Caring For Orchids Blog

A love of orchids often begins with an orchid being given
to you as a gift, for a birthday or for Christmas.  However, being a living thing, caring for
orchids involves far more than putting it on a shelf, and sometimes the care of
orchids can seem overwhelming! 

So, if you are starting out, here are a few things to
consider…

Watering – Many people who are new to orchids commit the
classic mistake: they over water!  You
need to wait until your orchids are dry (but not completely dry) before you
water thoroughly.  To establish exactly
how dry tings are, check beneath the surface of your growing medium.  There is no absolute rules for watering,  but try to do it no more than once a week, unless
you are absolutely sure it is dry.

Temperature – Given that most orchids come from tropical
regions, where temperatures are regularly above 30 degrees Celsius, you need to
be careful with temperature.  Sure, some orchids
that can grow in the cold, but excessively cold temperatures can damage the
plant, causing yellowing of the leaves to the point where they will eventually
fall off.

Feeding Orchids – A common question in caring for orchids
involves how you feed them.  You can use
either your own feed, or fertilizers that you can buy from the shop, but be
careful and seek the right advice. The best time to use orchid feed is in
spring, and you should never use them in the winter months.

Re-potting Orchids – If your caring for orchids is

becoming a success, you may see enough growth to require a re-pot.  Make sure you re-pot before new growth
appears on your orchid.

Light –  If you are
serious about the Care of orchids, you need to get enough light to your orchids,
without leaving them in direct sunlight all day. Getting the light right is
arguably the most critical factor in the Care of orchids, because if they don’t
get enough then they won’t bloom properly. Think about where you place you
orchid in relation to the light, and remember that as a general rule south
facing windows allow more light.

Humidity Levels – Most people never even consider these,
but bearing in mind the tropical origin of most orchids, complete caring for
orchids involves thinking about humidity. 
The good news is that it is easier than you would think!  Use a spray bottle to mist to ensure there is
enough moisture in the air of the room.

Caring for orchids can also throw up other problems, such
as insects and diseases.  If this
happens, seek the advice or a local orchid expert, and make sure you clean your
orchids regularly to ensure they remain healthy.

Caring for orchids can be a hugely rewarding experience.
Once you start with your first orchid it is likely you will be hooked, and
eager to take caring for orchids to a higher level.  If you enjoy the experience, and don’t become
overwhelmed!  Don’t be daunted, after a
little more experience, caring for orchids will become easy for you.