Tips For Growing Healthy Orchids
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I love orchids and have good tips for growing healthy ones. Orchids can be tricky to grow. But the flowers are oh, so elegant when they bloom.
This pale yellow orchid is one that I found at Trader Joe’s a month or so ago. The miracle in that is that it is still blooming without any problems.
I think orchids take a certain touch that I haven’t quite developed yet. But I’m working on it because I love a variety of houseplants.
Because there’s really nothing quite like the beautiful flowering orchid.
The History Of Orchids:
Orchids belong to the family Orchidaceae.
Over 30,000 species of orchids inhabit every corner of the planet except for the driest deserts and Antarctica. Orchids are one of the largest and oldest families of plants in the world.
The flowers of the orchid come in a range of colorful shades. Some have plain-colored petals, and others are speckled.
Determining Your Orchid’s Health:
If your orchid isn’t blooming, insufficient light is the most common cause. Leaf color indicates whether the amount of light is adequate.
The signs of a healthy orchid are when the leaves are green, firm, and rubbery. It is normal for the bottom leaf to turn yellow and fall off. This is often to make room for a new leaf.
However, it can also mean that the orchid is receiving too much light, has been exposed to a low temperature, or has developed root rot due to overwatering.
A plant with root rot will have brown and mushy roots. Healthy roots will be green and plump.
Very dark green leaves probably mean that your orchid isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a location where it will receive plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.
If the leaves turn white, it is receiving too much light. Limp leaves may mean the plant needs water.
If the tops of the leaves turn reddish, your orchid may be sunburned or have a nitrogen or phosphorus deficiency.
How To Water Orchids:
Most orchids require water once a week.
Water the soil when it is slightly damp to the touch. Thoroughly wet the plant’s soil, but avoid over-watering.
The American Orchid Society says to water your orchid or orchids early in the morning. This will ensure that there is complete water evaporation by nightfall.
The best place to water your orchid is in the kitchen sink.
How To Pot Orchids:
Place your orchids in the smallest pot that the roots will fit into.
Repot into orchid mix during the active growing season when the plant is producing new roots. Then stake the plant until it’s established.
Potting your plant in a clear pot is desirable. Plastic pots are very easy to clean, reuse, and disinfect. You can better monitor your orchid’s health in a clear pot.
Repot your orchid every year of two. Or when crowded roots push up and out of the pot.
Orchid Care:
Moisture balance is very critical to orchid care.
Most orchids grow best in intermediate light conditions, such as a bright windowsill facing east or west.
Feed your orchids weekly with a fertilizer specifically designed for them.
Growing Orchids As A Hobby:
For some, the growing of orchids becomes a satisfying hobby.
Seeing the burgeoning of a new bloom can be very fulfilling. And you don’t have to be a pro.
The American Orchid Society was established in 1921. You can go to their website to learn more about orchids and/or become a member.
The American Orchid Society’s goal is to enhance member satisfaction and participation. They also have an award-winning Orchids magazine.
I really enjoy your blog. I think you are a special person. I just moved to OKC from Las Vegas to be near my sister. I have read a few of the books that you have reviewed and we are in sync with what we read. Thanks for your suggestions. I too am looking forward to the winter weather being over. Have a great afternoon!!
I am not good with orchids at all, but sure think they are pretty! Your pups are so cute!
Awww I love seeing photos of your pupsters!! I’m not reading anything at the moment, which is hard to believe….I finished a book and haven’t started another. Been too busy!!
Your sweet pups must be a joy to live with. They are incredibly cute.
I am waiting for After Anna by Lisa Scottoline from my library. Sounds like a page turner. Please let us know what you think of the book.
I like orchids because they are low-maintenance. Did you know they used to be considered (a bit like shrimp) as something extremely expensive and rare. And they don’t have pollen, so they’re good for people with allergies. You don’t have to do much at all, since they mostly take moisture from the air. Depends on your relative humidity–you might have to soak them from time to time. I recently learned that wild orchids grow here! In southern France! I thought they were from the tropics. Anyway, the local wild ones are very small and beautiful–the ones I saw were magenta and yellow. I put up some photos a few days ago, along with other wild things (asparagus!).
Those pups are so cute–and what personalities!! I always like orchids and they last a long time for the price. Yesterday, I bought geraniums and potted them for my front porch. So beautiful, and we are so hungry for Spring.
Thank you for new shots of pupsters, they are just too cute for words! I’m reading Shadow over the Fens by Joy Ellis. I’ve really gotten into the British detective books and the language is much tamer than our American authors. A good read! Have a great Wednesday Brenda.