Tips on Caring for Orchids

This flower, belonging to the Orchidaceae family has a peculiar anatomy with three, inner and outer petals and a special cup shaped petal. The spectacular flower inhabits the earth, in the form of 35,000 species. Orchids are found in a variety of colors and sizes, ranging from 2 inch miniature plants to 5 feet giants. More than 100,000 hybrids of tropical orchids are grown by horticulturists after its introduction in temperate countries in the 19th century. Epiphytic orchids grow on the bark of trees, while the lithophytes inhabit rocky terrains. Almost all the orchids growing in temperate regions are terrestrial. The different precautions and care that needs to be taken for growing orchids is given below.

Care of Orchids
Orchids grow slowly and are best suited for indoor cultivation. Orchid care involves maintaining the necessary temperature and humidity, providing optimum light, watering at regular intervals and enriching it with fertilizers.

• Light: There is an easy way to check whether the flowers are getting optimum light or not. If the leaves of orchid appear to be dark green or bluish-green, then it indicates that the plant needs more light. If the plant is subjected to intense sunlight, the leaves turn yellow, or in some cases they may show reddish mottling on the surface. With optimum exposure to light, orchid leaves exhibit a light green color.
• Watering: Extra care needs to be taken in watering orchids. The orchids in the wild grow on trees exposing its roots. The roots tend to dry out quickly in such conditions and thus, cannot tolerate excessive watering indoors. Watering should be increased or decreased in line with seasonal changes in the temperature. Orchids planted in clay pots need to be watered less frequently as compared to the plastic pots, because plastic hold water for a longer time. Orchid should be watered in a way, so that all the roots get enough moisture. Flushing water down the soil is recommended, because it helps remove the excess salts and ensures enough supply of water to the roots. Check the soil moisture before you water the orchid, by inserting a stick or finger one inch deep in the soil. Water the plant if the soil is dry.
• Fertilizers: Wild orchids feed on organic matter obtained from debris and bird droppings. Thus, when grown indoors, fertilizers shouldn't be used in excess. In fact the growth may decline if the plant is provided fertilizers. Half the amount of fertilizers required in commercial cultivation is recommended for growing orchids indoor. A specially formulated fertilizer for orchids should be used. Some experts recommend the application of fertilizers twice a month during spring and summer seasons while only once in a month in winters.
• Maintaining Humidity: Most of the orchids grow in areas having high humidity. Thus, special efforts need to be taken to maintain the required humidity in indoor conditions. The pots in which orchids are planted should be placed over 'Humidity Grow Trays'. These trays collect the water drained off from the pots and helps increase the humidity around the plant.

After Bloom Care for Orchids
Orchids can bloom even after the first bloom has passed. To achieve such blooming, the plant needs to be cut about an inch above the base. Then, the roots of the plants should be examined. For this you need to remove the plant from the pot. If the roots appear to be brown and mushy, cut them off completely. Green colored roots indicate that, they are in a healthy state. It is better to plant an orchid in another pot.

Seasonal Care
The requirements of the orchid plant change with the seasons. Care should be taken to ensure proper growth of these plants in varying temperatures and humidity.

• Spring Season: In spring, orchids require more water. Thus, care needs to be taken to see that plants do not dry out.
• Summer: During summers, orchids should be protected from bright sunlight. A temperature range of 75^oF to 90^oF helps orchids grow properly. If the temperature rises above 90^oF, the plant should be transferred to a shady area.
• Winter Care: Orchids grow slowly in winter and they also need less water in this season. Don't water these plants unless it is necessary and except in blooms, when it requires more water. Water the plants early in the morning. Thus, the plant dries only by evening and the necessary moisture level is maintained.

Orchids are found in large varieties and thus, the care needed for different orchids change with different types of soil, temperature, region, climatic changes, etc. New species of orchids are discovered almost everyday. Breeding of orchids over the years, have made them easily accessible and also affordable for people.

The 'Royal Botanic Gardens' located in Kew, London, holds 22,000 species of orchids. This beautiful flower has been cultivated by man since 2,000 years and continues to nurture an aesthetic sense among people.