orchids

Orchids can be grown very easily in your home. Many orchids bloom during the winter months, which is very gratifying while outdoor plants are dormant. The cultural requirements are listed below in order of importance: Light - Water - Humidity - Temperature - Fertilizer.

LIGHT	A South or East window is ideal for most types of orchids. Orchids need filtered sunlight on their leaves for at least several hours, as duration is at least as important as intensity. Sheer curtains work very well at filtering light. Strong direct sunlight on leaves should be avoided in most cases. The leaves of most orchids should be a medium bright green color. Yellow-green leaves may indicate excessive light. Leaves that are a very dark green, thin and soft are not receiving enough light. Many growers use fluorescent lights as you would for African Violets and other flowering plants. Keep the plants 3 - 6 inches below the bulbs. If your orchid is not flowering, lack of light is usually the reason. Increase your light levels and try using a bloom enhancing fertilizer to promote flowering.
WATER	Since most orchids do not grow in soil but are potted in a very porous mix, a thorough wetting of the roots is crucial. Water plants generously but NEVER allow the plants to stand in water. Most orchids should become almost dry before watering again. This may require several days to a week depending upon your conditions. An easy way to determine if a plant is dry is by weight. If the plant feels light it may be time to water. When unsure, wait a day. However, when plants are in bud or in flower increase watering to keep flowers fresh longer. Water quality is important. Water that is very high in dissolved minerals might need to be diluted with bottled or distilled water to bring the amount down to an acceptable level.
HUMIDITY	Suggested levels fall in the 40% to 60% range. Grouping plants together is one of the easiest ways to increase humidity levels around your plants. Humidifiers are also used frequently during cold, dry winter months. Extra watering will not compensate for low humidity. Fresh air is important--place a small fan near your plants to help circulate fresh air. A plant tray with moist pebbles under the plant helps too.
TEMPERATURE	Orchids, for the most part, do well with the same temperatures that are normally found in the home. A range from 50 to 85 degrees is ideal. If temperatures are high maintain extra air circulation to help cool leaves. A few types of orchids need cool nighttime temperatures of 50 degrees or less to set buds.
FERTILIZER	Fertilize by mixing a balanced general purpose orchid solution and apply at half strength with each watering. About once per month give your plants a fertilizer to encourage blooms such as an orchid bloom formula. Once a month water with plain water to rinse away excess salts. Superthrive will help promote vigorous roots.
FLOWER LIFE	To make flowers last longer, keep the plants away from heat, away from direct sunlight, and below 75 degrees. Water a little extra; plants in bud and flower need a little extra water. When flowers are gone follow the above directions and they should be blooming again soon.

Growing Orchids in Your Home