Orchid Care

Because of the diversity of orchids, there is no "One Method" of orchid care. The type of orchid care that your orchid plant needs depends on the type of growing environment of its natural state.

For this reason the most important part of orchid care is learning about your orchid flowers natural environment. Some orchids are adapted to deep shade while other orchid plants require bright sunshine. Each orchid flower also has specific requirements for humidity, temperature and growing medium.

That said, however, orchid care is does not have to be rigidly followed. Orchid flowers are quite hardy and are able to withstand most of the natural fluctuations that occur in any wild environment.

If you are just starting out with orchids, you are best to choose an orchid plant that requires easy orchid care.

Light for Orchid Care

Before choosing an orchid plant, consider where you are going to grow it and access the light level of that location. Different types of orchids have different light requirements, so this is one of the most important considerations in orchid care.

Orchid plants that do well in low-light conditions include Paphiopedilum (Lady Slipper), Phalaenopsis, and Oncidium. If you have moderate to high light conditions you should choose an orchid flower like Cattleya, Dendrobium, or Vanda. These three orchids respond best to orchid care which includes warm temperatures and a south or west facing window.

Temperature for your Orchid Plant

Generally speaking orchid do best in a warm, moist environment, which is why so many are grown in greenhouses. This does not mean, however, that you need a greenhouse to provide adequate orchid care. In fact, many orchid plants are quite suitable for the average temperatures of most homes.

A stable temperature is preferred over fluctuating hot and cold, but orchids are quite hardy and some are even able to withstand short exposures to freezing temperatures.

Humidity for the best Orchid Flower

Here again, the comfort level for people is a good gauge for most orchid flowers. A home with dry air will mean discomfort for both the human and the orchid inhabitants, so get a humidifier so increase the moisture levels - especially during the winter months.

Take care not to give too much water to your orchid. Most orchids are epiphytic meaning that they grow on other plants or materials rather than in the soil. They should never be allowed to soak in water because they don't do this in their natural environment.

So, for the best orchid care, find out how your orchid grows in the wild and try to duplicate those conditions. That doesn't mean creating a jungle in your home, but if you make your orchid feel "at home" it will reward you with years of beauty.