Caring for Orchids Indoors? Read These Guidelines!
Orchid enthusiasts will explore and willingly undergo a highly meticulous process of breeding and growing orchids for a number of reasons.
But mainly, they just love to gaze at the beauty of these mystical plants that can literally mesmerize you.
However, growing and caring for orchids indoors is not easy if you don't' have the patience.
It takes time before one can reap rewards of the required labor of growing orchids.
When planning to grow orchids indoor, one must be aware that not all varieties are capable of being grown indoors.
In fact there are only a few recommended orchids that are suitable.
These are the following: Lady's slippers, Cattleyas, Oncidiums and the famous Moth or Phalaenopsis orchids.
It is important that we are familiar of the characteristics of these types of orchids.
Time invested in adequate research is recommended.
If you have already chosen the variety to grow indoors, the environment would be the next priority.
It is important to maintain the natural habitat of your chosen variety as much as possible.
Most orchids that are grown indoors are epiphytes, also known as air plants.
These types of orchids are usually found in a tropical climate, growing high up in the crevice of a tree.
The active growth of these plants will vary according to several factors that will affect them: temperature, lighting, moisture, humidity and food.
Here are some tips for an avid cultivators and growers to follow when growing orchids indoor: First, Temperature.
The majority of these orchids can tolerate both warm and cold temperatures but always make sure that the night temperature is 15 degrees Celsius cooler than the daytime temperature in order for your plant to bloom.
Second, Proper Lighting.
It is crucial for orchid plants to always get the right amount of light.
Indoor orchids need a bright filtered light, whether it is too little or too much light neither are good.
Too much light will burn the plant and not enough light will stop the orchid blooming.
An east-facing window is much preferred and it is wise to use a thin curtain to filter the light.
Third, Humidity.
You need to have sufficient humidity to keep your plant from drying out.
Watering them every day is not advisable for this will cause your orchid plant to get soggy.
The best way to keep the humidity level high is by installing a humidifier or by misting the leaves once a day.
Always be reminded that these orchids need a moist atmosphere but must not stand with their roots in water as that can cause fungal diseases and root rot.
Fourth is Fertilizer.
Feeding your orchid is necessary.
A half or quarter strength fertilizer solution can be applied monthly during the orchids active growing season.
Learning how to provide the ideal indoor environment and following these basic tips for growing orchids are the necessary keys to growing orchids indoors successfully.
These orchid plants need more attention and patience than the usual indoor plants.
However the satisfaction that comes from coaxing these wonderful plants into sharing their beauty is already a reward.
As an added bonus you will enjoy the much desired display of beautiful orchid flowers in your own home.
But mainly, they just love to gaze at the beauty of these mystical plants that can literally mesmerize you.
However, growing and caring for orchids indoors is not easy if you don't' have the patience.
It takes time before one can reap rewards of the required labor of growing orchids.
When planning to grow orchids indoor, one must be aware that not all varieties are capable of being grown indoors.
In fact there are only a few recommended orchids that are suitable.
These are the following: Lady's slippers, Cattleyas, Oncidiums and the famous Moth or Phalaenopsis orchids.
It is important that we are familiar of the characteristics of these types of orchids.
Time invested in adequate research is recommended.
If you have already chosen the variety to grow indoors, the environment would be the next priority.
It is important to maintain the natural habitat of your chosen variety as much as possible.
Most orchids that are grown indoors are epiphytes, also known as air plants.
These types of orchids are usually found in a tropical climate, growing high up in the crevice of a tree.
The active growth of these plants will vary according to several factors that will affect them: temperature, lighting, moisture, humidity and food.
Here are some tips for an avid cultivators and growers to follow when growing orchids indoor: First, Temperature.
The majority of these orchids can tolerate both warm and cold temperatures but always make sure that the night temperature is 15 degrees Celsius cooler than the daytime temperature in order for your plant to bloom.
Second, Proper Lighting.
It is crucial for orchid plants to always get the right amount of light.
Indoor orchids need a bright filtered light, whether it is too little or too much light neither are good.
Too much light will burn the plant and not enough light will stop the orchid blooming.
An east-facing window is much preferred and it is wise to use a thin curtain to filter the light.
Third, Humidity.
You need to have sufficient humidity to keep your plant from drying out.
Watering them every day is not advisable for this will cause your orchid plant to get soggy.
The best way to keep the humidity level high is by installing a humidifier or by misting the leaves once a day.
Always be reminded that these orchids need a moist atmosphere but must not stand with their roots in water as that can cause fungal diseases and root rot.
Fourth is Fertilizer.
Feeding your orchid is necessary.
A half or quarter strength fertilizer solution can be applied monthly during the orchids active growing season.
Learning how to provide the ideal indoor environment and following these basic tips for growing orchids are the necessary keys to growing orchids indoors successfully.
These orchid plants need more attention and patience than the usual indoor plants.
However the satisfaction that comes from coaxing these wonderful plants into sharing their beauty is already a reward.
As an added bonus you will enjoy the much desired display of beautiful orchid flowers in your own home.