Caring For Orchids

Caring for orchids can be challenging. However, they are not that complicated and if you understand caring for orchids and their needs you can grow these exotic and beautiful plants.

One of the big mistakes the people make when caring for orchids is over watering their orchids. People assume that when their potting soil looks dry, they need to be watered. This is not true, as the potting bark may appear dry, the bark itself holds moisture. The rule of thumb is to water once a week or once every other week, sparingly. Orchids also need to be fertilized, also sparingly. Buy orchid fertilizer at your favorite greenhouse.

The amount of light the orchid plant needs can vary. When caring for orchids they generally need a good deal of diffused light. Sitting in an eastern facing window will allow them to have the cooler morning light and prevent them from burning in strong afternoon sunlight. 12 hours of light a day is ideal, but sometimes not practical, because of very strong afternoon sun.

Getting a good routine in place when caring for orchids for watering and fertilizing is a great way to guarantee that you will be able to enjoy these exotic plants for a long time.

Get the best caring for orchids information from the Orchid Care Expert. Read Orchid Care Expert - a Practical Guide for Orchid Care

There are four types of orchids:

1. Terrestrial Orchids, having their roots in soil.

2. Lithophytes, which grow in rocks or at least, very little soil.

3. Saprophytes, which get their nutrition from decaying or dead matter usually accessed on the forest floror.

2. Climbing Epiphytes, being found in trees with roots that cling to tree bark to absorb water and nutrients.

Get the best caring for orchids information from the Orchid Care Expert. Read Orchid Care Expert - a Practical Guide for Orchid Care

The Phalaenopsis orchid is a beautiful orchid commonly found in many well decorated homes. It is a perfect house plant for a warm environment heated with a dry central heating system. The blooms are round and come in many vibrant colors. the Phalaenopsis orchid usually blooms twice a year. There are normally four to five blooms on a single very long stem. They produce 'air' roots that drape over the sides of the pot and also take root in bark chips in the pot.

This type of orchid should be allowed to dry out thoroughly in its planting bark before watering. Usually water every 2 weeks. Run water into the planting pot and allow it to drain out the bottom of the planting pot. Fertlize at watering time two or three times a year.

Get the best caring for orchids information from the Orchid Care Expert. Read Orchid Care Expert - a Practical Guide for Orchid Care