The Orchids are the most spectacular of all flowering plants. They grow in tropical rain forests where it is nice and very humid. When you are growing Orchids at home you should try to mimic the environment you find in rain forests. Most Orchids in nature are Epiphytic, meaning that they grow upon another plant (such as a tree) non-parasitically. That is why you will need a potting mix with good drainage to grow it at home. Most potting mixes that you find will have fir bark, charcoal, perlite, etc. This provides good drainage and good air circulation for your Orchids.
Watering the Orchids
One of the fastest and easiest way to kill your Orchids is to over water them. If you are over watering your Orchids you will notice that their leafs are turning yellow and fall off. This is because the roots are rotting and are not getting enough nutrients and water up to the plant.
Another reason for the leafs to turn yellow is if you are under watering the flower. A good sign for under watering the Orchids is the wrinkled folia trays. This is a good indication that you want to water the plants more generously.
There are two easy ways to water your Orchids.
- One is to take it and just run it under the tap and let the water run through the potting mix, until it is generously draining through the other end.
- Another way to water it is to soak it in a basin of water. Soak it so that the water comes right over the top of the pot and let it sit there for 10 minutes. After that take the pot out of the bowl, drain it well and put it back in its spot.
If you are not sure if you should water, an easy trick that you can use on most flowers is to stick a pencil into the potting medium, leave it there for about 10 minutes and come back and check the tip of the pencil. If the pencil is dry – you need to water your Orchid and if the pencil is still moist then leave it alone for a day or a two.
When growing Orchids at home you will be watering it proximately every 4 to 10 days, depending on the season and also the light and the temperature of your home.
Fertilizing your Orchids
The fir bark mix that you are growing your Orchids in is low in nutrients that is why it is important to remember to fertilize your Orchids as well. If you are unsure about the fertilizer you can go with a balanced fertilizer with equal numbers (20-20-20) is your best choice.