Orchid Information
In a short amount of time, orchids have become one of the most famous and favorite among other house plants. One reason is that it has a huge variety of different species and various colors that can be found naturally.
Orchids are not complicated to take care of, and not really that difficult to grow. The basic factors you would need are water, light, fertilizer and air. A lot of orchids adapt better to cooler conditions, but many species can thrive in a 75 to 85 degree Farenheit temperature.
We all want to conveniently grow plants that are easy to take care of, and one species that suits that description is the Phalaenopsis orchid plant. This adjusts easily to a home or an office environment. An orchid’s flower lasts for different amounts of time, depending on the type of orchid you have.
The sprays of the bud of a Phalaenopsis orchid will remain in bloom for the next two or three months, compared to that of a Cattleya’s. The Cattleya’s flowers may last up to a month in bloom, from the moment that the bud opens. A handful of orchids bloom once a year, and others bloom in different occasions, or even continuously.
Aside from the variety of species to choose from, orchids are also known for being fragrant. Some orchids are very aromatic. But, like any other flower, the orchid’s scent can vary from one species to another.
There are orchids that omit a strong scent, while others can be subtly scented. They mostly smell fruity to flowery. One astonishing fact is that several orchids have aromas that resemble chocolates, raspberries, coconuts, lilacs or even citrus.
Many people ask where they should plant their orchids. These should be planted in the bark, and can be grown using New Zealand sphagnum moss. You should be careful to choose an orchid pot that will provide your plant good drainage.
The usual potting soil is not helpful for orchid plants since it blocks the drainage of water, and disrupts the air circulation of the roots. Just like humans and animals, an orchid may need more water during the summer.
You can water your plant every four or five days. Bear in mind that the hotter it becomes, the more water you would need to provide your orchid, and vice versa. If you have an orchid potted in New Zealand sphagnum moss, you should water in less, compared to an orchid planted in bark. The latter can be watered once in seven to ten days.
Orchids thrive in a lot of light that is not too intense, but then again, it really depends on the species of orchid that you have. The bloom and grow well especially when they are placed in an east facing window. Orchids are used to receiving diffused amounts of light and shade, because their habitat is naturally in tropical areas of the globe.
Once the sunlight becomes too intense, your orchids might willow and show off yellow colored leaves. If this happens, you must increase the shade you are providing your orchid.
A sign of feeding deficiency is when an orchid’s leaves become yellow. Don’t forget to fertilize your plants every other week as well. You must also water your orchid before utilizing any diluted nutrient solution once your potting media becomes dry.
