To be successful growing orchids you need to imitate the plants natural environment by mimicking what the orchid would naturally get in the wild in the way of water, sunlight, humidity, temperature, and feeding. If you are a beginner it would be best to start with a hybrid orchid which has already been bred for ease of care. Listed below are things you should inquire about and know in order to care for your orchid properly.

Feeding Your Orchid

You can feed orchids at all ages from seedlings and propagation to adult. Never feed sick plants or plants that have lost their roots. They will not be able to handle the chemicals in the feed. Do not attempt to make your own feed. Buy something that is already proven. Only feed orchids that are growing. Apply feed every other watering or every third watering. You can use feed designed for house plants but cut the strength of the lowest recommended dose by at least half. Applying feed when watering, is the most recommended way to fertilize most orchids.

Watering Your Orchid

Water growing orchids more than those at rest, and keep them evenly moist. When resting allow orchids to partially dry out before watering. Some indoor hybrids grow and bloom year round. If you have one of these plants you will only have to adjust your watering based on the humidity in your house. In the winter time in many areas homes become very dry. Use a sprouted water can with an adjustable spout to water your orchids. For some orchids you may also need to spray the leaves often to keep them moist.

Keep Your Orchid in the Correct Temperature Range

Orchids are divided into three temperature types, cool growing, intermediate growing, and warm growing. Cool growing orchids grow best in temperatures between 50 degrees F and 86 degrees F, intermediate growing orchids grow best in temperatures between 55 degrees F and 86 degrees F, and warm growing orchids grow best in temperatures between 64 degrees F and 90 degrees F. Pick an orchid that best suits the temperature range you can easily provide for the best results.

The Level of Light for Your Orchid

In the winter time most orchids with few exceptions can take all the light available. In the summer time light will need to be controlled. Do not allow orchids to be in the midday sun at all or their leaves will burn. You can put most orchids outside all day where the plant is in shade all day and they will get enough light, but only if temperatures are not too hot for your orchid. House plants in window sills need to be moved if they will get direct light during mid day of summer, and some may need artificial light all year round if kept in dark corners of your house.

Re-potting and Dividing Your Orchid

It may be necessary to re-pot your orchid if the orchid has out grown the pot it is in or to maintain the plant to a certain size you may need to divide it and re-pot it. Some plants will die off in the middle and grow outward. It may also be necessary to re-pot this type in order to retain its beauty. Whenever possible, re-pot in a larger pot. A large orchid with many bulbs will flower for a longer period and are some of the most beautiful specimens to look at.

Author Bio: Ellen Reader is an orchid expert. For more great information on Caring for Orchids , visit http://www.onlineorhidcenter.com.

Category: Gardening
Keywords: caring for orchids,orchid care,orchids,orchid