The Basics of Orchid Care                        

Just because orchids look delicate does not mean that they are difficult to nurture and grow. The truth is that with the right facts and tips, you can wind up being quite accomplished at growing these flowers.

The enjoyment of nurturing these plants, that have an exotic flair, involves 3 easy words as in location, location, location yes that is right location is very important.

First let’s look at the indoor location. Yes you can even grow these plants and enjoy their wonderful blooms indoors, in spite of the heating and air conditioning having a drying effect on the air.

Here is an explanation of how to do this. It can be hard sometimes to get these plants to bloom, even as per the experts, but the amount of work you put into it will be more than worth it.

Quite a few people enjoy these plants and their blooms indoors. First you need to examine your house a bit. You require a location that offers bright lighting. But you really don’t want any direct sunlight. When you find that you don’t have this then consider the grow lights to make an ideal location for your orchids.

You need a temperature has to be over 60 degrees F all the time. In the day of course the temperature usually easily rises about this temp especially in warm climates and in the summer. But if the night time temps outside drops below this temp at night be sure to bring in the house if you have taken it outside.

On top of a warm temperature your orchids on your windowsill need the right moisture. A good way of accomplishing this (and your orchids will be so happy!) is to take you pots of orchids and place them in a tray filled with gravel. Have enough water on the gravel to keep it at ½ inch all the time; this will create moisture for the orchids.

The fact that you are nurturing your flowers inside your house should not keep you from opening up the windows sometimes when the weather allows. You can also increase airflow if required (note that this is vital for the health of the orchids) by using a fan.

Are these orchids kept on a windowsill? This is the simplest way to start growing orchids actually.

Moth orchids are absolutely the best orchids for the indoor atmosphere out of all the orchids. These long lasting flowers are gorgeous and have blooms 2 times a year if grown correctly.

Lady’s Slippers come in second to the Moth ones for the indoor environment. These are truly wonderful and a prize due to the fact the blooms actually last 1 – 3 months! Just think you can enjoy these wonderful flowers for a fourth of the year! On top of this the plants that are older can thrive too. You have to admit that with their unique looks Lady’s Slippers are so enjoyable to behold.

Now for location number 2: the greenhouse.

Orchids as you will discover soon are adaptable to cold or warm temperatures. The secret to success will be providing a 15 degrees difference in temperature between nighttime and daytime.

When orchids are placed in the open, they need to have more water than some of the others and need to have the right air circulating. In the hotter months or during growth spurts your orchids will require being watered at least 1 to 2 times weekly. When you have a greenhouse you have very little trouble growing quality orchids!

If you are utilizing artificial lighting of some kind you need to understand the right light lengths and levels for the particular orchid species you are trying to propagate. Remember some prefer light that is shaded. Many orchids require brighter light to grow.

We are now arriving at the third location: the scenic outdoors.

Do you have a nice moist area? Do you have a moderate climate? If yes is your answer then you have the perfect situation for orchid growing. Even after all this you will possibly make the discovery that these plants can mature just by attaching to trees. You may also guarantee their health by actually placing in the ground or having them in pots outdoors.

Surprisingly, these tropical orchids can also be grown in areas that have winter weather. You just have to be positive that you take these beautiful flowers in the house when the weather is at the coldest. They can be returned outside when winter is over.

It is so true that orchids are simple to grow. Remember that it does depend on 3 things: location, location, location yes location is the key.