There is something exotic and intriguing about orchids and everyone should have a chance to enjoy them.
Want some cool facts about these amazing plants?
COOL FACTS
Now lets discuss how to take care of these amazing plants


What degree of light do orchids need?
Orchids will flourish best when placed in or near a window. If it is possible, use a window that faces east or west. It is important to remember in the heat of the day, the light from the sun is too harsh for your precious orchids. Instead morning and late afternoon sun is the best option for the plants. If you are in a darker or cloudier climate then the option that you will want to take is a shaded southern facing window. Another lighting solution is the use of artificial or florescent lighting. The optimal set up would have your lights approximately 1 foot above your orchid plant. If you use this method be careful to time it properly. You need to simulate the regular amount of daylight. If you leave the light on too long, it can cause your flowers and your leaves to wilt. On the other hand, leaving the light on too short of a period of time, your plant will not receive the nutrients that it receives from the sun or artificial source of light.

What temperature should be maintined?
Orchids grow best in a temperature range of 55 degrees to 85 degrees. Too hot a temperature will cause their growth to slow down while temperatures under 55 can cause unopened buds to fall off the stems of the orchids.
How much water is best for your orchid?
How much and how often you water can often be the determining factor between a flourishing plant or sick one. To begin, try watering the plants once every week to ten days. That should be a good starting point. Please be careful never to get water on the flowers. Water on a flower will shorten its life. The soil or medium your plant is in should never become completely dry. This will damage the plant and cause it to wilt or die. If the soil stays to wet it will cause yellowing of leaves and increase the chance of bacteria growth and rot. Overwatering also helps promote aphids, mealy bugs, mites, scale, and slugs and plants should be checked for these intruders regularly. Infestation should immediately be "nipped in the bud" no pun intended! If your plants are so unfortunate as to have one of these pests, do not worry, they usually can be taken care of by simply removing the pests with a soft cloth and some luke warm soapy water.
What type of medium is best for my Orchid?
There are more choices out there than some people may realize. First, there is potting soil. This is not one of the better choices but rather one of the more common. The next type many professional orchid growers choose is sphagum moss. This is a very common medium to grow orchids in as it produces thriving, beautiful plants. Sphagnum moss takes into consideration the orchids need for water and helps disperse it more slowly than ordinary soil. The next medium suitable for growing orchids in is stone. This allows your plant the proper arrogation it requires. You may also choose from bark, perlite or similar material. These choices all allow the water to enter the root as needed.
Fertilizers are a source of great controversy
Among professional growers the concensus is to "feed" a growing plant and avoid use of fertilizers when the plant is in bloom.
In conclusion, the proper care for an Orchid is vital to ensure your orchids thrive. Take the time to check the light, water, temperature, and be sure that there are no living creatures on your beautiful orchids. Growing orchids is a fun and rewarding way to beautify any living area.
Choosing Your OrchidThe best orchid varieties for beginners are Cattleya, Phalaenopsis or Moth orchids, or Paphiopedilum. These all fit well in household because they enjoy 60-80 degree temperatures with 40-70 percent humidity. They enjoy bright light so again a window with good exposure. These will bloom once a year and sometimes more when they are really comfortable. These blooms will last for 6-10 weeks so enjoy every minute!Pruning Tips For OrchidsPruning is the removal of dead or diseased leaves or the flowering branches that no longer have blooms. It is necessary and recommended as it promotes new growth and flowering. We all love our beautiful orchids in bloom, but there has to come a time when the blooming ends, sad but true. Well this is one time to do a little pruning. Blossom stalks should be pruned back to about 1/4 inch from a node with a sharp razor or pruner. You can judge how long you want it or remove it entirely. By taking it back to a node you do stand the chance of another bloom or babyplant. If your orchid should produce a baby plant it can be removed and replanted when it has roots. This type of pruning is more appropriate for Phalaenopsis. Dendrobium orchids bloom from leafless canes and cutting this back all the way will keep your orchid from reblooming. Dendrobium and Cymbidium orchids benefit from a gentle pruning of the roots also after the blooming season. Carefully lift the plants from the pot and trim off dead roots. When roots turn brown they are dead. Good healthy roots have a greyish appearance. Late autumn is recommended for pruning, but late winter should be avoided as it might result in the accidental removal of new flower buds. Head spinning yet? Here is a quick summary and quick reference guide.

Reference Guide

Phalaenopsis and paphiopedilum are native to the tropics.
They prefer daytime temps of 73-85 degrees F, and a humidity
of 80-90 percent. East or southeast less intense lighting is
best.

Cymbidiums and dendrobiums are warm-climate orchids and like
an average temperature of 55 to 75 degrees F, good air
circulation and steady (not sloppy) supply of moisture.
Southern exposed windows with a little shading at the peak of
summer will keep them content.

Cattleyas and oncidiums grow in dry relatively cool environments. A long period of 80-90 degrees F followed by a time of
cooler temperatures works best. These orchids appreciate a
drying out period and then a good soaking. These orchids
are the light lovers. Sunny south facing windows are best.

Masdevallia and epidendrum are high altitude plants who like
their avarage temperature to be 60-70 degrees F, and high
humidity. Filtered light is preferred not direct.

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