Caring for orchids is not that difficult really. Tropical
orchids are no more difficult to grow than other plants, but because
most of them are epiphytes (tree dwelling plants) their culture is
different from that of other types of plants.
British orchid growers failed in the early 1800's when they attempted
to grow tropical orchids under dark, hot, and steamy conditions. They
succeeded only when they realized that most tropical orchids grew at
higher, cooler elevations and in the upper branches of trees where they
got considerable light and perfect drainage.
Potting mixes for
tropical orchids are loose mixtures of organic
material such as fir bark (not pine bark), tree fern, osumda fiber,
with small amounts of peat, perlite, cork, or charcoal added. To Care for orchids properly, have a mix that drains well, but holds some moisture. Most
commercial orchid growers supply ready-to-use orchid mixes in small
quantities. Orchids usually need repotting only once every two to three
years.
Caring for them In the home, placing the orchids in a room with relatively cool
temperatures will help guard against dehydration. Most orchids are
actually most happy at temperatures below the comfort level of humans,
especially at night. Orchid greenhouses are usually maintained at 55-65
degrees at night.
In the greenhouse, most orchids require some shading to prevent the
leaves from overheating. In the home, however, orchids need the maximum
light available. Placing them outside under the shade of tall trees
during the summer months is very beneficial. Do not place them in full
sun, however, or the leaves will burn. Also, do not place the plants on
the ground, for insects and slugs (snails) can enter the pots and
damage the plants. Pot hangers can be used to suspend the plants from
tree branches, chains, strong trees, or other structures.
When watering orchids, it is best to soak the potting mix thoroughly and
wait until the surface is relatively dry before watering again. Most
orchids in fir bark based mixes will need watering no more than once
every 5 to 7 days.
All plants can be fertilized safely with a water-soluble urea free
fertilizer such as Growmore 20-10-20 about once a month. Some orchid
growers prefer to mix water-soluble fertilizers weaker than indicated
on the package instructions and to use them every second or third
watering. Always water before fertilizing and remember that it is best
to under-fertilize rather than to over-fertilize.
With the lower light and drier conditions in the home, orchids cannot
use as much fertilizer as they can use in the greenhouse. Some growers
like to increase the humidity around their orchids in the home by using
"humidity trays" or trays of wet gravel around or under the plants.
Pots should not touch the surface of the water. |
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