A Comprehensive Guide To Orchids
A Comprehensive Guide To Orchids.Orchids are one of the most beloved families of flowering plants. However, there are a lot of misperceptions about how fragile and difficult growing orchids can be. For the average plant lover, this may make them dismissive of orchids as something they can grow indoors. Orchid flowers need specific care like proper humidity levels and soil, but they are not as delicate as you may think.
Foxtail Orchid
Where do orchids grow naturally?
One of the more interesting things about orchids is that they do not grow in soil. In fact, if you try to put orchids in the soil, you will likely kill them.Orchid roots have a white, moisture-absorbing substance covering them that requires exposure to air. They grow on tree branches, for example, in many cases or they attach to other portions of other plants. Orchids that grow on the ground typically thrive in humus-rich soil, which is an organic matter lacking structure.Orchids grow in a variety of places and in different sources of light. They tend to need a good amount of light, but not too much intense direct light. They have a reputation of needing to grow in humid areas, but that is not the case for all species.
Orchids grow pseudobulbs, which are actually swollen shoots that the plants use to absorb moisture and store it. They get their nutrients from the stored water so that they can survive long periods of drought.
When are orchids in season? How long to orchids bloom?
There are a wide variety of orchid species and home growers can continue to have orchids year round if they have a room or greenhouse where they can regulate temperature, humidity and light levels. Given the wide variety of orchid species, it is hard to say exactly when they are in season. The answer is – it depends.
Understanding Orchid Needs: Creating A Thriving Environment
While orchids may seem complex, their basic needs are quite straightforward. Here’s what to consider to create a happy and healthy home for your orchid:
Light: Most orchids prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid harsh, direct sun, which can burn the leaves. East or north-facing windows are often ideal locations.
Temperature: Orchids generally thrive in warm to moderate temperatures, between 65-80°F (18-27°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Avoid placing them near drafts or heating vents.
Humidity: Many orchids appreciate high humidity levels (around 60-80%). Grouping plants together, using a pebble tray filled with water, or employing a humidifier can help create a more humid environment.
Watering: Unlike most plants, orchids don’t like constantly wet roots. The ideal watering frequency depends on the variety, pot size, and climate. Generally, water when the roots turn silvery-white, allowing excess water to drain freely.
Potting and Media: Orchids don’t grow in typical soil. They require a well-draining medium like orchid bark, sphagnum moss, or coco husk chips. These materials allow for air circulation around the roots, preventing rot. Repot your orchid every 2-3 years, or when the medium starts to break down.
Light: Most orchids prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid harsh, direct sun, which can burn the leaves. East or north-facing windows are often ideal locations.
Temperature: Orchids generally thrive in warm to moderate temperatures, between 65-80°F (18-27°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Avoid placing them near drafts or heating vents.
Humidity: Many orchids appreciate high humidity levels (around 60-80%). Grouping plants together, using a pebble tray filled with water, or employing a humidifier can help create a more humid environment.
Watering: Unlike most plants, orchids don’t like constantly wet roots. The ideal watering frequency depends on the variety, pot size, and climate. Generally, water when the roots turn silvery-white, allowing excess water to drain freely.
Potting and Media: Orchids don’t grow in typical soil. They require a well-draining medium like orchid bark, sphagnum moss, or coco husk chips. These materials allow for air circulation around the roots, preventing rot. Repot your orchid every 2-3 years, or when the medium starts to break down.
Beyond The Basics: Essential Orchid Care Tips
With a basic understanding of their needs, you can successfully cultivate these unique plants. Here are some additional tips:
Fertilizing: Use a specialized orchid fertilizer formulated for the blooming or non-blooming stage, following the instructions on the package. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the roots.
Blooming Magic: While some orchids flower year-round, others have specific blooming seasons. Research your orchid’s variety to understand its natural blooming cycle. Some orchids can be encouraged to re-bloom by providing cooler night temperatures or reducing watering for a short period.
Pest and Disease Control: Inspect your orchid regularly for signs of pests like mealybugs or scale. There are various organic and non-organic solutions available to address these issues.
Fertilizing: Use a specialized orchid fertilizer formulated for the blooming or non-blooming stage, following the instructions on the package. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the roots.
Blooming Magic: While some orchids flower year-round, others have specific blooming seasons. Research your orchid’s variety to understand its natural blooming cycle. Some orchids can be encouraged to re-bloom by providing cooler night temperatures or reducing watering for a short period.
Pest and Disease Control: Inspect your orchid regularly for signs of pests like mealybugs or scale. There are various organic and non-organic solutions available to address these issues.
Choosing Your Perfect Orchid: Popular Varieties for Beginners
Many orchid varieties are well-suited for novice orchid owners. Here are some popular choices:
Phalaenopsis Orchid (Moth Orchid): This classic beauty boasts long-lasting, butterfly-like blooms in a variety of colors. It’s a forgiving orchid, making it ideal for beginners.
Dendrobium Orchid: This diverse genus offers a wide range of flower shapes, sizes, and colors. Many varieties are known for their fragrant blooms.
Cattleya Orchid (Corsage Orchid): This showstopper is known for its large, vibrantly colored flowers. While they require slightly more attention than some beginner orchids, their beauty is worth the effort.
Miltonia Orchid ( Pansy Orchid): This charming orchid features flattened, pansy-like blooms in a delightful array of colors and patterns.
Phalaenopsis Orchid (Moth Orchid): This classic beauty boasts long-lasting, butterfly-like blooms in a variety of colors. It’s a forgiving orchid, making it ideal for beginners.
Dendrobium Orchid: This diverse genus offers a wide range of flower shapes, sizes, and colors. Many varieties are known for their fragrant blooms.
Cattleya Orchid (Corsage Orchid): This showstopper is known for its large, vibrantly colored flowers. While they require slightly more attention than some beginner orchids, their beauty is worth the effort.
Miltonia Orchid ( Pansy Orchid): This charming orchid features flattened, pansy-like blooms in a delightful array of colors and patterns.
Why do orchids die?
Orchids are just like any other plant. The reason they die varies depending on a number of factors. Each species of orchid has its own growing seasons as well as watering, light and humidity needs. Although orchids are not nearly as fragile as legend would have it, they must be treated and grown in the right medium, watered properly, given light and the right humidity levels. If these needs are not met, the flower will die.
The most common reasons that plants die is due to overwatering and underwatering. Most people end up guessing about the plant’s watering needs and either overdo it or don’t do it enough.
Even though orchids can go dormant, they also can die simply because plants do have a lifecycle and will die at some point, too. The reasons an orchid dies is wide and varied and it is impossible to know for sure and would need to be reviewed on a case by case basis.
The most common reasons that plants die is due to overwatering and underwatering. Most people end up guessing about the plant’s watering needs and either overdo it or don’t do it enough.
Even though orchids can go dormant, they also can die simply because plants do have a lifecycle and will die at some point, too. The reasons an orchid dies is wide and varied and it is impossible to know for sure and would need to be reviewed on a case by case basis.