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Orchids are the largest plant species in the world. With over 20,000 different
plants and flowers to choose from, there is one that will thrive in your environment. Orchids are a long-lived plant and with
the proper care easy to rebloom. They are a beautiful economical replacement for a cut flower arrangement, or just an added
delight for any room in your home or office.
Houseplant 411 for the iPhone & i Pod Touch
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CARE OF ORCHIDS
Light: There is an orchid to suit almost any lighting condition so be sure to read the care label when you purchase your
plant. Generally speaking, eastern & southeastern exposures are the best; always avoid putting your orchid in the direct
sun. If your area is too dark the leaves of your orchid will be dark green instead of the grassy yellow green they should
be and the plant will not bloom. If there is too much light: the leaves turn yellow and develop sunspots.
Water: Do not over
water your orchid or the roots will rot and the plant will die. Test the soil with your finger for dryness or look at the
roots to be sure they are still whitish green and plump until you are certain of how often your orchid needs water. Never
let an orchid sit in water or use water from a softener.
Temperature: Orchids
do well in regular household temperatures of 65-80 degrees during the day and 10 degrees colder at night.
Fertilizer: Any good basic food (fertilizer) (10-10-10) that does not contain urea will be
fine. Fertilize your orchid twice a month using the food at ½ strength. Water first with plain water and then use water
containing the fertilizer so you won’t burn the roots.
Soil: The correct
soil is very important for orchids to grow and bloom. Orchids cannot be planted in regular potting soil. They need a soil
that drains well but retains water such as a bark-based soil or a peat based soil. There are several commercial soils especially
for orchids.
Pests and Diseases: Orchids are prone to aphids, spider mites, and the plant virus botrytis. If you have your plant where it can get a breeze or even set up a small fan near it, diseases and pests can be controlled
and blooms will develop faster. Spraying the green solution helps, but try to avoid the flowers.
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ORCHID FAQ’S
1. Where should I cut the flower off after it has finished blooming?
You can cut it off at the very base
of the flower stalk; or you can leave a piece of the stalk containing two nodes. New flowers will grow from one of these nodes.
2. Why are the leaves of my orchid all wrinkled?
The plant may be very
dry and need more water; or you may have over watered the plant, the roots have died, and the plant can no longer absorb water.
Take the orchid out of the pot, check the soil for moisture and the roots for appearance; they should look greenish white
and plump.
3. My orchid is producing lots of leaves but no blooms. What should
I do?
Try moving your orchid to a brighter location. The leaves should be a grassy light to medium green color;
if they are dark green, your plant needs more light to bloom.
4. There are buds
on my orchid, but why do they fall off before becoming flowers?
There are several things that could cause this.
You may be over or under watering your orchid so check the moisture in the soil. It may be too hot or too cold where you have
placed your orchid, try not to go below 55 degrees or above 80 degrees. Keep your plant away from air conditioners and heaters.
Don’t move your orchid to different locations.
5. How long should an orchid
bloom?
It depends on the species of orchid that you have. A phaleonopsis can bloom for 1-4 months while a cattleya
blooms for 1-4 weeks.
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