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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.The proper orchid care will allow  extend the life of your orchid flower and orchid plant

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.

Comments

Mary
09 Nov 2006, 06:56
I have a Cattleya which hasn't bloomed for the past year. Reading this article I guess my orchid doesn't get enough light. I'll have to buy some artificial lights as my window is shaded most of the time. Annoying because when I bought the plant they told me I wouldn't need ANY artificial lighting....

Thanks!
david craig
09 May 2007, 04:34
hi, after the flower dies on the stem, do you cut the stem? and if so will it flower
again on that stem? david.
David
09 May 2007, 09:34
Yes, I've found that I need artificial lights for my Catteleyas during the winter
months - and the humidifier needs to be going constantly.
SUSOVAN SINHA
19 Sep 2007, 09:35
PLEASE MAIL ABOUT ORCHID NUTRITION DOSAGE TEMPERATURE LIGHT AND THE VARAITIES THAT CAN EASULY BLOOM IN INDIAN CULTURE WARM REGARDS SUSOVAN SINHA INDIA
Michael Liu
15 Apr 2008, 18:04
Hello, I recent bought an orchid from the supermarket,the flower buds on my plant does not keep growing and opening, and seems to collapse and shrink out one after one. Very worry,I don't know what I did wrong. What can I do to keep it blooming? Thanks and regards.
Michael Liu (Vancouver, BC)
Hildi
10 Jun 2008, 10:30
Please let me know,, if after the flower dies on the stem, what I should do, cut the dead flowers? and if the flower come back again,if so, how long is going to take it?, and if I have to do something with the plant or leave it along.
Thanks. Hildi
Rachel
16 Jun 2008, 11:20
I have an orchid that the blooms have already fallen off... should i cut back the stem so they can grow more? There are two stems and one of them is brown.. is that normal? Thank You.
cheryl
18 Jun 2008, 09:31
i have a orchid which was bought from the supermarket,iwent away&i think some1as over watered it.the flowers in the middle look dead but there are 2flowers on the tip& 1at the start of the stem which are alive.should i cut the middle flowers off??i also put it on the radiator for a short time so it would dry out,i really don`t know,what is the best thing to do????
len
22 Jun 2008, 19:58
after my orchid gives me flower,where to cut for giving me a chance of new flower again
Vickie
29 Jun 2008, 09:39
I have a Scent of a Woman orchid. The blossoms are gone. What do I do now? Please include tips for fertilizing and such. Thanks.
Vickie
29 Jun 2008, 09:39
I have a Scent of a Woman orchid. The blossoms are gone. What do I do now? Please include tips for fertilizing and such. Thanks.
Janet
11 Jul 2008, 07:35
I have cut the stem of my orchid. A new leaf has begun to grow. Will I ever get flowers again? Also, What advice do you have for a beginner of orchids?

Thanks very much,

Janet
Kathy
24 Jul 2008, 10:37
I have a beatiful orchid that has lost all it's blooms-the stem is turning brown from the tip towards the bottom-what should I do to encourage more blooms-do I cut the stem???
Kathy
24 Jul 2008, 10:38
I have a beautiful orchid that has lost all it's blooms-the stem is turning brown from the tip towards the bottom-what should I do to encourage more blooms-do I cut the stem???
Kathy
24 Jul 2008, 10:38
I have a beautiful orchid that has lost all it's blooms-the stem is turning brown from the tip towards the bottom-what should I do to encourage more blooms-do I cut the stem???
Sylvia
01 Sep 2008, 20:22
Hi

I'd like soem tips on growing a cymbidium and a dendrobium. My dendrobium flower has started to turn brown and I'm not sure if it's time for th eflower to fall off or if I am doing soemthing wrong?

I keep the dendrobium in the bathroom - a lot of natural morning light (not direct), large bathroom so plenty of light and air flow. Once a week I water it and keep in in the window (some direct winter light) for an hour or so. I have fertilized it too and am not sure how often I shoudl do this. I have used soem slow rekease fertilizere which says it lasts for 4 months.

Any tips would be much appreciated! Thanks.

maggie
18 Oct 2008, 12:35
i have had my orchid for 5 months and has not died but today it has my question if it dies can it grow blooms back or is it done.
Keturah
08 Nov 2008, 15:41
I have a cymbidium that was blooming when I first got it, then the flowers fell off and the stem is now a brown, shriveled twig. I was told by a friend not to cut it off because it would not bloom again for a long time, so I have left it. The plant has produced a new set of leaves and has sent out about 5 or 6 new roots, but no sign of a new stem. The leaf base is starting to look a little leggy. I am new to orchid care...what do I do to help it bloom again? It does not have the best light....it is east-facing with a porch blocking some of the sun. I do have a humid south-facing environment I can move it to in my bathroom but it is a frosted window -- not sure if that would be sufficient light if that is the problem. Thanks for your help!
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Orchid Care
Choosing Orchid Plants
Growing Orchids
Orchid Pictures
Types of Orchids
Dendrobium Orchids
Cymbidium Orchids
Cattleya Orchid
Orchid Growing
The Successful Orchid Grower
Orchid Diseases
Orchid Growing Tips
Pairing Orchids
Indoor Orchids
Orchid Garden
History of Orchids