Expert Advice On Growing Orchids
One of the finest symbols of love, orchids is used as a corsage or wristband in different important events in an adult's life - a wedding or a prom night. Despite of usually no fragrance, the strong appeal of an orchid comes from its amazing delicate beauty. Taking care and growing an orchid means a considerable effort put into maintaining their condition at their best. There are two things a person that wants to take care of orchids should know: first, the appropriate techniques and processes the orchid needs in order to grow nicely and the second, where can they gather the information they need for each species of orchid they are taking care of. Every orchid species has its own requirements.
There are lots of media covering orchid care. From Internet, hard prints, audio and video formats-the knowledge is nonstop. There are also forums that offer discussions and even community groups that teach tips and techniques. It is a matter of choosing what is readily available and what is easily accessible. The Internet offers thousands of articles and contents and its just one click away. Caring for orchids are discussed and taught by e-books, which are obtainable on purchase. This passed information is being enhanced from time to time, processes that did not work are automatically discarded and new techniques have been incorporated.
Different species of orchid might require special treatment for thriving, but there are some general rules that can be applied to all the orchids. Temperature should be around 75-85 during the day and minimum 59 during the night. Never leave an orchid in the sun, especially at noon. Water them once a week when they are blooming, and once every other week if not. As a general method - water them only when their roots are dry. Repot an orchid once every two or three years and it should be excellent. Orchids might also need some fertilizers rich in nitrogen, to compensate for the low maintenance diet.
Taking care of orchids can be really demanding. Mistakes as over-watering, potting medium, re-potting, the climate and the temperature or too much exposure are really common. Avoiding such mistakes is crucial for the survival of the orchid; how to do this was explained in the previous paragraph, except potting medium. The soil an orchid needs is not the regular one - it has to contain wood chips, sphagnum moss or shredded coconuts in order to retain moisture from the pockets of air trapped inside. If this is respected, one can expect that the orchids will bloom more than three times a year.
Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium and Oncidium are the easiest types of orchid to grow for beginners. Phalaenopsis are normally found in most flower shops, it has distinguished flowers on each spike that once cut, a secondary spike will develop prolonging the blooming period. Paphiopedilum or Venus Slipper is easy to get into bloom if given the correct temperature. Dendrobium blossoms can stay for so long. It can be divided if it is old enough so that aerial roots can be developed. Once the parent plant dies it has another. Oncidium or dancing girls are easy to grow and can survive under harsh growing condition.
There are orchid species recommended only for experts, such as Dendrobium, Vanda and Cymbidium. The first one, Dendrobium, lives as epiphytes and lithophytes around the world and their temperature requirements can be really confusing for orchid lovers. Vanda's stem grows towards the sun; still, once its stem reaches the roof, the leaves at the bottom die - which is the reason why cultivating this orchid is really a challenge its lovers need to overcome. Originating from India, Cymbidium has a life spam from February to March, this being appreciated by some as a really difficult thing to deal with.
Caring for orchids also need the knowledge, skill and some talent in pruning. Removal of dead leaves and stalks can be done once a year at most, including shaping the plants especially in fall or winter. When the blooms and stalks withered, use pruning shears to cut it one inch from the end of the bloom stalk. Expect new flowers to bloom in the next season. Removing the stalk will encourage new shoot to grow. The baby plant can be removed and replanted in a new pot. If the last flower fell, cut the stem and seal the cut with melted candle or powdered cinnamon.
Mohd Rozaidi is an orchid expert.For more great information on caring for orchids, and take a look Informations On Orchids
