Orchids How To Keep Them Alive
When I visited my mother recently I found that she has taken up orchid care and, being curious, I was interested to learn what makes them ‘special'. What makes the orchid different to the normal houseplants grown at home and why are they such a challenge to the green-fingered?
My mum has always been able to look after plants, both indoors and out, so it was no surprise when she became hooked after being given her first orchid as a present. I have ‘brown fingers' not green ones, so I am full of admiration of anybody that can keep houseplants alive for more than one season.
After consultation with mum and a bit of my own research here are some tips for orchid care:
Orchids How To 1: Environment.
When you buy an orchid, make sure you can recreate the conditions of the plants natural surroundings. There are all sorts of varieties of orchid, some hardier than others so look at the label to check.
Orchids How To 2: Careful Watering.
Only water them about every 4 - 7 days, but it does depend on the season. To check if the plant needs water, push a wooden stick or pencil into the medium, if it comes out darker, there is enough there. Orchids can require different amounts of water at different times of the year, so keep checking!
Orchids How To 3: Careful Feeding.
Most orchids benefit from a specialist orchid fertilizer that is fed as a weak solution and applied once a week. To do this, use only half the dosage mentioned on the packet. The type of fertilizer will depend on what your orchid is growing in, so it is wise to check that first.
Orchids How To 4: Repotting.
At some point, unfortunately, the orchid is going to need repotting. Remove the old mix from the pot, being careful not to damage the roots. Rinse the roots and trim off any hollow or mushy ones, as they are considered dead. Put the plant into a new pot, apparently orchids like being root-bound, so there should only be about 1" between the roots and the edge of the pot. Add the new mix/medium to the pot, tapping the sides to make sure it settles properly. Press gently to settle the plant but don't use too much force or the roots may break. Use a stick to support the plant in the pot so it is secure. If your plant is growing in sphagnum moss, make sure it is damp before wrapping it round the roots and repotting, that way you don't have to worry about pockets of air. After repotting the plant should not be watered for 3 - 5 days to allow it to recover.
Orchids How To 5: When it has finished flowering.
Be careful to check whether your orchid flowers only once from the flower spike or will flower repeatedly from the same spike. However, once the plant has finished flowering the spike needs to be removed at the base with a sharp instrument to lessen damage to the plant itself. If you aren't certain, don't cut it off!
Orchids How To 6: Now nurse it.
An important part of orchid care is looking out for various fungi or parasites. Isolate any plant that has a problem, check it out, find the remedy and start treating as soon as possible.
About the Author:
Steve is a software engineer and owner of http://www.orchids-how-to.thememoryfoammattress.com/
Read more articles by: Steve Gee
This article is distributed by: www.iSnare.com
For More Information Try
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Growing Orchids Indoors
Indoor Orchids Caring For
Orchid Growing Tips