Plant careOrchid Care
Orchids are not difficult to grow, contrary to what some people think. Success depends on learning your orchid’s basic needs and adjusting your care to suit their requirements. There are close to 25,000 species of orchids with new ones being discovered every year. Although growing conditions will vary with each orchid, there are some basic essential factors to consider.
Orchids grow wild all over the world, except in regions of perpetual snow or in parched deserts. Most are found in the tropics, and of these the greatest numbers inhabit the cloud forests at elevations between 3,000 and 9,000 feet. Orchids have learned to cling to trees (epiphytes) to survive in this setting. Orchids merely find a foothold and collection of humus material, such as dead leaves and bugs. Outside forests, epiphyte orchids can be found growing on stone walls, fallen logs, or rocky cliffs. Since cut off from a continuous supply of water, they must depend on catching rain and dew. For this purpose, their roots have a spongy coating that soaks up water. Their stems and leaves are thickened for the storage of water. When such a plant is grown in a flower pot, the potting medium must be extremely porous to allow the roots plenty of air. There are other kinds of orchids that live on the ground, known as terrestrials. These are found in soil that is fluffy with humus, such as rotting wood or thick layers of dead leaves. Even these, when grown in pots, must have open, well-drained compost.
Light is one of the most important factors in raising orchids. Plants should be placed in an east, south, or west window in indirect sunlight. Too intense a light can cause scalding. The color of the leaves is often a good sign of proper light. If leaves become very yellow, then move the plant to more shade. If leaves are dark emerald green, move to more light. Light will vary depending on what variety of orchid you are growing. In general, very light shade is needed for varieties like Vanda and Cymbidium. Medium shade is required for varieties like Cattleya and Dendrobium. Heavy shade is needed for Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, and orchid seedlings. Temperature is another factor to consider. Phalaenopsis , one of the warm growing varieties, is perfect to grow indoors. These orchids prefer a temperature range of 64 degrees at night, 72 during the daytime, and 80 degrees with sun. Cattleyas and Dendrobiums like a cooler temperature range of 60 degrees at night, 68 during the daytime, and 75 with sun. This group of plants are best suited for being placed outside in the warm seasons. Cool growing plants, like Cymbidium and Odontoglossum prefer cooler temperatures of 55 degrees at night, 65 degrees during daytime, and 70 on sunny days.
Orchids are used to an environment where air and water move freely over its root system. Over-watering can therefore be a large problem, causing roots to rot and the plant to die. Larger pots may need to be watered thoroughly every 6 to 8 days, while smaller pots may need to be watered twice a week. The frequency of watering depends on the variety, the amount of misting one does, and the existing humidity.
Fertilizing is also important. A water soluble fertilizer at recommended dilutions is generally advised. Feeding every couple of weeks should be enough. Growers may want to feed stronger solutions to plants that receive much sunlight. Orchids planted in bark need a high nitrogen food, while those in most other media need a balanced food. Flush the pots with clean water occasionally to prevent salt buildup that can kill the plants. Lotus International’s Orchid Pots are designed for optimum orchid growth, with attractive designs and colors. Our pots are made from high fired stoneware clay that provides durability and support. Each pot has hand carved slits in engaging patterns to allow maximum drainage and airflow to the orchid. Most people recommend repotting orchids when they are not in bloom, perhaps in spring when you see signs of new growth. If your orchid is in bloom, you may want to use our Orchid Pots as slip pots until it is convenient time to repot.
Repotting is necessary when the media breaks down causing the roots to stay soggy or when the body of the plant has outgrown the pot. Orchid root usually creeps over the edge and out the bottom of the pot before the body has made it to the edge. This does not mean it is time to repot. When repotting, choosing the correct pot size is important since using too large of a pot will prevent good root growth. When repotting, remove as much of the old media as possible and cut off any dead or soggy roots. Media especially for orchids should be used; such as orchid potting mix, fir-bark, osmunda fiber, and tree fern fiber.
Care for your orchids will vary with each plant. For specific instructions, please contact an Orchid Specialist or read a book on orchid growing. With proper care, an orchid in Lotus International’s beautiful Orchid Pots should last a lifetime and provide years of enjoyment!
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