Best Care For Orchids

Orchids are both beautiful and exotic, but they are also sturdy plants that do not require a high level of maintenance, a fact that comes as a surprise to many individuals. However, fans of this attractive and fragrant bloom should familiarize themselves with how to best care for orchids so that they can enjoy their plants to the fullest.

Orchids require specific conditions of moisture, drainage and humidity to thrive and produce blooms that will last for many months. The most challenging task when one is caring for orchids is the proper re-potting of the plants. This is an essential step regarding the prevention of diseases to which orchids are susceptible.

Selecting Suitable Pots

Orchids should be placed in pots that are only slightly bigger than their root mass. The plants should be snug in the pot and the soil should be packed firmly enough to ensure that the stem stands very straight. As a general rule, one should choose a pot that is approximately one and a half inches larger in circumference than the root mass of the plant it will hold. Orchids grow slowly and their roots extend in a circular fashion, therefore a pot that features the measurements described above will accommodate the plant for several years.

If the roots have already reached a substantial length when one is beginning the potting process, it is safe to re-wrap them into a tighter ball, although care must be taken not to break the roots, as they are somewhat fragile. After completing this task several times, those who care for orchids will find that it is not difficult to re-pot their plants. Once the flower has been successfully transplanted, it should be watered lightly and moved as little as possible for the next few days. Orchids are susceptible to shock, therefore they must have time to adjust to their new container.

Understanding the Growth Pattern of the Orchid Roots

To provide appropriate care for orchids, fans of the plant should have a thorough understanding of its root system. To grow a beautiful orchid, a person must provide the plant with a good draining medium and adequate air circulation. For this reason it is important to invest in pots that are made specifically for orchids. Such pots can be found at most gardening outlets. They feature open areas along their sides, which allow the roots to grow outside the container. This is perfectly healthy and normal.

The roots of the plant may also spread out over the pot’s top rim; however, this should not be regarded as a sign that the flower must be re-potted. The latter action should only be taken if the plant’s leaves become spotted or feature a yellowish appearance, or if the blooms of the flower appear limp. These occurrences point to the possibility of root rot. Otherwise, the flowers will not need re-potting for 18-24 months. One should also do the following when caring for orchid blooms:

• Place the orchids in soft, natural light at least eight hours each day
• Avoid placing the orchids in direct or bright sunlight
• Fertilize the soil with products that contain potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen
• Water the orchids twice per week during summer and once per week during winter
• Re-pot the orchids every 18-24 months
• Water the orchids in the morning, never at night
• Keep the plants in a room that is heated to at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit

Caring for Spontaneous Blooms

Those who care for orchids may notice what appears to be a new growth protruding from the stem of one or more of their plants. With proper care, this new growth can be transplanted to its own pot where it will eventually sport a bloom of its own. However, it is wise to wait until the new plant develops its own root system before re-potting the flower. The roots should be a minimum of one inch long before re-planting will be safe.

Various Types of Orchids

There are over 20,000 orchid species in the world today; however, cross-breeding among numerous gardeners is said to result in the creation of over 800 new types each year. Some of the most popular orchid types include cattleya, Alaskan, Phalaenopsis, horned, Hawaiian and cymbidium orchids. Those who care for orchids of various types must understand that it is essential to keep track of each plant. This requires a fair amount of organization as all orchids are similar in appearance and it is vital to remember which plant is which. One must also remember when they were re-potted last as well as when they last bloomed.

Some gardeners regard orchid care as a science and recommend using clocks to keep track of various orchid types as they grow and bloom. The use of clocks is a complicated method created by the American Society of Orchids; however, it is highly effective and worth learning if one will be caring for various orchid species on a regular basis. Some gardeners even use spreadsheets as a more convenient and easier way to care for their plants. Ultimately, to provide proper care for orchids one must select the system with which he or she feels most comfortable.

Orchids are essentially a low maintenance flower, and by following the simple orchid care tips listed above one will enjoy success when growing these attractive plants. Those who care for orchids will also find that such flowers can add a beautiful and exotic touch to any room in which they are placed.