Important Pointers on Watering your Orchids

Orchid watering plays such a pivotal role in your orchid raising success, and to be able to ace it, here are a few important things you must take note of:

1. Firstly, you should bear in mind that, unlike any other plant, orchids have a special kind of roots that require different and specific type of care. It is best to check on your orchid's particular type to give it the specific care it needs.

2. Generally, you should water once a week, but, remember that different potting materials and different sizes of these potting materials affect the water to dry out at different rates too and may require you to water as often or seldom as necessary.

3. You must water only early in the day and during sunny days as water staying over night or staying in the orchids roots for too long will promote the growth of bacteria and fungi that may kill your orchids.

4. Water your plant with room temperature or lukewarm water to avoid causing injuries to your plant.

5. Water your plant from the top and make sure to wipe out the water that splashed on the leaves and in between the leaves.

6. If you can, it is best to use rainwater instead of tap water, as it absorb and dissolve substances such as dusts and pollens and contributes well in the nourishment of your plant.

7. Lastly, as with everything else, orchid watering is instinctual, so if you feel like you need to water your plant frequently or otherwise, just follow those green thumb instincts and you can never go wrong.

Orchid Growing Supplies

Orchids are highly delicate plants that need constant care as well as grooming. This can be done if appropriate tools are utilized in caring for orchids. Orchid growing supplies are as equally crucial as the basic needs of these lovely flowers for them to give a vibrant bloom such as sunlight, air and water.

It is of prime importance that you keep a handful of cutting shears to cut withered and deteriorating leaves and stems such as secateur shears, blades, heavy scissors and knives. It prevents the further spread of damages to other plant parts and therefore maintains the integrity of the orchids.

On the other hand, the size of the pot will greatly vary on what type of orchids you choose to grow. Other tools that you may need for potting method are planting sticks, hammers, and butane/propane torches which may be necessary to push potting materials, break pots and sterilize tools respectively. Also, you must use potting mixes that are made of both organic fibers and inorganic materials for they promote aeration and aid in holding water to keep the soil constantly damp.

Likewise, it is also a must to keep a number of watering accessories in your garden to complete your set of orchid growing supplies. These tools give your orchids a regular splash of water which may be substantial for their growth, to wash away pests and keep them clean at all times. Watering materials include watering cans, hoses, water flow regulators, water breakers sprayers and mists.

How To Repot an Orchid

People who just started to love and grow orchids might ask themselves if it is difficult to repot an orchid. Houseplants and orchids needed to be transferred to larger pots when they grow because they need more space, but repotting an orchid is more complicated compared to ordinary houseplants. When repotting orchids, it pays when the person does the right thing because more flowers will bloom and the orchid becomes healthier.

Steps on How to Report an Orchid:

Remove the orchid from the old pot. Get some old newspapers and turn the orchid upside down on it. If the roots are stuck to the container, use sterilized knife to loosen it from the pot. It is important to only use sterilize tools to cut the orchid roots in order to avoid diseases. Wiping the tools with rubbing alcohol or sterilizing it through flaming using a lighter can be done.

Prepare the orchid to be repotted is the next thing to do. Shake off the soil attached to the roots. The roots needs to be trimmed before the orchids can be repotted using sterilized scissors to remove the dead and damaged roots.

Move the orchid to the new pot. If the orchid is placed in previously used pot, the pot needs to be washed thoroughly and must be soaked in a weak solution of chlorine for 30 minutes and should be rinsed well. Clean stones or plastic foam must be put into the bottom of the pot because orchids require good drainage.

Growing Greenhouse Orchids

Orchids were inhabitant to rain-forest climates because they usually grow and thrive there before they were cultured and people tried to home grow them that is why sometimes many people would wonder if greenhouse orchids growing can be possible. What most people forget is that there are already many studies conducted with regards to these issues and there are already people who have tried to grow orchids in their greenhouses, so it is definitely possible. The number one thing to consider is the temperature of the region or area that the chosen orchid came from.

Different types of orchids comes from different climate conditions and the three main climate types are cool, intermediate and warm. The temperature must be kept accurate in order for the orchids to cope well with the new environment. Ventilators and extractor fans are available in order to regulate the temperature inside the greenhouse.

It is important to maintain the humidity inside the greenhouse. Water sprayers needs to be installed inside the greenhouse in order to maintain humidity, and these sprayers needs to water the orchids at least once a day and must be often used during summer or hot season. Direct heat or direct sunlight needs to be prevented, so heat blocking items such as roller blinds are needed especially during hot summer weather.

Growing greenhouse orchids is easy if you know what you need to do in order for the orchids to bloom and prosper. Growing orchids inside a greenhouse is great because you can control the temperature and climate conditions inside the greenhouse to meet the orchids needs.

Indoor Orchid

Knowing that orchids can be cultivated in the comfort of your own home makes you want to try growing orchids indoor. But there are a lot of things to consider when doing these because growing orchids needs extra care especially if it is to be put indoors. Even though it is inside your home, orchid pruning still needs to be done.

First things first, a person needs to choose an orchid that is suitable for indoor growing because not all orchids are the same; each specie has different character and thrive in different conditions. Before buying that orchid of your choice you must check the orchid seedlings if it is healthy. Inspect the leaves, roots, and flowers of the orchid. If the leaves have brown or black patches, it means that the orchids have a disease. Yellow leaves indicates poor health. Firm and whitish roots are healthy, so you must check for it.

The next thing is to learn how to take care of the orchid indoors. Most plants need sun light in order to grow so as the orchid, but remember that it is inside the house so the orchid needs to be near a window in order to have its share of sunlight. But direct afternoon sunlight is not good; a curtain can be used to filter the heat that the sun emits directly to the orchid. Humidity also plays a vital role in the orchid's life. A humidifier can be used or a keeping dish with moist gravel under the plant can be a substitute.

Get Rid of Yellow Leaves on Orchids

There are two types of orchids. First is the one that has thick and leathered leaves which dwells in places that are not wet and parched. They are usually taken care of by sunlight. Last is the species that are placed in more conducive areas. They grow long and their leaves are thin.

The life span of the leaves of orchids are usually for a couple of years only but then, there are some which sheds and falls annually to pave way for the growth of new leaves.

• Do you know the indications being shown by your orchids?
• Can you see orchid yellow leaves?
• Do they fall right after they turn yellow?
• Are the leaves now watery and black?

Generally, one of its disorders is the occurrence of orchid yellow leaves. This could mean that something irregular is happening to your plants, or maybe it had already come to its elderly age. Very often, leaves become the determinant of how well our plants are doing. They become the indicators whether our orchids are still healthy or not. One of the uncommon things in our orchids leaves is the presence of yellow spots. This is called fungal infection but remember this doesn't make the whole leaf yellow.

Too much exposure from the sunlight can produce spots on the leaves. To avoid this, place the orchids to a more shaded area. It might take some time for the orchid yellow leaves to recover, but once they do, new grown leaves will now be in color green which is known to be the healthy and right color.

Cold temperature could also make the leaves yellow. And to prevent this, keep in mind that when the temperature drops down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, its time you spare your orchids from such coldness. And as the whole plant needs humidity, too much of it can also cause fungus. The idyllic ranges of temperature for orchids are: at daytime it should be between 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit while it should not go below 55 degrees Fahrenheit during night time.

Unlike this one type of orchid- Vandas, others do not need constant watering as they may produce yellow leaves or Black Rot. If the plants dry out even after you watered it, skip this method for one week or two and cure it with a fungal fighting procedure.

Other ways to make sure that the leaves wont turn yellow is the absence of toxin in the surroundings. You should also feed enough nitrogen to the orchids and to enable this, you can replace the pot you have for your plants. In this way, new roots will conjure up.

Beginner Orchids: Cockle-shell Orchid

Nicknamed by its shape, the Cockle-shell is also known as the Clamshell Orchid. This orchid and a few siblings have been moved from one family to another, namely, Encyclia, Anacheilium, & Epinendrum due to some distinct characteristics. Today, it is officially named Prosthechea cochleata.

It grows differently than most orchids. The labellum or lip of the Clamshell orchid flowers grow in a way that forms a hood that covers the column. Quite the opposite of what is common to orchids where the lip grows in an outward direction from the column. And while its inflorescence stays on top, its tepals grow hanging downwards, forming what seems like of an octopus. Its looks is a gratifying feat that hides the fact that they are not as freely fragrant as they look.

Sharing features with the genus Epinendrum and Encyclia, clamshell orchids are also good beginner specimens. It favors medium lighting due to its leaves being thin. A session with the morning sun by the window is more enough to fulfill its daily needs.

It requires abundant moisture at their roots while in development. For a less humid season, misting with distilled water several times in a day or placing a tray of water under it would help keep it from becoming dry. If it's too dry, spider mites might attack the plant. With such requirements of well maintained humidity, a good circulation of air in its area of growth will help greatly in preventing fungal and bacterial growth. You can also tell a healthy orchid by checking the roots if it turns green from white when watering.

When it's in active growth, it would be the best time to put some fertilizers. For most mediums, a 20-10-20 NPK is sufficient, except for fir barks. Fir barks share nitrogen when decomposing so you need a fertilizer with higher nitrogen content. There are also fertilizers made for orchid blooming at 6-30-30 but pretty much effective for epiphytic orchids such as the Clamshell orchid.

For the Love of Orchids

Many people love the beauty of an orchid for it is different, unique and simply stunning compared to just any flowers in the garden. Some people thought that it is hard to grow orchids but they are wrong for it is easy to grow orchids if they only know how and where it is best to grow them. Orchid growing is becoming a fad not only for women but also for men, young and old.

Though it is uncommon to see an orchid as a house plant, it can still be done; growing orchids as house plants is not complicated. Someone who wants to try growing orchids only needs to know that orchids are just like all other house plants, they need sunlight, water, fertilizer, and that they need to be pruned. There are many books, e-books and the like that teach people how to grow orchids and how to take care of them. Many people can learn through reading such books or by experience, by learning from other people's garden.

Orchids pruning is a very essential part in the orchids life because it is needed in order to maintain the growth of the orchid and improve its appearance. Orchid pruning also motivates new growth and more blossoms. In order to do orchid pruning correctly, it is important to know the type of the orchid you are growing.

Some orchids needs to be pruned when the flowers begin to wilt and for other types, pruning should be done when the stems turn brown. The tools used in pruning should be sterilized in order to avoid viruses that could leave a disease to the orchid. And please do not forget that it is important to know what and where to prune the orchids. The growth of the orchid is at risk in pruning so it is very important to know these things.

Pruning Orchids

Pruning is very essential in keeping the orchids clean and healthy, thus, providing more new rooms for flowers and leaves with its main aim of eradicating unwanted and unnecessary portions of the plant, such as diseased leaves or dead and broken aerial roots or branches.

There are numerous ways in determining the perfect timing for pruning such wonderful flowers, hence, it also depends on the variety of orchids. Pruning can be best performed during the months of October to November when there a no new blossoms and the orchids are believed to be inactive. However, some flowers may require to be pruned when they start wilting like in the case of phalaenopsis. Others may need to be trimmed down a little if the stems begins to turn brown.

On a special note, once yellow or black spots appear on the leaves it should be removed immediately to prevent it from further spreading to other parts of the plant. Also, you need to inspect the roots for any damages. By the time you're done pruning the roots, the orchids can now be transferred to a fresh potting medium.

Conversely, a pair of secateur shears is the most appropriate tool for pruning orchids giving flawless cuts without actually destroying the plant. Orchids are highly susceptible to infection and diseases, however, the tools used for caring these plants should be kept clean and sterile at all times. Be sure to wear gloves when cleaning the scissors with a diluted bleach solution.

Caring for orchids may be difficult and complicated, but if you studied the background of the plants well, and know the basics of pruning according to its specie, growing them in your garden or outdoors could be fun and worthwhile.

Secrets of Growing Orchids

When we are talking already about orchids, a lot have thought that growing them is a big nightmare to take care of and very delicate as many have been led to believe that it is. In fact, orchids are among the easiest of plants to culture just as any other plant.

But as a general rule, choose discreetly the types of orchids you will be growing that is in conformity in the area with which you area living. Despite being one of the most adaptable flowers, they tend to have a very specific habitat in which they thrive. And there are some things that you must know in order for your orchids to flourish and bloom.

The appropriate amount of light is probably the most crucial factor if your plants will survive and is necessary for its growth. Many made the mistake of assuming that orchids must be watered several times a week then they probably just wilted before you knew it. When watering your plants, take care not to wet the leaves. Just bear in mind that orchids can tolerate being too dry better than being too wet.

And when its time for orchids pruning, it is very important to remember of how far you cut back the flower stalk. You can prune your orchids within an inch from where it grows once the stalk turns yellow or brown. There are several reasons why this should be done in the right way for it helps in promoting new growth. It also increases structural strength and it regenerates old flowering branches.

Beginner Orchids: Genus Brassavola

Brassavola is one of the easiest families of orchids to grow. They are very closely related to another set of beginner orchids as well, namely Cattleya and Laelia. They can be grown well indoors and tolerate a lower relative humidity that would otherwise affect other orchids badly.

Among the most common species is B. nodosa, also well-known as Lady of Night. Although this trait is shared throughout the family, B. nodosa has a seemingly strong scent during the night. They react as early as before sunset, getting ready to burst out with their nocturnal fragrance. The scent, along with the light colors of their flowers, attracts night insects such as the moth as part of the pollination process.

While they can also tolerate lesser light, their strong night feat comes from absorbing as much light as possible during the day. This allows you not to worry much of overexposure to the sun. A good indication of a healthy consumption of light is when the leaves start to have red freckles on them.

Brassavolas are both epiphytic and lithophytic, meaning, not only do they naturally grow on trees, but they also grow on rocks. With this, you can enhance their decorative display and create a lovelier garden.

As mentioned, having a close relation to Cattleya and Laelia makes them much favored for creating hybrid orchids, such as a larger flower size one genus with a more colorful one. So close that one specie, B.Digbyana, is actually found to be a genus of Laelia back in 1918, but its name under Brassavola was retained as it was already popular and to avoid unnecessary confusion.

As you start your way to cultivating your perfect garden, your fond beginnings will be preserved as they will be part of it for as long as you take care of them. And every night of their time to bloom makes it all worth it.

Growing Orchids at Home

Orchids can be found almost everywhere. It can easily grow on land, tree canopy, and even in water. Orchids are of prime choice by most garden lovers and home bodies that serve as part of their landscape garden attraction, for its irresistible, enthralling bloom. However, keeping them as garden plants is not as easy as it may sound.

Most people would say that growing orchids indoors is only for those with green thumbs, but, I beg to disagree. Here are some tips on how to make your first time orchid planting be a success.

Knowledge. The best way to grow your orchids is to be equipped with right information as to type of specie you decided to deal with, giving a special consideration that each flower differs from the other. Hence, its needs could be addressed according to its variety.

Air and Humidity. Place the orchid in a spot where it could get enough air that it needs to keep its leaves well ventilated. Thus, air keeps fungus and bacteria away from destroying the leaves. Placing orchid pots on a saucer with ornamental pebbles with just about an inch of water will definitely keep the air around the plant well humidified and healthy.

Water. Too much or too little is bad for watering such sensitive orchids, as both could kill your plant. Watering orchids once a week would be enough. Also, use clay pots instead of plastic containers to avoid drowning the plant.

Temperature. A temperature of about 75 degree Fahrenheit to 85 degree Fahrenheit during daytime and a minimum of 59 degree Fahrenheit at night would be just as perfect for propagating your orchids.

Soil. Sphagnum moss, wooden chips, or shredded coconuts are proven to be effective in keeping the soil moist all the time.

Caring for orchids entails a great deal of dedication and sensitivity to its needs for growth and survival. Just like pampering a baby, it needs constant touch, comfort and attention from its mother. Not only it gives us an attractive ambiance, it also gives us a motivation to become more productive in aiding Mother Nature in advocating a dirt free atmosphere.

Common Orchid Pests

Orchids are very strong plants and are capable of protecting themselves from the common pests and diseases. Environmental stress, however, can leave them vulnerable to pests that might already have taken refuge in your orchid, or in nearby plants. Treat them as early as possible as you don't want them in large numbers enough to use strong pesticides that could also risk the health of your plant.

Aphids. Small, green, yellow, or black insects. You will find them in clusters on new leaves and blooming buds. They penetrate through the plant surface that becomes an entry point for other diseases. Warm water and detergent is enough for wiping small clusters off the orchid. Use insecticidal soap for worse numbers.

Spider Mites. Very small green or red insects. Though hard to see, the webbings they create can be spotted by inspecting the underside of the leaves. They prefer dusty areas for attaching their webbings so keep the leaves clean by washing them regularly. Treat the leaves with insecticidal soap from time to time.

Scales. Brown, or white round insects. Bad infestation can scar and stunt the plant. Spray insecticidal soap or with stronger pesticides for weeks. Spray the other plants as well to keep the young scales from moving from one to another. They easily grow in numbers and could stunt the growth of the plant while leaving scars.

Mealybugs. For the untrained eye, they would look like webbings but in fact are white insects with cottony appearance and thread-like legs. They colonize areas such as inside bud sheaths and crevices between the leaves. They are less harmful than the other pests, but hard to eradicate. Like any other pests, frequent maintenance will keep them from multiplying to unsafe amounts. They can be killed with alcohol.

Slugs and snails. They are easy to spot, when they're there. You can detect their presence by the slime trails that they leave and chewed out leaves and buds. Simply remove if you find them. Should they keep coming, slug baits are commonly available to keep them away from your plants. It's also been found that beer is an effective home remedy. Place them in a bowl in any spot in your garden and they will fill themselves in.

Growing Underground Orchids

There are many types of orchids and many ways of growing them: right humidity, right soil, and most of all, right lighting. But how does one that lives underground grow? Rhizanthella gardneri is one of the two subterranean orchids that can only be found in Australia.

In May, spring of 1928, John Trott encountered the very first specimen of the underground orchid. A half-inch flower head composed of 10 to 90 small, cream to reddish colored flowers, protected by overlapping bracts that formed a hole at the soil surface. He then gave the specimen to Charles Gardner, the Government Botanist, who then forwarded it to Dr. Richard Sanders Rodgers. Dr. Rodgers, on the same year, described the flower and named it after Charles.

Between 1928 to 1959, the orchid has only been found 6 times, all by chance. It wasn't until 1979 after it has been found again at a private property, 300 kilometers south of its previous known locations. Over 300 flowering plants where then found thereafter. In 1980, it was declared as Rare Flora.

It doesn't grow normally like other orchids. It spends its lifetime underground, and only grows to bloom at the surface when it's ready to propagate. Leafless and lacking chlorophyll, it doesn't rely on photosynthesis but instead live myco-heterotrophic, meaning it has a symbiotic relationship with certain plants and fungi, with Rhizanthella gardneris case, a tea plant of the species Melaleuca uncinta, and a mycorrhizal fungus. This is also why most of the orchid is found 20 to 30 inches near the mentioned tea plant.

Though it can produce three daughter plants vegetatively, it still can reproduce sexually. Its flowers bloom between May and July. A pollinated flower will take six months to mature and will then produce a berry-like fleshy fruit containing a few to a hundred seeds. There are no hard findings but it is thought that certain animals eat the fruit and disperse the seeds with their droppings.

As of now, Rhizanthella gardneri continues to gain the interest of biologists all over the world for its unique lifecycle. Its beauty remains underground.