Most native orchid species grow in the tropical regions of the world.   Their roots are surrounded by a membrane called velamen. This membrane is responsible for absorbing moisture from the environment and attaching or anchoring the orchid to the orchid media or any other available stable surface.

This multipurpose membrane soaks up large amounts of water quickly, adheres to rough surfaces, and promotes the exchange of minerals and salts. Dry velamen is white or silvery, and freshly watered velamen is green or mottled, depending on the species.

Most people are used to growing plants in soil, not in bark and other media that orchids grow in or on.  Because of this, beginner horticulturists have been making big modifications on how they water their plants.  Other people tend to water their plants over and over, once they notice their potting media looking dry.  When this continues, people end up over watering and even drowning the plant.

Orchid media quickly absorbs water and then dries out.  It allows oxygen to flow around the plant’s roots.  This is needed to make the roots function correctly.  When the potting media is kept wet, the roots begin to become rotten, and the plant begins to wilt.  But then, if you are not really knowledgeable on how to care for an orchid, then your instinct will tell you to water the plant once more, which makes the condition even worse.

Always water your plants in the morning, instead of at the night. Orchid plants should be absolutely dry heading into night.  Night time watering allows water to stagnate in the growing tips of phalaenopsis or the flower sheaths of cattleyas. This encourages bacterial and fungal diseases.

You can also water your plants using lukewarm water.  You should water from the top of the plant, until the water runs freely into the drainage holes or immerse the plant in water.  Let it absorb water for ten minutes.  You can also wipe out any water that has splashed on the leaves or in between.  You can use a straw, as a way of focusing the flow of air to blow out water from in between the leaves of your plant.

Check the color and general appearance of your orchid’s roots.  By learning how to appreciate the appearance if the roots of your plant, it may save you from future frustration.

The bottom line is: observe how your orchid is doing.  Learn how to read your orchid’s roots to be able to determine if you are sufficiently watering your plants.  Remember, orchids are better off being slightly under watered than overwatered.

Orchid hybrids are created mainly to improve the color selection and morphology of the species. For example, experienced orchid growers can create hybrids with miniature flowers in a variety of colors – not just one or two colors. That is the power of cross-pollination and careful selection for hybridization.

Phal orchids are native to tropical Asian countries including the Philippines, Borneo, Java and elsewhere.  You may come across different hybrids of this kind, ranging from the Moth orchid that has a classic white color, to the jewel like miniatures with clouds of yellow and pink blooms.

Fertilizers

During the growth season, fertilize your phal orchid with a week fertilizer weekly.  Then, you can cut it back to once a month during the flowering season, and also during winter.   Some growers like to give the plant a boost of blooming fertilizer in September or October to provoke a flower spike.

Light

Phal orchids do not fare well if exposed to direct sunlight.  They usually wither when placed in a location that has a constant source of direct sunlight with no shade.  Phal orchids scorch in direct sunlight.  They are low-light orchids that thrive in an east facing window.  This kind also does well under common grow lights when positioned about a foot off the plant.  You will notice that a thriving and well grown phal orchid possesses darker green leaves on top and streaks of red or burgundy on the undersides.

Water

The phalaenopsis is a monopodial orchid that grows from a single stem. It does not have the large water-storing pseudobulbs found on sympodial orchids, although its leaves can store some water.  You will know when the orchids are not getting enough water because the roots begin turning white! While some people find white roots quite pretty, white roots are a sign that the plant needs more water.

Phal orchids require watering once every four to seven days.  They do not like dry periods, and if there is not enough water, these orchids will die.  These orchids become more dehydrated during the growing season, so ensure that you water them at least once a week.

Temperature

During active growth, Phal orchids like temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees.  The higher the temperature, the greater the plants need for humidity.  If ever you decide that you want to keep your orchid indoors, be sure that the immediate indoor temperature would not drop below sixty degrees.

Flowering

Phal orchids are one of the largest blooming orchid species.  They can produce flowers that last from two to six months before dropping.  They are known to bloom twice or thrice a year once they have reached a mature size.   After it has flowered the first time, cut the stem just above the node where the first flower bloomed. From the top node a new flower stem should emerge within 2 months. If there is no response or the flower spike turns brown, cut it off near the base of the plant where it emerged.

Why are these pots better than ordinary garden pots? Well, orchid pots have larger holes and more of them, both in the bottom and sides of the pot, to ensure better drainage. Some orchid containers may be shorter than standard garden pots, which have a larger base. This becomes useful for top heavy orchids. Other pots meet the needs of orchids with long roots because these containers are narrow and tall.

In general, if your orchids tend to dry out too often, use plastic pots rather than clay and use a fine potting mix. If you tend to be a heavy waterer, use clay pots with a coarse mix.

Basket Pots
• Basket pots allow more air circulation and they prevent the roots from rotting and discourages diseases
• The roots and soil of orchids planted in baskets dry out faster because of the air circulation of baskets.
• Because of this, you will need to take care that the orchids by watering them so they do not dry out.
• Baskets may be traditional baskets made from woven strips of fiber, or they may resemble boxes made of slats with wide spaces between each slat.
• A basket is very suitable for orchids with pendant flowers, or heavy- rooted, sprawling orchids.

Clay Pots
• They are heavier and more stable.
• Clay pots are porous and they breathe.
• The growing medium inside a clay pot dries out uniformly.
• It has one drainage hole in the bottom, although some specialist orchid pots also have drainage holes on the sides.

Plastic Pots
• These pots are non-porous which provide less ventilation for the orchid roots.
• Plastic containers are often used in the home, but the disadvantage is that the potting mix tends to retain water for longer periods than clay containers.
• Orchids like Miltonias and Moth orchids that prefer a slight dampness benefit from a plastic pot.
• A lightweight plastic pot, which may have several drainage holes, is more suitable for indoors, where it is far less likely to be blown over.
• Choose plastic pots that have thick walls and do not break easily, light in color, and does not heat up too much in strong sunlight.

Select the best orchid pots according to the orchid species you have. When taking care of plants, there are various ways to cultivate them, and one way is to select the right container – so make sure to be careful and find out which one suits your plant in order to make it thrive.

Here are some of the methods used to propagate orchids:

Back Bulb

Back bulb propagation is a method of producing a new plant from old previously flowered or unflowered back pseudobulbs which are usually leafless.  It may take up to three years to grown an orchid if you propagate by back bulbs alone.  Many orchid growers look for back bulbs when they divide their plants.

Keiki

A keiki is a small plant that grows on a node along the flower spike where under normal circumstances a new branch would develop.  These plants are produced by Phalaenopsis orchids.

Aerial cuttings

This method is easy to take as the plant is almost fully grown when removed from the parent plant.  Aerial cuttings are commonly used to propagate Dendrobiums.  These plants have stem like canes and usually showy racemose flowers. When Dendrobiums are placed under stressful growing conditions, they will produce small plants instead of developing flower buds.

Division

This means splitting the plant in to two or more parts each with at least one new shoot and each will produce a fully grown mostly flowering size plant that is capable of flowering the following season.  Although you may worry about damaging your orchid by splitting it, dividing a plant most often encourages it to produce new vigorous shoots with better quality than if left on its own.

Many people are hesitant to cut their plants into two or more parts, but you must know that there are reasons that make it beneficial for your plant.  Doing so will make sure that each division with have a full growing season to establish itself.

Meristem tissue culture

Meristem tissue culture is a highly skillul and scientific method of propagation.  It needs to be performed under sterile conditions and is most often used by commercial growers who have access to a laboratory.  This is often used to mass produce a specific hybrid for commercial purposes.

Seed

Growing orchids from seed is also better suited to a laboratory, since orchid seed is about the size of dust. While other seeds contain nutrients to sustain a seedling, orchid seed has none and needs special techniques to achieve successful germination and growth.   Absolute sterility is once again pertinent for the success of this process.

Here are the steps you should follow when repotting your orchids:

Remove the orchid from the old pot.

Spread out several sheets of newspaper, because repotting can be messy.  This is also for you to make cleanup easier. Turn the plant upside down over the paper and thump the sides and bottom of the pot to dislodge it.  You can also give a firm tap to the sides and bottom.  When the roots stick to the container, use a sterilized knife to loosen the plant.

Prepare the orchid for repotting

Trim the roots by using scissors or shears that have been sterilized.  Remove any dead or damaged roots.  Dead roots are light brown colored and mushy, while healthy roots are white, firm and with light green tips.  Once the plant is free of the old pot, gently split the roots and remove as much of the old potting mixture as possible. Don’t worry if you can’t get all of the old mix off of the roots because it is better to leave it than to risk damaging the roots.

Repot the orchid

Pick a pot that will accommodate two years of new growth.  But, if you are using an old pot, wash and soak it with ten percent chlorine bleach solution for thirty minutes, then rinse.  If you are using a clay pot, then soak it in water for a few minutes.   Because orchids require good drainage, be sure to put clean stones, broken crockery or plastic foam peanuts in the bottom of the pot.

Before using the potting mix, hydrate it with boiling water, then cool and drain it. Place some of the dampened mixture loosely on top of the drainage materials.   Positon the orchid and pack more of the dampened mixture around the roots, using your thumbs to make the mixture firm.  When you are done, ensure that the top of the rhizome is levelled with the top of the bark.

Caring after orchids repotting

Place your orchid in a lightly shaded location.  Mist the plant and the surface twice daily until you see new root growth.  Once you notice that the roots have penetrated the bark, move the plant into brighter light and continue with your normal caring routine of watering and fertilizing.

Follow these steps carefully and you will be able to successfully repot your orchids!

These provide a statement on the couples’ motif or wedding theme as well.  A famous choice for wedding flowers is the orchid.  Orchids come in various colors and kinds, so that any couple could pinpoint their exact choice for their special day.

Durning a wedding, an orchid can become a multipurpose plant.  You can use orchids for the bride’s bouquet, especially because of its color and scent.  When choosing this, you have to take note of an orchid’s color, since this is the primary aspect when creating a wedding bouquet.  Most couples or brides choose white bouquets, and some follow their wedding theme.

Couples do not only choose orchids for their color, but also for the way these plants smell.  Bouquets are held close to a person’s nose, so it is best to avoid strong scented flowers.  You have to consider people or guests with allergies, so be cautious when choosing the right flower for a wedding.

Flowers symbolize many things.  Roses stand for love, while lilacs and daisies symbolize innocence.  Friendship and loyalty are represented by Blue hydrangeas.  Most people carefully choose the kind of flowers the want to use, since each signifies a certain message.

Orchids symbolize beauty which is something every couple would want their wedding to look like.  Beauty is not only superficial, it can also emphasize the happiness in one’s relationship, the wonders of one’s ceremonies and the importance of one’s traditions.  These are the reasons why people choose orchids as wedding flowers.

Aside from being used as a bridal bouquet, it can also serve as a wedding centerpiece.  But be cautious because as mentioned earlier, some people may have reactions to strong scents and may develop allergic rhinitis.  Nevertheless, orchids have many advantages, especially when placed in the middle of the table.  Orchids grow very tall, catching other peoples’ attention.

Orchids are resistant to moisture loss and heat.  Though, it may be sensitive to cold and may drop blooms due to handling without care, orchids are tough. These plants are also advisable for summer weddings, and they are available all year round, based on their variety.

Another important factor is that orchids can be purchased by bulk.  You can save money and go directly to the orchid growers instead of paying for plants sold by resellers.  This is a dollar saving tip that is best practiced in occasions like weddings and birthdays.

The more popular kind is the terrestrial orchid, and even though it has roots that grow beneath the surface of soil, a handful of terrestrial orchids could have both underground and aerial roots.  This means that they could also be semi-terrestrial.

Orchids go a long way, and one of the first types that have been cultivated is called the Cymbidium orchid.  This is a terrestrial orchid that has forty species and thousands of hybrids.  This type does not only grow on the ground, they can also thrive on trees and rocks.

This plant is known because it is very easy to grow and has been a perfect option for those just beginning to take care of orchids.  This type produces gorgeous flowers yearly.   Cymbidiums can also grow well in decayed leaves or even in the loose humus of rotten wood.  Its natural habitat can be found within Southeast Asia, in Japan and in Australia.

Epiphytes are plants that derive moisture and nutrients from the air and rain.  They usually grow on another plant.  Epiphytes are not assigned to any specific orchid, this simply pertains to any plant that has a root system above the ground.

One example of a known epiphyte is the Dendrobium, which has over a thousand species.  They can be   Dendrobiums are relatively easy to take care of, but they need a little bit more attention compared to Cymbidiums.  They also do not flower regularly.

Dendrobiums are naturally found in tropical countries, like in Northern India, Australia, Southeast Asia and Polynesia.  Because of this, they bloom and grow in moist, humid and warm growing conditions.

Another type of orchid is called the Phalaenopsis.  These are epiphytes that are uncomplicated to grow and have long lasting flowers.  Phalaenopsis orchids are often visible in special occasions like weddings.  They come in different colors like pink, yellow and stripes.

Let me share with you some general information about orchids and about where they come from. Orchids are generally found in tropical countries. These locations experience an enormous amount of rain. The ideal humidity level for orchids is 80%. For people, being in a room with this much humidity may be uncomfortable, that is why it is vital to look for other methods to keep your orchids healthy.

You can always humidify your orchids, to give them a constant water supply. You may also provide an artiificial, high humidity climate for your plants. You can do this by purchasing a deep saucer with pebbles.

Now what should you do with these? Place the pebbles into the saucer, and then put your orchid pot on top of the pebbles, still within the saucer. You may water the pebbles and be sure that the water does not touch the orchid pot.

Another mistake that people make is that they water their orchids too much. Many plant growers presume that once the soil looks dry, it has to be watered. This is untrue, especially with regards to orchids.

Take note of this: You should sparingly water your orchid plant once a week, or even once every other week. The potting bark may appear to be dry, but the bark itself takes in moisture. When you take care of an orchid at home, carefully observe the potting bark. When it is completely dry, then you can water your plant.

Some orchids can be found growing on tree trunks and branches, and based on their habitats, it is not unusual for their roots to dry out before being given water. Use orchid fertilizers sparingly as well, and you can purchase these from various garden shops. In every orchid you take care of, it is necessary to practice a scheduled pattern of fertilizing, watering and care, so you would be able to enjoy your plants for a long time.

Orchids will bloom and thrive once you provide an adequate supply of water, the right intensity of light, occasional fertilizing and the correct amount of potting bark. By understanding how orchids grow, you will discover that even though these plants may sometimes become temperamental, growing these exotic plants aren’t that complicated after all.

Orchids grow mostly on tropical countries, and this means they require a good amont of diffused light. Tropical areas have a certain distribution for sun and shade. You wouldn’t want your orchids to droop because of extreme sunlight.

In order to make sure that your orchids get only the adequate amount of light, place your orchid in an eastern facing window. This way, it absorbs the cooler morning light and avoids the intense mid-day heat.

Many people wonder – how much light does your orchid really need? Just as the sun shines for almost half a day, your orchid calls for twelve hours of light daily. But, we all know this is not possible due to the strong afternoon sun.

To be able to determine the amount of shade your particular orchid species will need, you must gather as much information about it as you can. There are various methods to acquire data and facts about your orchid.

One of the simplest and best ways is to ask the orchid seller or the person you bought your plant from. Make a search over the internet, and find out what particular species of orchid would be suitable for you before even buying one.

The intensity of sunlight an orchid requires may vary from one kind to another. Some orchids flourish when they receive a lot of sun, while others wilt. It always pays to inquire, ask around and do your own research.

There is also another way to distinguish which particular species need a specific depth of light. Soft growing orchids bloom in shady conditions, while hard growing orchids thrive in the opposite.

A soft growing orchid is ideal for owners who desire a healthy and flourishing plant in shady conditions, but their blooms will be small and occasional. But then, orchids that require a lot of sun will produce more blooms, but not much plant. The leaves on those plants may also appear yellowish and scrawny.

One solution that may help orchids get the right amount of light would be to use a growing light. You can buy it together with a timer to ensure that your orchids get the sufficient amount of shade and light they require. You can also make use of a fluorescent light to provide your plants luminance that is not too intense.

For the longest time, people have perceived that orchids can be grown only by experienced horticulturists. But, by giving your plants artificial light to suit its needs, even with the least experience, you can also grow your own orchids.

Together with a full understanding of the specific orchid species you have, natural sunlight, fluorescent lights or grow lights, you can possess a beautiful orchid that will thrive in full during its blooming season.

Most types of orchids do not require anymore work than any other house or garden plants.  But, some orchids do have special requirements.  Your first step in orchid care should always be to find out the particular requirements that your flower needs.  There are very few plants that produce such a delicate and beautiful bloom as an orchid can.  It is one of the things that make them such a popular house plant.

If you give your orchid extremely well care, you can keep them blooming just as healthy as they were in the store.  The popular orchid you probably have received as a gift or bought from the store is a phaleanopsis.  This is the popular white or purple orchids that are available due to the fact that they are easier to care for than some of the less common varieties of orchid plants.

Orchids will bloom for at least three months if they are taken care of correctly.  You should place your orchid near the window so that it can receive sunlight throughout the day.  But you should avoid the midday sun which can be too harsh for these plants and aim to give your orchid morning and evening sunlight.

For this reason, the eastern side of your home is an excellent place to place your orchid.  You can substitute natural sunlight with fluorescent lights that are about a foot above the orchid’s flowers but, you still want to limit exposure to normal daylight hours.

Orchids thrive in temperatures that are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit but no higher than 8o degrees.  Orchids that are in weather that passes 90 degrees will start to loose their buds or will stop blooming at all.  It is important to make sure that the flower stays moist, but do not over water the roots because it can kill the blooms.  In stead, water the plant once every ten weeks, or keep the orchid in a water tray constantly.  Make sure that the roots do not touch the water tray or it will then constantly be soaking up too much water.

A great tip to keeping the orchid in bloom for the most amount of time as possible is to fertilize the plant before it blooms.  Once it ahs bloomed, you don’t need to fertilize it any longer.  Plus, another tip to keeping your orchid in bloom for the greatest amount of time you can is to carefully prune the orchid while it is blooming.

You will then be able to see a second set of flowers develop.  With the right amount of care and attention, you will be able to own a gorgeous orchid plant that will display a full and rich bloom throughout the blooming season.