Orchid Care and Maintenance

Orchids belong to the Orchidaceae family, which is the biggest known group of angiosperms (or flowering plants). As of now, more than 880 genera and 22,000 species of orchids are scientifically identified. Apart from the true species of orchids, there are about 300,000 cultivars and hybrids. Also, new orchid species and cultivars are added every year. Though orchid care and maintenance is not so easy, orchids are highly adaptive. It is the diversity and adaptability of orchid plants that account to their huge number. In fact, they occur in a wide range of habitats, except glaciers and deserts. Some Australian orchid varieties grow underground, while others can adapt on the upper branches of tall trees.

Tips for Growing Orchids

As already mentioned, orchid growing and maintenance require special attention. Since most of the orchid species belong to tropical regions, they are difficult to grow in cold climatic areas. Hence, if you are planning to grow orchids for the first time, understanding the basic orchid growing tips will help you in successful plantation. Like any other plant, orchids need specific growing conditions. The main logic is to provide preferable conditions similar to their natural habitats. Otherwise, an orchid plant may fail to bloom even after successive years of plantation.

First of all, select an orchid variety that suits the climatic conditions and soil type in your area. You can take help of the local florist while deciding the correct orchid species. The next step for growing orchids is to prepare the potting medium. Most gardening enthusiasts prefer using osmunda fiber for planting orchids, as it provides the necessary structural support to the root system and the required spaces for ventilation. You can mix osmunda fiber with other potting particles like pine barks, peat, perlite and vermiculite. Fill the pot with the medium to about two-third of the depth and place the orchid plant by spreading its roots. Add potting media to hold the orchid plant properly.

Orchid Care and Maintenance

Tips for orchid care and maintenance depend upon the cultivar that you have planted. Hence, if you understand the variety, taking care of orchids is very easy. The only thing is that you have to monitor the environmental factors so as to maintain the favorable conditions for the orchid plant. Nevertheless, proper orchid care should be followed, especially during autumn and flowering months. Following are some of the common tips for orchid care and maintenance that you can practice while growing them as houseplants.

Light
When it comes to orchid maintenance, light intensity is one of the most important factors. The ideal area for placing orchids is windows where the plants receive indirect sunlight. However, based on the light requirement of the orchid species, the optimum light intensity and duration should be provided for better growth. For example, Phalaenopsis variety grows well in artificial light, whereas Dendrobium needs long hours of natural sunlight.

Temperature
Regarding favorable temperature ranges for orchids, these plants cannot tolerate too cold or too hot temperatures. At night, the temperature can be as low as 60° - 65° F, while in the day time, the temperature should be between 75° - 85° F. Make sure that the orchid plant is protected from heavy frost or cold chilly temperatures.

Watering Orchids
Watering orchid plants at the right time is important to avoid water logging conditions. As orchid plants require a minimum to moderate watering, keeping the upper soil layer moist is sufficient for better growth and development. You can water the orchid plants once in a week to retain the favorable moisture condition for orchid plants.

Fertilization
Taking care of orchids also includes supplementing the soil with nitrogen rich fertilizers. However, ensure that you do not overfeed them, as it can cause damage to the orchid plants. Fertilization of the orchid plant can be done once in a week in proper dosage.

Ventilation (Aeration)
Orchids, in their natural habitat, receive optimum amount of ventilation. The same is applicable while planting them indoors or in greenhouses. If grown in greenhouses, you can make use of small fans to provide the necessary ventilation. While indoors, always keep the windows open to aerate the orchid plants.

Identifying Pests and Diseases
It is always advisable to monitor the orchid plants for any pest and disease infestation. In case of any such problems, spray the plants with proper insecticides, pesticides or fungicides (whichever is applicable) to contain the pest or disease. However, do not forget to read the label in order to check the safety of the chemicals before applying.

Orchid Care after Flowering
One of the most common hurdles with orchids is that the plants stop flowering after the first bloom. A practical way to solve this problem is to repot the orchid plant at least once in two years in a bigger container. Prior to repotting the orchid plant, prepare the potting mixture by supplementing with essential plant nutrients. Also, trim excess or overgrowing roots (if any) and cut the main stem at the base. Following this, you can repot the orchid plant by practicing the same planting steps. Do not expose the repotted orchid plant to harsh or direct sunlight in the first few weeks.

Seasonal Care of Orchids

It is very necessary to keep in mind that orchid care has to be moderated according to changing seasons. Otherwise the growth of the orchid will get severely hampered. Let us see how you need to go about it during the various seasons. Spring: Orchids need more water during the spring season. Otherwise, the plant tends to dry out and wither. Greater vigilance is required in this area for this specific time of the year. Summer: Keep your orchid in a shaded area during the summers with the temperatures ranging between 75° F to 90° F. Anything above this temperature and lack of proper shading in such a case will kill the plant. Winter: The growth of an orchid naturally slows down during this season and the plant requires less moisture as well. Other than the time when it is blooming, you do not need to water it much at all. Watering the plant once in the morning can sustain the plant throughout the day.

Well! This was some information about the tips for orchid care and maintenance. With this information and a little effort, I hope you can take good care of orchids and relish the fragrance and beauty of the fragile orchid flowers.