rocks and on trees, thus you will never get to grow an orchid if you plant in on the soil or pot it with soil. Although this is the case, you may also need to have a potting medium to allow them to grow healthily. Coconut husk chips or fiber, tree bark, granular charcoal and tree fern fiber are just a few of the medium that you can use in potting your orchids.

2. Do not over water your orchid plants. One sure way that can kill your orchid plants is to over water it. Taking care of orchids means learning how to determine if the plant needs watering or not. Keep in mind that some varieties may absorb water longer, so you have to also check out if the medium is dry until the roots to water it again. It is important to note also that too much dryness can be a lot better for orchids than too much wetness. Keep in mind not to water your orchids at night as well.

3. Keep your orchid away from direct sunlight. It may be helpful to take note that orchids love sunlight, but too much sunlight may burn the plants and kill them. Watch out for the discoloration of the leaves. A reddish to yellowish discoloration of the leaves may mean too much direct sunlight, thus you may want to find other locations best suited for your plants.

4. Put your orchids in a place where it can experience a difference in temperature. One tip is to place your plants near the window where it can get a good amount of sunlight in the morning and a change of temperature in the evening. A change in temperature can often trigger orchids to bloom, thus consider this as well in taking care of orchids.

5. Maintain low humidity for your plants. This will allow them to absorb water from the air, but if your indoor atmosphere does not permit your orchids to get enough from the humidity, you can also control humidity by creating a humidity tray. If you have other houseplants indoors, and they thrive well, the humidity may be good for your orchids as well.

6. Overcrowding is another thing that you have to watch out for in taking care of orchids. These plants do not grow and blossom well if they are to overcrowded in the medium, thus you have to do repotting once in a while to give them enough space to grow healthily.

Taking Care of Orchids - 6 Tips to Make Your Orchids Bloom Healthily

To learn more secrets in taking care of orchids, check out orchid care secrets. Also check out Rose Secrets Revealed, where you can learn everything you can in growing lush and gorgeous roses in any climate.

Want A View? Start Growing Orchids On Trees

Do you live in Southern Florida or California? If you do then you can really enjoy orchids year round. Growing orchids on trees can be a blast. It can enhance any surrounding. Beautiful, colorful orchid plants will make your outdoor area very inviting.

The trees..

Orchids

Imagine the expression on the faces of your guests when they see orchids growing on your trees. First, though, you will need a tree that does allow some sunlight to beam through. Trees like palms and citrus are some prime examples. Oaks may even be candidates.
To be sure that you are in a suitable area look on an agriculture climate map and if you live in zone 11 you can do this successfully. Remember their are micro-climates that could allow you to plant these further North.

Some orchid candidates...

You will need to pair the right orchids with the right amount of sunlight that is available. In a really sunny area vandas would be a good choice to start growing orchids on trees. In shaded areas phalaenopsis or cattleyas are a great choice. If you need help an orchid grower will be helpful.

How To...

The first rule you should follow before attaching orchids growing on trees is to attach it during the time the orchids are growing their roots. For example, if you are attaching a cattleya you would do this during the months of January or February. If you choose two months before the orchid plants will bloom your in the right timeframe.

Attach the orchids with either cotton twine or a monofilament like fishing line. Wrap the plant firmly but not to damage the roots and pseudopods to the tree. It will usually take several times around to do this.
It will be important to successfully start growing orchids on trees to mist the orchids almost daily unless there is rain. This needs to continue for about two months until the roots attach themselves to the tree. Also, don't forget the fertilizer.

By the time this occurs your orchid plants should be blooming and really enhancing your landscape. Orchid plants will brighten any area indoors or out. But, to have orchids on your trees is such a beautiful "back to nature" experience.

Did you know that in our store we are selling orchids which are growing on wood bark and cork. These are all ready rooted and it will make any surroundings take on a lovely view. Take a look at our examples of growing orchids on trees.

Want A View? Start Growing Orchids On Trees

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Taking Proper Care of Your Ground Orchids

Growing Orchids can be fun and rewarding. Ground Orchids, or Spathoglottis Pilata their scientific name, are a plant from the Orchidaceae family. They flower year round and are native to southeastern Asia and the Philippians. They are found in the colors of white, lavender, violet, light pink, orange and yellow.

What do you need to know in order to take care of your Ground Orchids properly? Let us take a look. There are several conditions that need to be addressed about the care of your orchids. What type of light, humidity, spacing, how often to water, how to water, what type of soil or covering is best, and lastly, what type of fertilizers, if any should be used, are all the important questions you need to ask and know the answers to prior to growing your own ground orchids. Below you will find the answers these questions.

Orchids

First let us look at the lighting requirements of ground orchids. The Ground Orchids grow best when they are provided light shade from the suns harmful rays. They like light just not direct light in the heat of the day.

Next comes the question what kind of humidity does your new plant need? Well they do not like it extremely humid but they do thrive in about 75-80 % humidity. This is not required though, but they do prefer it.

Next on the long list of important questions is what are the spacing requirements for ground orchids? Orchids of this type require that there be spacing of 3-6 inches between each other. From one cluster it is possible to split and make 3 or more individual plants.

Next on the list of things is the topic of watering. How often and how much water your Orchids require should be one thing you do find out when purchasing your new plants. Well as for the how often? To water the flowers regularly is the key. Do not let the flowers wilt or dry up by not receiving enough water. How much water is a little trickier! This totally depends on the type of cover or medium you use. A plant should not sit in water yet it should have enough that the media stays arrogated. Too little water and your plant and flowers will shrivel and wilt; too much water and they will start to collect harmful bacteria that can eventually kill your orchid.

As for what type of covering or media is best to use? The coverings that will best suit your orchid's needs are moss or stones. Any media that allows the water to flow through to the roots and have sufficient room for the roots to grow will be alright to use.

If you follow the above mentioned tips and adhere to them, then there is no reason why your Ground Orchids should not thrive. Growing orchids is fun but takes a lot of consistent work to reach the most desired results, a strong and beautiful plant. Here is to happy and healthy orchid growing.

Taking Proper Care of Your Ground Orchids

Marty owns Orchid Care which helps people learn the secret techniques of orchid care

How to Prune Orchids the Right Way

How to prune orchid correctly is indeed one of the fundamental requirements in caring for orchids. Every orchid plant is required to be pruned at a certain stage of their growth to ensure it stays healthy, vibrant and blooming repeatedly. Unfortunately, a lot of novice orchid growers are very hesitant and have no idea how to properly do this very task. Yet, it's so crucial to know how to prune orchids the right way if desiring to have beautiful blooms every season.

There are huge numbers of orchid species and each orchid pruning procedure varies depending on the orchid type. Some will need just their leaves and flowers pruned while others will need pruning care for their roots. Basically, there are two different types of orchids according to their growing preference and they are called monopodial and sympodial orchids. Each type requires a particular pruning method.

Orchids

Sympodial orchids

Sympodial orchids grow parallel within a pot, somewhat like a creeping vine. The stem is called a rhizome and will recline across the surface of the potting mix and roots will develop along its length and sprout forth downward. They will yield pseudo bulbs which are thick vertical stems. Common sympodial orchid types are Dendrobium, Cattleya (or Laelia), Cymbidium, Oncidium Miltonia and Pahiopedilum. Pruning a sympodial type of orchid is generally done when repotting an orchid plant. It is imperative to examine first the orchid root system. Healthy roots are firm and white and have light-green growing tips. Dead or damaged roots are easy to notice, being either dry and crispy or wet and mushy. Make sure that all the dead, dry and/or damaged roots are removed. Soggy and light brown manifestations are a sure sign of dead roots.

Monopodial orchids

Monopodial orchids are plants with a single stem that develop continually in one direction from the terminal sprout every year, producing a couple of leaves each season; it has neither rhizome nor pseudo bulbs. Common monopodial types are: Phalaenopsis, Vanda and Angraecum. Pruning monopodial orchids focuses on orchids leaves, dead blooms and branches. Commence pruning once the stalk of the orchid turns yellow or brown by cutting an inch from where the blossom stalk originated on the plant. Prune branches by trimming the top blossom stalk source by 1cm and prune dead flowers throughout the blooming season for all orchids.

Generally, the best time for orchid pruning is either after a plant has flowered or before its active growth period which usually falls during the period of early October to late November. If an orchid plant is not pruned during these months, this orchid will still start to bloom; however, it may not have any new growth the next season. Prior to pruning make sure to sterilize each tool, such as a sharp blade, small knife, single-edged razor or secateurs, by either immersing in a diluted hydrogen pyroxide solution or passing it through a naked flame to avoid the risk of infecting the orchid being pruned with diseases. Also, don't forget to wash your hands and work gloves thoroughly before touching the orchid plant. If you do this all correctly, you'll be rewarded by an impressive show of flowers the next growing season.

How to Prune Orchids the Right Way

Get MORE helpful hints and MORE valuable information on how prune orchids the right way by visiting www.groworchidsguide.com and enjoy a FREE educational e-course on successful orchid cultivation.

How To Take Care Of Orchids

As one of the oldest known flowers on the planet, the orchid has grown from just another prehistoric plant into one of the most loved flowers today. Whether you wish to send them as a thank you or a message of love, or grow and cultivate them yourself, these beautiful flowers can light up even the drabbest of rooms with their multitude of colors and extravagant looks. Yet in order for them to remain at their best, you need to know the specifics of how to take care of orchids properly.

Since there are many variations of orchids, you should check the specific care needs of yours. However, as a general rule, the following guidelines will help your orchid thrive:

Orchids

• There are two sets of temperature to orchids at. While you can go as low as 60 degrees F at night, you should keep this between 75-85 degrees F in daylight hours.
• Although orchids enjoy sunlight, try keeping them shaded during the warmer parts of the day, between 11.00am and 3.00pm.
• Water is not as important a factor in how to take care of orchids as it might be with other flowers or plants. Unlike many other plants, orchids grow as if they were on top of trees, so very little water is required.
• You only need to worry about re-potting an orchid roughly every two or three years. Unless they outgrow their pot or the mixture it's planted in becomes damaged; then you will need to re-pot before this.
• When it comes to feeding an orchid, they are very low maintenance. Since they thrive on sunlight and a minimum of water, you only need to add to this once a month with alternative products. A good source of nourishment is any kind of fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. The good thing with orchids is that they can be fed all year round, unlike many other plants.
• Maintaining the plant is extremely easy. When the very last flower has gone, simply cut down the stem of the flower pike, and then seal the cut with either melted candle wax or a slight amount of powdered cinnamon. Keep looking after the plant until you can see if it's going to bloom again.

As you can see, it's not difficult to learn how to care for orchids properly, even if you're a beginner to gardening or plants in general. With just a little maintenance, these wonderful plants can cover any garden or plant area with their vibrant color, and give you hours of relaxation as you look out at them.

How To Take Care Of Orchids

Marco Cello is the owner of EzFlowerGuide.com Visit us if you want to learn more Information on How To Take Care Of Orchids.

How to Breed Your Own Orchids in Three Easy Steps

You are in love with your orchid and the elegance it brings into your home. Most orchid owners feel this way and it is only natural to desire more of these graceful flowers. Of course you can run out to the local plant shop and buy another bloom, but you've got everything you need to breed your own at home. Don't be afraid, there are three very simple steps required to orchid propagation and you will be successful, even if you have never done it before.

Orchid propagation is a big fancy word for taking a growth from a parent plant and using it to cultivate a new and separate plant. Most orchids develop pseudo bulbs during their active periods, which are perfect for the propagation process. These growths already contain water and nutrients and can easily be separated from the plant.

Orchids

Springtime is the best time to undergo the task of propagating orchids using this method because the pseudo bulbs are present and so are the environmental conditions necessary for these plants to thrive.
Here are three easy steps to get you on your way to propagating orchids:

First Step: Prepare the Pot

The root systems of an orchid can be rather temperamental. It is important to keep them relatively dry and well ventilated for orchid propagation. There are several things you can do to keep them happy and healthy. You should start off with a small pot that is made of a porous and natural material such as earthenware. This will help absorb any excess water from the potting matter to help keep the roots dry. So that your new growth from orchid propagation is protected from bacteria and fungi, it is necessary to sanitize the pot, tools and even your hands.

Second Step: Prepare the Filler

In order to provide the best possible environment for your orchid propagation, you should use a specialized filler to surround the pseudo bulb in its new home. These mediums can be found at your local garden store and will contain an appropriate mix of large pieces of organic matter to allow maximum air flow to the roots as well as absorb excess moisture.

Third Step: Prepare the Pseudo Bulbs

This is probably the most dreaded part of propagating orchids, but you will be pleasantly surprised by how easy it actually is. You must first remove the parent orchid from its pot and make sure the roots are free from dirt. The roots are fragile, so be careful not to break them. Take out any shriveled, rotted or otherwise unhealthy parts and separate the pseudo bulbs into small groups. You'll need at least three bulbs grouped with the new growth in order to assure correct orchid propagation. If you are able, gently pull the tubers apart by hand. If it is too difficult, then you can carefully divide them with a knife. Just be sure to clean the part that you cut with a disinfectant. Now you are ready to put the cluster into the pot and surround it with the filler.

That is all it takes to propagating orchids. Orchid propagation is so simple and takes very little time, I am sure you will love it so much that you soon have your very own home grown orchid garden.

How to Breed Your Own Orchids in Three Easy Steps

Carl Harrison is an orchid enthusiast. For more great tips and advice on orchid propagation, visit http://www.theorchidresource.com

How to Take Care of Phalaenopsis Orchids

The phalaenopsis is one of the most beautiful and long lasting blooms in the orchid family. Out of the naturally occurring varieties, phalaenopsis orchid care is considerably easy making it a fantastic house plant. That is why this fashionable flower is often the first choice of orchid consumers all over the world.

There are many varieties of the phalaenopsis orchid. Each flower can be easily identified as a member of the family by the shape of its petals. The elegant and curving blooms evoke the image of a graceful butterfly and the brilliant colors and patterns of the petals further solidify the likeness. These orchids flourish naturally at the higher altitudes and in the humid conditions of many mountainous regions.

Orchids

In order to keep these beauties blooming in your home, it is important to know simple phalaenopsis orchid care tactics necessary to facilitate optimum growth. The main elements that effect development are light, temperature, water, nourishment, humidity and root care.

1. Light
Phalaenopsis orchid care includes a generous amount of sunlight throughout the year. Direct sun can be dangerous, however, and lead to scorching. This orchid will flourish best when placed near a southward facing window that has a screen or filter in place to reduce the harshness of the rays. If you live in a particularly cloudy or shady region, you can supplement with a special daylight simulating fluorescent lamp or white reflective surrounds near the plant for proper phalaenopsis orchid care.

2. Temperature
This plant does best in a moderate and easy to achieve daytime temperature range of 70 to 80 degrees. Being native to mountainous regions, they cannot stand sustained warm temperatures and require a significant degree drop of 15 degrees overnight. Just make sure to close vents or turn off the heaters in your orchid's room during the night.

3. Water
Less is more with phalaenopsis orchid care when watering these types of plants. This goes for the phalaenopsis as well. The plant requires very little hydration and its root system is easily susceptible to over watering. Simply check the dampness of the soil around the plant and only add water when absolutely necessary.

4. Nourishment
Though the phalaenopsis produces its own food by transforming light into nutrients through the process of photosynthesis, it is essential to supplement house plants with additional fertilizer. A visit to your local plant store and a quick chat with an expert will help you find the best specialized orchid feed for your proper phalaenopsis orchid care. For best results, it should be administered at least once a month and more frequently during its blooming period.

5. Humidity
The wing-like blooms of the phalaenopsis family insist on being in an exceptionally humid environment. Most homes do not have these high levels of moisture readily available, so you'll need to create it for your plant. You can do so by keeping containers full of water or damp stones close to the plant, regularly misting the area with a spray bottle, or running a humidifier in the room.

6. Root Care
Last on our list for correct phalaenopsis orchid care, but certainly not least in the preservation of any plant is how to take care of the vital root system. The phalaenopsis will thrive best in a pot made of natural porous material so that maximum air flow and water absorption is possible. It should be planted in a specialized orchid medium consisting of large bits organic matter to further aid in soaking up excess moisture. Every year or year-and-a-half, it will be necessary to re-pot the orchid in order to accommodate the rapidly growing roots. The new pot should be only slightly larger than the last and made of a similar material.

By following these simple phalaenopsis orchid care guidelines, you will be providing your phalaenopsis orchid with the best possible environment for growth and it will provide you with long lasting gorgeous blossoms for years to come.

How to Take Care of Phalaenopsis Orchids

Carl Harrison is an orchid enthusiast. For more great tips and advice on phalaenopsis orchid care, visit http://www.theorchidresource.com

Orchid Flower Arrangements - 3 Ways to Best Show Your Orchids

Orchids are believed by many to be the most beautiful flowers in the world. If you want to decorate your home with these wonderful flowers you need to decide which is the best way to display them.

There are several basic orchid flower arrangements to consider when decorating your home. Below are the three most popular ways of displaying orchids.

Flower

1. Single flower vases - Although these are a relatively new idea, they have grown in popularity so quickly that they are now easy to find. Before you choose your vases decide on the approximate height you would like. If you are using the flowers on a dining table then you need to decide if your guests will talk around the vases or over the vases.

2. Plants in pots. Since orchids do not need much water they also do not need large pots. For this reason you can use live orchids in pots as your decorations. This will create a stunning and long lasting display.

3. Traditional mixed flower arrangements. Until recently the most common flower arrangements where created from an assortment of different flowers and foliage. These took experience and practice to get to look good. They also required more planning as you would need an oasis to support and hold the flower displays and you would need your selections of plants and flowers for the arrangement.

The orchid is an elegant flower with long elegant leaves, for this reason many people will choose the simplicity of single flower vases or plants in pots to best display these flower. It can seem more suitable than surrounding them with the clutter of a traditional flower arrangement.

If you want to have orchids around all the time then you are definitely best off considering displaying your plants in pots. Before you purchase your orchids you should review the requirements of the orchid and make sure that you are buying one suitable for your environment. Most orchids do not need much water however they do need light. It is important with an orchid to be able to shield them from direct sunlight as this can burn the flowers; so be careful not to harm your orchid flower arrangements.

Orchid Flower Arrangements - 3 Ways to Best Show Your Orchids

Learn more about orchid flower arrangements

If you want to successfully grow orchids visit at http://theorchidwebsite.com