Growing Orchids Indoors
To many devoted fans, orchids are plants that appear as delicately beautiful as tropical treasures, and they enjoy providing them with meticulous care throughout the year. Growing orchids indoors is a hobby that is attracting many new fans today, thanks to the wealth of information that is available. You can use these suggestions with your own orchids. If you provide them with the care they need you will be rewarded with strong healthy plants and beautiful, colorful blooms.
There is no reason for you to keep discarding older orchids after they have completed their blooming phase. When they are dormant they may not have the same dazzling effect on the senses, but the blooming cycle will return if you are patient. Even though many people consider orchids to be temperamental plants, most are quite resilient and forgiving of an occasional misstep concerning their care.
Here are some simple tips and ideas to help you as you learn how rewarding and exciting growing orchids indoors can actually be.
Light Exposure
If you want your orchids to perform at their maximum potential then you need to make certain that you give them enough light. Orchids love the sunlight, but they need the indirect or filtered light that can be found when you place them in front of a window. During the summer season, the sun’s rays are powerful enough to scorch the plants if they are not protected from direct sunlight.
Select a window that faces toward the south or at least one that faces the southeast. This will provide the orchids with at least 8-10 hours of indirect sunlight exposure. The indirect lighting is most reminiscent of the sunlight they would receive in their natural, rain-forest setting.
Most people find that a southern facing window in the bathroom or kitchen is an ideal location for orchids because they get to bask in the humid moisture levels of these rooms. During the late fall, and winter months you can move your indoor orchids to areas that receive more direct light from the sun. The sun’s effects are not as intense during these seasons, and this makes it possible for the orchids to tolerate a certain amount of direct sunlight.
Water Requirements for Growing Orchids Indoors
When it comes to water, orchids would prefer you to err on the side of caution. Too little water is much better for these plants than too much. Many individuals do not understand that orchids like a gentle shower of refreshing water, not a long-lasting downpour.
You should provide enough water to soak the orchids and the medium in which they are planted. If you are not certain whether your regular water is Ph balanced use purified watering solutions that you can buy at the store. Rainwater is another option that many people choose to use with their houseplants.
Orchids cannot be left in standing water, so be sure that the excess water drains from the pot. A good rule of thumb is to water these plants once a week during the winter and at least 2-3 times during the summer season.
Humidity is necessary for healthy, beautiful orchids. You can mist your plants regularly with a few squirts of water from a misting bottle. Only mist your plants early in the day so that the water can have a chance to evaporate before the nighttime hours arrive.
Why Use Bark?
Did you know that an orchid is actually a parasitic plant? This explains their long, intricate roots. If you were to visit a rain forest, you would see the orchids growing happily among the trees. Those winding roots make it possible for them to hold onto the bark of the trees and the branches. The roots are also the primary way these plants absorb water. Potting soil is not a good idea when you have orchids. Instead, you should always use an orchid potting mix that is made from bits of bark. This provides orchids with a more natural environment in which they can live and grow.
Ventilation
Growing orchids indoors means giving them enough room to breathe. They need adequate air circulation and should be spaced far enough apart so that their large leaves do not overlap. A small fan can also be used to circulate the air among these plants.
Fast Facts on Feeding
The right amount of food and fertilizer is critical for healthy orchids. These plants need an orchid fertilizer formula that can be applied at least every 3 weeks. During the months of February-September, you should use fertilizer with a higher nitrogen mix (30-10-10) to create healthy roots and leaves. From October-January, you should encourage buds and blooms with a 6-30-30 formula instead.
