So you have also been touched by the orchid fever and have decided that you will be the best orchid grower ever? And want to offer your orchid the best care possible? Here is some general advice about what to do and how to handle your plant.
Due to the fact that the orchids are naturally used to other climates than the ones we live in, we have to provide them with similar living conditions to that where they come from.
However with the various numbers of hybrids already existing we can now easily find an orchid which will quickly adjust to our living environment.
Things you should by all means consider are: position, water, light, temperature, humidity and nutrition.
It is a common misconception that it is very hard and difficult to attend to these plants.
It is true that they require attention but, not more than any other plant you have in your home.
When you are shopping for an orchid you need to observe while you are still in the shop what kind of orchid you are buying.
Ask the florist how old the flower is and only buy it if it is one year old or even younger.
If you buy a flower already fully in bloom, you may sadly encounter that you have bought an old orchid, which will probably soon die.
Once you have brought your orchid plant home you must search for the right place, ideal would be the window, eastern or northern side.
At first you can leave your orchid in the pot within you have brought it home.
The best pots are the transparent ones, because they let the light through to the roots.
Choose a room with high humidity, orchids like the air to be moist.
The air you consider stuffy will be just right for your orchid.
That's very hard to do and uncomfortable also.
You can go for a species like Dendrobiums, Cattleyas, or Phalaenopsis, because they resist even to low humidity.
One can try and do several things to regulate the humidity of the room.
You can put a tray with pebbles under the pot and by watering the pebbles they will keep the air humid.
The blooming and dormant periods of the orchids have to be also monitored in order to know when and how much you should water and fertilize them.
Most species do not need very much water and only once or twice a week.
The amount of light should also be something to pay attention to, because most orchids like warm weather, but not the hot midday sun.
Conduct a research on what kind of orchid you own, whether it likes light or shade, because they differ in that aspect, too.
In the question of repotting you should be very careful and always ask a specialist about the potting media you are placing your plant in.
The same as by other indoor or outdoor plants the most important things your orchid needs are care, attention and a great amount of love.
If you respect your flowers special preferences you will be happy to have splendid, long-lasting orchid blooms.