Orchids are the most hardy and enduring plants in the word. They can thrive in virtually any environment. Understand the environments carefully and how they affect the particular orchids that grow in them is very important.
So the first rule of thumb in orchid care is to know where your plants come from. Here’s a brief guide. Epiphytes grow and flourish on tree trunks while hardy lithophytes make their home on rock and rock surfaces. While the myco-heterotrophs are those that lack chlorophyll and feed on nutrients from decaying plant matter. The last category will be terrestrial plants and they are the largest number of today’s household orchid plants.
Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid), Dendrobium, Cymbidium and the lovely Cattleya or the Corsage Orchid are the popular varieties for most household orchids. Even if these varieties are quite common, don’t think that it automatically becomes foolproof orchid care.
One should consider that successful orchid care involves being aware that varieties still follow their geographic influences with some general rules.
Question, How To Care For Orchids
Orchid Care Tip 1: While orchids don’t need extra care and are not generally delicate, you should remember that if you’re living in a temperate country, only bring them out during the summer. In temperate climates, regular living room temperature is generally okay should you wish to display your prized specimens there.
Orchid Care Tip 2: Ask the nursery for orchids that can grow optimally in particular parts of your house; example, your porch, living room or window sill. Some hybrids are bred for such specific areas.
Orchid Care Tip 3: If you are a novice orchid grower, try a variety or hybrid that is easy like Phalaenopsis. The reason people love this variant because it can flower all year whereas the others only blossom once a year normally. Cutting the stem after flowering will ensure that it will blossom again because there will be growing new stem segment.
Orchid Care Tip 4: There is no problem to fertilize your orchids. Make sure to follow certain conditions like the orchid’s flowering season. Although is not a must, but good fertilizers with special formula that specifically just for orchids are necessary.
Orchid Care Tip 5: As a beginner, you are encouraged to join horticultural societies or get online and participate in orchid related forums and websites. Sharing your new found passion with others who feel the same way of caring for orchids can be very fulfilling and encouraging.