Growing Orchids as House Plants
By
Robert Roy
One of the long standing myths that I still hear is that
orchid house plants are difficult and finicky to grow. Well, plain and simple,
the answer is No. In fact, orchids as house plants are easy to grow and will
continue to bloom for years. Some orchid plants have been around for centuries.
Watering
Orchid house plants and orchid plants in general will need watering
periodically, usually you can water once a week. Remember, most orchids are air
plants and this means you will see their roots. Their root system is very
efficient in storing water.
Here is a watering guide you can use: Cattleya, oncidium and dendrobium
orchids like to dry out between watering. An easy way to water is to put the
plant in the sink and let water flow through the plant for about 1 minute.
Remember, let the water drain from the plant before putting it back into the
decorative pot.
Plhalaenopsis orchids like to almost dry out between watering. To decide on
the next watering is to stick your finger about an inch into the moss which
should feel spongy and not bone dry.
Paphiopedilum and epidendrum should be slightly moist so that watering can be
twice a week.
Humidity
If the humidity in your home is low (below 40%) you may need to either mist
the plant occasionally or use a humidity tray. The tray is simply a metal or
plastic tray that is filled with pebbles and 1/2 of water. The plant would sit
would sit on the pebbles. Be sure not to let the plant or roots sit in the water
while on the tray.
The Right Lighting
Light is the next most important element to growing orchid plants. As a
general statement most orchid house plants do well in medium light. This would
in a window or an area that could get about 4 hours a day. Cattleya orchids do
well in this light but can also do well in a sunlit area for up to six hours.
Phals do well in indirect but bright light.
More in depth information is included in theOrchid Growing Course, free with
the purchase of an orchid plant.
What about temperature?
Most orchids do well in normal house temperature. The low temperature at
night do not impede the growth. Here is a little guide you can use.
Orchid Genre Minimum temp Degrees F Maximum temp Degrees F
Phalaenopsis 60 90
Vanda
Paphiopedilum (mottle leaf) 55 85
Dendrobium
Cattleya,
Epidendum
Paphiopedilum (green leaf) 50 80
Oncidium
Miltonia
So, you too can join the millions and a grow orchids just as successful as
your neighbor.
Visit our Orchid Store: http://www.orchid-store.orchids-plus-more.com
This article may be reproduced without permission as long as the author and
Web site are noted in the article.
Bob Roy has a e business in orchids. There are many oarticles dealing with
orchids on his web site,
orchids-plus-more.com
as well as a large selection of stunning orchid plants.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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