How to Take Care of Orchids

The orchid derives its name from the genus Orchis, and is the largest member of all flowering plants. Currently, the documented strength of orchid varieties stands at 880 genera, 28,000 species and over 300,000 registered cultivators, not to mention the ones we have no knowledge about. Orchids are unusual, they belong to a group that genetically evolved themselves into new species that one can see today. These flowers are found in abundance in grassy plains, rainforests, deserts, tundra region and swampy places. The diversity is such that certain species found once have never been seen or recovered again.

In the wild, a single orchid pod contains thousands of seeds, that get scattered by the wind for pollination. As they lack an endosperm, to germinate they enter into a symbiotic relationship with a specific fungus that sustains the seed with water and minerals and helps it grow. This itself is a reason why of the thousand seeds that get released, only a couple germinate. Some species propagate by sprouting plantlets from their nodes along the stem. Primarily orchids are classified under two growth type: monopodial and sympodial.

Taking Care of Orchid Plants

Choice of Orchid
Choosing an orchid from such a wide variety is definitely a daunting task, especially for a beginner. Experts recommend that one should pick up an orchid plant from a reputable vendor. Not only will the plant quality be ensured, you will be able to gather some excellent tips about their growth habits and requirement. Pick an orchid whose leaves are a healthy green, not yellow, red or brown, and one which is devoid of spots or blemishes. The orchid should have some blooms, but unopened buds. The roots should be firm, thick and fleshy and potted well.

Potting Media
Soil quality would need to be maintained at the same level for indoor planting. Most orchids do not grow in soils as other plants do. Naturally an orchid attaches itself to other plants, trees and rocks, as their roots need aeration. Soil will suffocate their roots. Most garden centers have 'orchid specific' potting medium which is made up of fern, coconut husk, tree bark, cork chips and/or charcoal.

Water
Water is essential to orchids as its leaves and roots are quite succulent. Experts believe that chlorinated water is not the best water for orchids, but collecting fresh rainwater is also not a probability for everyone. To work around this problem, fill in some tap water and let it stand for some. The water you use should be at room temperature. The frequency of watering depends upon the potting medium and the climate. Water drainage is essential, as stagnating water will rot the roots. Water early in the day for it to dampen and drain out of the potting medium. If you find water getting held between the leaves, use some cotton swabs to absorb excesses water. Water between the leaves invites pests and insects to breed.

Light
How well the orchid blooms depends upon the light it receives. Some orchids prefer high intensity light while some don't. This you need to check with the orchid vendor while asking him about taking care of orchid plants. Indoors, a windowsill is the best place to grow an orchid. Orchid leaves are the best indicators to understand light needs. When leaves start to turn yellow or red, it's receiving too much light, hence needs to be moved to more of a shade area, whereas, when the leaves green color gets unusually dark, it indicates a lack of light. Too much light may kill your orchid, but too little light won't, but light deficiency will not allow the orchid to bloom.

Humidity and Temperature
Maintain humidity levels of around 60 percent for optimum growth. Regularly spray mist the orchid, or place the orchid plant in a water tray full of gravel or sand. Evaporating water will increase humidity levels. Humidity should not exceed the mark of 80 percent, as this will allow fungal infections to infest the plant. As orchids are subtropical in nature, temperature needs to be maintained higher than for those found in cooler climates.

Fertilizer
Fertilize your orchid with a combination of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Nitrogen is for the foliage, potassium and phosphorous for a good flower show. An application of liquid fertilizer before its growing month is considered best. Feed the orchid with a very weak solution of liquid fertilizer once a week after you have watered the plant.

The American Orchid Society has a complete list of pests and insects that can infect your orchid and ways to tackle them. Wiping leaves with a warm, soapy sponge will clean out most infestations and keep a control on its spread. I hope these basics are understood by you and it will be helpful.