The orchid flower is one of the most beautiful plants that can be easily grown in your own home or even in your own garden if you know exactly what species are best for these conditions. They are normally found in the tropical regions of the world, but many species can even be found in the Arctic circle and even temperate climates as well. The most commonly found ones are in the hot, humid, and moist climates.
How Many Species are There?
There are over 20,000 types of plants that you can choose to grow with many more being discovered every single day. With all these plants to choose from which one is best for you and how can you choose very easily? It’s very simple, you must understand some information on the most popular types and you need to understand which ones are easy to grow and some that are a little more difficult to grow, but still well worth the effort.
All these plants will bring you beautiful blooms, but you first must learn about a couple of them before you go out and start growing them in your home. Let’s discuss a few types that you will need to know.
Begin Looking at One of the Simplest ones To Grow
The first and easiest species to grow that is found in almost all garden centers are Cymbidium orchids. These beautiful flowers can be grown by the most novice gardener and should be one of the first ones that you grow in your home to get some practice with these exotic flowers.
The blooms can come in a variety of colors that can include violet, green, white, yellow, and pink. Most of these flowers usually bloom just once per year during the winter season, but with the advantages in science and technology you can buy some that will bloom all year round if that is your preference.
Popularity is Infamous around These Flowers
The next ones we will discuss that are also a popular among many newcomer enthusiasts is the Phalaenopsis orchid. These are another easy one to grow that can make any gardener very proud with their beautiful and amazing blooms. Don’t be mistaken because these flowers are often referred to as “Moth Orchids”.
When you get these flowers to bloom take a look at the flower and you will notice that the shape looks much like the wings of a moth, hence their name. There are only about 60 species of Phalaenopsis plants and are tall with very few leaves. Although they bloom once a year, that one time is a good time for you to enjoy their magnificent color and beauty.
Difficult Yet Still Possible To Grow
I just want to discuss one last species that you need to know and that is the Paphiopedilum orchid. There is one major difference between these and the others that I have discussed in this article and that is the difficulty factor. They are much more difficult to grow, but with the right care you can get amazing blooms from them at will.
You should try growing them once you have mastered the basics of properly taking care of these flowers. After you master the basics you can then move on to harder types and start challenging yourself and you will be able to have any kind of flower in your home as long as you put your mind to it.
Get started right now with these orchid species and you will be on your way to becoming a gardening expert today.
This is a blog I have created to share all my knowledge I have about proper orchid care with others. I want to share everything that I have about orchid care with other orchid enthusiasts so that they can have more beautiful and magnificent orchids much more easily.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Proper Orchid Soil Required For Optimum Growth
One of the biggest and most important elements in growing amazing and beautiful orchids is growing them in the correct soil that is required to stimulate optimum growth. It is a misconception if you think that they are able to thrive in regular potting soil.
What You are Going To Learn from This Post
They are normally found in tropical areas that are covered with many trees and the ground has much organic matter from plants, trees, animals and other natural substances. It makes sense to use the exact type of soil that is used in their natural environment right? That’s what I am going to discuss in this post and how simple it is to find these organic substances and where you can easily obtain them for your new hobby today.
The Best Soils for Optimum Growth
So what orchid soil should you use to start growing beautiful and magnificent blooms? There are two types of materials that are utilized in this process especially when planting these flowers in pots or containers. There are organic materials that can be used for these flowers and there are inorganic types as well.
The organic materials that are used are pretty much the best types of substances that are available for you to use for planting these exotic flowers. Some organic types include materials such as redwood bark, fir bark, sphagnum moss, and coconut husks. These items can be very hard to find separately unless you happen to live in the natural habitat of the orchid flower. The inorganic mixes include lava rock, charcoal, perlite, alifor, and turface.
Make Sure to Get More Rather Than Less
If you would like to use these organic types of materials then I would suggest going to your local garden store or nursery and see if they have the appropriate soil that you can use for your own orchid plants. It is much easier today to go to your local garden center and find a bag of commercially made mixes that have all the materials that are need for maximum growth.
This is by far the easiest way to get the most reliable and healthy medium for your flowers. You can always search around for different types of materials at different locations and I would also ask your local nursery what they use to grow their own orchids as well. They could give you a great idea of where to purchase and find these different types of organic and inorganic materials.
As long as you have the right information on proper soil you should use, then you will be able to have the best plants in your neighborhood. Good luck with your brand new hobby!
What You are Going To Learn from This Post
They are normally found in tropical areas that are covered with many trees and the ground has much organic matter from plants, trees, animals and other natural substances. It makes sense to use the exact type of soil that is used in their natural environment right? That’s what I am going to discuss in this post and how simple it is to find these organic substances and where you can easily obtain them for your new hobby today.
The Best Soils for Optimum Growth
So what orchid soil should you use to start growing beautiful and magnificent blooms? There are two types of materials that are utilized in this process especially when planting these flowers in pots or containers. There are organic materials that can be used for these flowers and there are inorganic types as well.
The organic materials that are used are pretty much the best types of substances that are available for you to use for planting these exotic flowers. Some organic types include materials such as redwood bark, fir bark, sphagnum moss, and coconut husks. These items can be very hard to find separately unless you happen to live in the natural habitat of the orchid flower. The inorganic mixes include lava rock, charcoal, perlite, alifor, and turface.
Make Sure to Get More Rather Than Less
If you would like to use these organic types of materials then I would suggest going to your local garden store or nursery and see if they have the appropriate soil that you can use for your own orchid plants. It is much easier today to go to your local garden center and find a bag of commercially made mixes that have all the materials that are need for maximum growth.
This is by far the easiest way to get the most reliable and healthy medium for your flowers. You can always search around for different types of materials at different locations and I would also ask your local nursery what they use to grow their own orchids as well. They could give you a great idea of where to purchase and find these different types of organic and inorganic materials.
As long as you have the right information on proper soil you should use, then you will be able to have the best plants in your neighborhood. Good luck with your brand new hobby!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Vanda Orchids and Their Secrets
Vanda orchids are very beautiful flowers that you can grow in your home if you have the proper information about these interesting plants. You can find these in parts of Asia and in their native environment of high humidity and warm temperatures.
They are found around rain forests and other areas with the same type of conditions. Because they are only found in Asia they have become very popular among most enthusiasts around the world. They have become one of the most imported orchids that you can find anywhere.
How These Plants are Naturally Grown in The Wild
Since these Vandas are normally found in their natural habitat you can easily grow them on trees and rocks if you have the information needed. They are naturally mounted on these organic materials because of their dependence on these materials they grow slowly and upward which can make for a great flower to grow in your home.
Even though there are thousands of species available Vandas only have about 50 different types within this genus. You can also find different hybrids that have been crossed with other plants to make them more beautiful and disease resistant. They come in a wide variety of colors that include brown, pink, white, yellow and bluish-purple.
Some Tips You Should Know in Order To Grow Them Indoors Successfully
As stated before they actually don’t grow sideways and they will only grow towards the sky which makes them monopodial plants. If you are preparing to grow orchids indoors then this may be the type that you have been looking for. They can easily adapt to different conditions especially in many pots that you place them in. Some types have been known not to bloom while inside of a pot or inside of your home or office.
Since these varieties will only grow straight up you will need to give this flower some sort of support to keep it upwards. You will need to recreate its habitat such as a tree that you won’t have in your home. Basically you need to replace the tree that it would normally attach to with a support such as a stick that you can place on your pots.
Challenging Yourself With These Plants
If you are an avid enthusiast then you could probably try growing Vanda orchids to give yourself a challenge. If you are new to growing them, then it may not be wise to use these types as your first project. It will take some knowledge and skill to get these plants growing correctly, but it is not out of the question.
Giving your plant much more humidity than other orchids will be required for proper growth. They also will need very bright light every single day, but not for too long. Keeping your flowers in a bright window for just a couple of hours and then put it in the shade for the rest of the day is how you should supply them with the proper amount of light.
This is just some information that is required when growing Vanda orchids. If you try growing these flowers make sure to follow the steps that is necessary for optimum growth.
They are found around rain forests and other areas with the same type of conditions. Because they are only found in Asia they have become very popular among most enthusiasts around the world. They have become one of the most imported orchids that you can find anywhere.
How These Plants are Naturally Grown in The Wild
Since these Vandas are normally found in their natural habitat you can easily grow them on trees and rocks if you have the information needed. They are naturally mounted on these organic materials because of their dependence on these materials they grow slowly and upward which can make for a great flower to grow in your home.
Even though there are thousands of species available Vandas only have about 50 different types within this genus. You can also find different hybrids that have been crossed with other plants to make them more beautiful and disease resistant. They come in a wide variety of colors that include brown, pink, white, yellow and bluish-purple.
Some Tips You Should Know in Order To Grow Them Indoors Successfully
As stated before they actually don’t grow sideways and they will only grow towards the sky which makes them monopodial plants. If you are preparing to grow orchids indoors then this may be the type that you have been looking for. They can easily adapt to different conditions especially in many pots that you place them in. Some types have been known not to bloom while inside of a pot or inside of your home or office.
Since these varieties will only grow straight up you will need to give this flower some sort of support to keep it upwards. You will need to recreate its habitat such as a tree that you won’t have in your home. Basically you need to replace the tree that it would normally attach to with a support such as a stick that you can place on your pots.
Challenging Yourself With These Plants
If you are an avid enthusiast then you could probably try growing Vanda orchids to give yourself a challenge. If you are new to growing them, then it may not be wise to use these types as your first project. It will take some knowledge and skill to get these plants growing correctly, but it is not out of the question.
Giving your plant much more humidity than other orchids will be required for proper growth. They also will need very bright light every single day, but not for too long. Keeping your flowers in a bright window for just a couple of hours and then put it in the shade for the rest of the day is how you should supply them with the proper amount of light.
This is just some information that is required when growing Vanda orchids. If you try growing these flowers make sure to follow the steps that is necessary for optimum growth.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Water Orchids Correctly and Efficiently
If you want to water orchids properly then I suggest reading this entire article. For beginners it can sometimes be a frightening task if you don’t have all the knowledge you need to precisely moisten the soil. Once you understand how this simple process works and once you start applying it to your garden you will be able to supply them with what they need at any time.
Watering orchids correctly is an important element in the life and health of your plants and you will need to know how to do this in order to have beautiful and flourishing flowers for many years to come. Let’s get into the details of this simple procedure.
Knowing Exactly When it is Time to Dampen Your Flowers
One major difficulty many orchid enthusiasts have trouble with is knowing when to give their flowers moisture. This is a critical task because you don’t want to give it to them too soon and over water them. But you also don’t want to forget about them and have them dry out too quickly. Both these scenarios are harmful to your plants health and well being. You must try to avoid both of these possibilities and make certain that you dampen them when the time is right.
The Exact Process You Need To Use
Here is a simple way to know when it’s time to give your plants moisture. When you first water your plant pick it up and test to see how heavy it is with the pot filled with soil and water. Once you have picked it up and tested its weight you can now wait at least one day before touching it again. Perform the same exact process except this time you will not be giving it a dampening you will instead be testing its weight.
If it feels like it has lost some weight possibly from the water you added it may need some more. To be perfectly sure that your orchids need more moisture place your finger into the medium and check to see if any moisture has been retained inside the soil. If it feels like there is some moisture in there, then you don’t have to give them anything at this time. You should keep an eye on it since it may need some pretty soon.
Another Solution That Could Help You With This Process
You can also leave the orchid out in warm temperatures allowing the soil to dry out quickly. This solution can be quite strange because you may be afraid to dry out your flower too much. As long as you water them before the leaves start to die or curl then you have done this technique properly.
By allowing the soil to dry you avoid many diseases that can be found in very damp orchid soils that have been given too much. Either technique is a great way to keep your plants healthy. You just need to find what you are most comfortable with and utilize it. Have fun growing these amazing flowers.
Watering orchids correctly is an important element in the life and health of your plants and you will need to know how to do this in order to have beautiful and flourishing flowers for many years to come. Let’s get into the details of this simple procedure.
Knowing Exactly When it is Time to Dampen Your Flowers
One major difficulty many orchid enthusiasts have trouble with is knowing when to give their flowers moisture. This is a critical task because you don’t want to give it to them too soon and over water them. But you also don’t want to forget about them and have them dry out too quickly. Both these scenarios are harmful to your plants health and well being. You must try to avoid both of these possibilities and make certain that you dampen them when the time is right.
The Exact Process You Need To Use
Here is a simple way to know when it’s time to give your plants moisture. When you first water your plant pick it up and test to see how heavy it is with the pot filled with soil and water. Once you have picked it up and tested its weight you can now wait at least one day before touching it again. Perform the same exact process except this time you will not be giving it a dampening you will instead be testing its weight.
If it feels like it has lost some weight possibly from the water you added it may need some more. To be perfectly sure that your orchids need more moisture place your finger into the medium and check to see if any moisture has been retained inside the soil. If it feels like there is some moisture in there, then you don’t have to give them anything at this time. You should keep an eye on it since it may need some pretty soon.
Another Solution That Could Help You With This Process
You can also leave the orchid out in warm temperatures allowing the soil to dry out quickly. This solution can be quite strange because you may be afraid to dry out your flower too much. As long as you water them before the leaves start to die or curl then you have done this technique properly.
By allowing the soil to dry you avoid many diseases that can be found in very damp orchid soils that have been given too much. Either technique is a great way to keep your plants healthy. You just need to find what you are most comfortable with and utilize it. Have fun growing these amazing flowers.
Labels:
orchid watering,
water orchids,
watering orchids
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
How To Care For Orchids
Do you know how to care for orchids? Well if you don't then you might want to read this short post that I have written. The secret to caring for these plants is to have the knowledge and tools it takes to grow beautiful blooms. These exotic flowers do take some time to get used to and you may need some extra knowledge especially if this is your first time caring for these plants.
After reading this article you will know exactly how to grow and easily care for these plants, and you will be able to cultivate them any time that you desire. They will continue to bloom throughout the years as long as you apply these simple yet effortless techniques right now.
The Important Elements You Must Understand
Knowing the exact process for caring for these flowers is an important element if want to have a beautiful blooming garden, amazing greenhouse, or just want to show off your skills to family and friends. Proper orchid care includes many things such as watering, proper soil, sunlight, temperature, humidity, air movement, and even diseases. This may all seem like much work, but with just a little knowledge of all this becomes a breeze for any beginner enthusiast.
Using The Exact Medium That Best Suits These Flowers
Let’s just discuss one of these techniques so you don’t feel overwhelmed. If you learn one method at a time you will soon be a professional orchid grower! The first thing you should know is using the proper soil or medium. This is the first step in cultivating these flowers and it happens to be the foundation to growing beautiful flowers. If you get this step wrong then you will not have a healthy and vibrant plants.
You need to create an opportunity for yourself and your orchid to be able to bloom. Without the proper medium all your chances of growing them have been tossed out the window. These mediums consist of many different materials that are usually naturally occurring substances found on this planet and are readily available in many different areas.
The Different Types of Material Used In Orchid Mixes
There are organic materials that you can use and are found in most greenhouses and garden stores. There are also inorganic ones which are much harder to find, but can be used if necessary. I prefer to use organic types of materials because they are much easier to find. These organic types include coconut husks, fir bark, sphagnum moss, and osmunda fiber.
Inorganic types include lava rock, alifor, and charcoal. If you go to any garden store you will usually find a small section of specially made mixes that already have the proper materials in them. This is the easiest way to get the proper materials that you need. With the correct medium you now know what it takes to keep these plants thriving and blooming for years to come.
Knowing how to care for orchids is not as complicated as many make it out to be. With the right knowledge you can grow any species that you desire with very little effort.
After reading this article you will know exactly how to grow and easily care for these plants, and you will be able to cultivate them any time that you desire. They will continue to bloom throughout the years as long as you apply these simple yet effortless techniques right now.
The Important Elements You Must Understand
Knowing the exact process for caring for these flowers is an important element if want to have a beautiful blooming garden, amazing greenhouse, or just want to show off your skills to family and friends. Proper orchid care includes many things such as watering, proper soil, sunlight, temperature, humidity, air movement, and even diseases. This may all seem like much work, but with just a little knowledge of all this becomes a breeze for any beginner enthusiast.
Using The Exact Medium That Best Suits These Flowers
Let’s just discuss one of these techniques so you don’t feel overwhelmed. If you learn one method at a time you will soon be a professional orchid grower! The first thing you should know is using the proper soil or medium. This is the first step in cultivating these flowers and it happens to be the foundation to growing beautiful flowers. If you get this step wrong then you will not have a healthy and vibrant plants.
You need to create an opportunity for yourself and your orchid to be able to bloom. Without the proper medium all your chances of growing them have been tossed out the window. These mediums consist of many different materials that are usually naturally occurring substances found on this planet and are readily available in many different areas.
The Different Types of Material Used In Orchid Mixes
There are organic materials that you can use and are found in most greenhouses and garden stores. There are also inorganic ones which are much harder to find, but can be used if necessary. I prefer to use organic types of materials because they are much easier to find. These organic types include coconut husks, fir bark, sphagnum moss, and osmunda fiber.
Inorganic types include lava rock, alifor, and charcoal. If you go to any garden store you will usually find a small section of specially made mixes that already have the proper materials in them. This is the easiest way to get the proper materials that you need. With the correct medium you now know what it takes to keep these plants thriving and blooming for years to come.
Knowing how to care for orchids is not as complicated as many make it out to be. With the right knowledge you can grow any species that you desire with very little effort.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Understanding The Colors of Your Orchid Leaves
Orchid leaves are what are used to store food for all your plants. They need these leaves in order to flower beautiful blooms and live for many years. Many types shed their leaves as soon as their flower has opened and bloomed. Others however can keep most of the leaves they have for the next season. Although, these older ones will be the first to die once the new season begins.
What Should You Do When Your Leaves are Turning Yellow?
So you’re beginning to see yellow leaves on your plants. What does this mean? Sometimes the older leaves which are usually located at the bottom of the plant tend to turn yellow and die. Other times it could mean you may have a problem with your orchid flowers. Spotted leaves may tell you that a fungus of some kind has infected your flowers and you may need to seek help immediately.
Some Reasons Your Plant Could be Turning Yellow
The health of your orchid can be seen through the leaves of all your plants. Sunlight is also another possible reason for these conditions. As you know orchids do not like bright light and you need to be careful when taking care of these delicate plants. Filtered light is better for them than direct sunshine. This is why you may see spots on your plants because the sun has literally burned your plant.
Avoid Cold Weather at All Costs With These Sensitive Flowers
Cold weather is a killer for pretty much every orchid plant. Not only will your flower die, but the leaves of your orchid will turn yellow as well. It’s not safe to place any of them near windows that often have a cold draft coming through. This cold draft can easily damage your plants quickly. If you need to place it near the window make sure it is at least one foot away from it to avoid the cold air.
Water is Another Problem Beginners Tend to Make
You can even cause your flowers to turn yellow by too much watering as well. This is the rarest reason for your orchid leaves to turn yellow. Black rot can also be located on your plant if you happen to over-water your plants. Keeping your orchids dry will allow them to avoid fungal infections, bacterial infections, and other illnesses that could seriously affect the performance of your plants. Make sure not to water them everyday unless you are using a pot that has really good drainage or your plant is outside in the hot summer months.
These are just some reasons why your orchids may be turning yellow. Just remember whenever you see changes in your plant whether it’s in the leaves, stem, flower, or roots to take note of it. Have a great time growing beautiful blooms.
What Should You Do When Your Leaves are Turning Yellow?
So you’re beginning to see yellow leaves on your plants. What does this mean? Sometimes the older leaves which are usually located at the bottom of the plant tend to turn yellow and die. Other times it could mean you may have a problem with your orchid flowers. Spotted leaves may tell you that a fungus of some kind has infected your flowers and you may need to seek help immediately.
Some Reasons Your Plant Could be Turning Yellow
The health of your orchid can be seen through the leaves of all your plants. Sunlight is also another possible reason for these conditions. As you know orchids do not like bright light and you need to be careful when taking care of these delicate plants. Filtered light is better for them than direct sunshine. This is why you may see spots on your plants because the sun has literally burned your plant.
Avoid Cold Weather at All Costs With These Sensitive Flowers
Cold weather is a killer for pretty much every orchid plant. Not only will your flower die, but the leaves of your orchid will turn yellow as well. It’s not safe to place any of them near windows that often have a cold draft coming through. This cold draft can easily damage your plants quickly. If you need to place it near the window make sure it is at least one foot away from it to avoid the cold air.
Water is Another Problem Beginners Tend to Make
You can even cause your flowers to turn yellow by too much watering as well. This is the rarest reason for your orchid leaves to turn yellow. Black rot can also be located on your plant if you happen to over-water your plants. Keeping your orchids dry will allow them to avoid fungal infections, bacterial infections, and other illnesses that could seriously affect the performance of your plants. Make sure not to water them everyday unless you are using a pot that has really good drainage or your plant is outside in the hot summer months.
These are just some reasons why your orchids may be turning yellow. Just remember whenever you see changes in your plant whether it’s in the leaves, stem, flower, or roots to take note of it. Have a great time growing beautiful blooms.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Taking Care of Orchids With These Simple Strategies
Every orchid enthusiast loves to ask this same question “How do I take care of orchids”? It’s amazing how much false information is out there and it’s real easy to get confused because most information you receive usually will contradict each other and you don’t know what to do. This is where the problem lies because you need to have the correct knowledge in order to properly maintain your plants. Once you get the right information then you will understand how simple it is to care for these flowers.
Choosing The Right Flower for Your Home or Garden
Once you have decided that you want to grow these plants you should decide what type of flower you would like to grow. There are a couple of flowers that are the easiest to grow and are great for beginners. Try looking for moth or lady slipper orchids. If you are just starting out with this fun hobby then you may start with these because they will not need as much attention as other difficult plants may need.
Once you have picked your flower or flowers it’s now time to decide where to place them. Your plant requires a certain environment in which it will thrive. They are found in many rainforests therefore it will need lots of humidity water and filtered sunshine.
Giving Your Plants The Sunlight They Require
Sunshine is pretty simple to accomplish especially if you have a south facing window. If you have a bay window this would be an excellent spot to place your orchid. Although, they do not direct sunlight and when taking care of them you should always place a piece of cloth or even a curtain in front of these plants. During the summer months is when you need to be careful because too much hot sun could burn the plants leaves and it may not flower properly or at all. If you don’t have a bay window, then any window at all should do just fine. Just remember to filter that sunlight.
Humidity is Something Not To Take Lightly
Now let’s discuss the amount of humidity you need to keep your flowers happy and healthy. Humidity is essential for your plants and you mustn’t skip this step at all. You will need to provide your orchids with at least 60-80% humidity at all times otherwise bad things could happen to your plant. And you don’t want that right? Giving your plants humidity is pretty simple. If you have humidifier then this is self explanatory. But if you don’t have one there is also another simple and cheap way to supply your plants with humidity.
Get a tray of some sort and put gravel or rocks inside of it. Fill it with water making sure that the water does not go above the medium you placed inside. Put your plants on top also making sure the flowers are not touching the water. That’s it; you have supplied your plants with enough humidity for the season. Periodically add water into the tray if you happen to see the water level getting to low.
Make Certain Water Levels are Correct
Watering is very simple when it comes to growing these exotic plants, but many people are mistake of how to properly water their plants. First of all you want to avoid over-watering them because this leads to trouble. Your plant may end up becoming infected with disease, bacteria, fungus, and even viruses. Leaving them to dry for a long time is also a bad idea because this may kill your plants and dry out the roots of your orchid.
When you are watering them you will need to test the soil for moisture. Place your finger down about an inch into the medium and if it feels moist you can avoid watering your flowers for now. If it happens to be dry then water them immediately, but not too much. You just want to get the medium moist, but not damp or wet.
These are just some simple orchid care tips you can use to grow beautiful blossoms. As you can see making these flowers bloom in your home is a really simple task as long as you have the right information. Now that you have the proper knowledge to easily grow these flowers you can now keep them healthy for many years to come.
Choosing The Right Flower for Your Home or Garden
Once you have decided that you want to grow these plants you should decide what type of flower you would like to grow. There are a couple of flowers that are the easiest to grow and are great for beginners. Try looking for moth or lady slipper orchids. If you are just starting out with this fun hobby then you may start with these because they will not need as much attention as other difficult plants may need.
Once you have picked your flower or flowers it’s now time to decide where to place them. Your plant requires a certain environment in which it will thrive. They are found in many rainforests therefore it will need lots of humidity water and filtered sunshine.
Giving Your Plants The Sunlight They Require
Sunshine is pretty simple to accomplish especially if you have a south facing window. If you have a bay window this would be an excellent spot to place your orchid. Although, they do not direct sunlight and when taking care of them you should always place a piece of cloth or even a curtain in front of these plants. During the summer months is when you need to be careful because too much hot sun could burn the plants leaves and it may not flower properly or at all. If you don’t have a bay window, then any window at all should do just fine. Just remember to filter that sunlight.
Humidity is Something Not To Take Lightly
Now let’s discuss the amount of humidity you need to keep your flowers happy and healthy. Humidity is essential for your plants and you mustn’t skip this step at all. You will need to provide your orchids with at least 60-80% humidity at all times otherwise bad things could happen to your plant. And you don’t want that right? Giving your plants humidity is pretty simple. If you have humidifier then this is self explanatory. But if you don’t have one there is also another simple and cheap way to supply your plants with humidity.
Get a tray of some sort and put gravel or rocks inside of it. Fill it with water making sure that the water does not go above the medium you placed inside. Put your plants on top also making sure the flowers are not touching the water. That’s it; you have supplied your plants with enough humidity for the season. Periodically add water into the tray if you happen to see the water level getting to low.
Make Certain Water Levels are Correct
Watering is very simple when it comes to growing these exotic plants, but many people are mistake of how to properly water their plants. First of all you want to avoid over-watering them because this leads to trouble. Your plant may end up becoming infected with disease, bacteria, fungus, and even viruses. Leaving them to dry for a long time is also a bad idea because this may kill your plants and dry out the roots of your orchid.
When you are watering them you will need to test the soil for moisture. Place your finger down about an inch into the medium and if it feels moist you can avoid watering your flowers for now. If it happens to be dry then water them immediately, but not too much. You just want to get the medium moist, but not damp or wet.
These are just some simple orchid care tips you can use to grow beautiful blossoms. As you can see making these flowers bloom in your home is a really simple task as long as you have the right information. Now that you have the proper knowledge to easily grow these flowers you can now keep them healthy for many years to come.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Types of Rare Orchids That are Interesting To Know
Orchids can sometimes be very popular among certain types of people and cultures. Although many people have seen them in the wild or in stores there are some that are extremely rare that not many people have seen. These flowers are often used as collector’s items rather than for growing and taking care of them.
Anything that has some type of scarcity is always being searched for by enthusiasts and collectors. Most of the time these types are usually unique in color or appearance and are usually the most beautiful flowers you can ever find. So let’s discuss some types of rare varieties that you may never have seen or will see.
Let's Look at The Albino Flowers First
One example is the albino Phal Amboinensis. Because of its very unique color of being white and having no pigmentation this plant is very hard to find. The genetic mutation was caused by just one flower and from that one flower spawned a feeding frenzy for hungry collectors. Scientists have recreated the albino orchid using genetically altered flowers, but because they are easily created this makes them worthless as opposed to albino ones that are found in the wild or in their natural habitat.
Cattleyas Are Another Options for You To Discover
Other types include the infamous Cattleya orchids. Many growers have been known to say that these are very difficult to grow them and need very special care. They are one of the most delicate types in the flower kingdom and should not be tried by beginner enthusiasts. They will not bloom unless they are supplied with the exact required sunlight, temperature, and even fertilizer. If you don’t know how to grow these flowers then it is best to just try another type that is readily available.
The Lady Slipper is a Unique Plant To Grow
Paphiopedilums or the lady slipper orchids are sometimes considered rare ones. These were once a very popular plant to have especially in Great Britain and throughout much of Europe. But because people harvested too much of them they became very rare and people stopped growing them almost going extinct. Today they are very hard to find and if you do find one of these flowers, they can be another difficult type to grow without the proper knowledge.
If you happen to want to purchase one of these plants make sure that the flower came from somewhere that was environmentally friendly. You don’t want to get ones that were grown in environmentally harmful ways. Always remember when purchasing these flowers that you are going to spend much money on them because they are not that easy to find at all. Good luck adding rare flowers to your collection.
Anything that has some type of scarcity is always being searched for by enthusiasts and collectors. Most of the time these types are usually unique in color or appearance and are usually the most beautiful flowers you can ever find. So let’s discuss some types of rare varieties that you may never have seen or will see.
Let's Look at The Albino Flowers First
One example is the albino Phal Amboinensis. Because of its very unique color of being white and having no pigmentation this plant is very hard to find. The genetic mutation was caused by just one flower and from that one flower spawned a feeding frenzy for hungry collectors. Scientists have recreated the albino orchid using genetically altered flowers, but because they are easily created this makes them worthless as opposed to albino ones that are found in the wild or in their natural habitat.
Cattleyas Are Another Options for You To Discover
Other types include the infamous Cattleya orchids. Many growers have been known to say that these are very difficult to grow them and need very special care. They are one of the most delicate types in the flower kingdom and should not be tried by beginner enthusiasts. They will not bloom unless they are supplied with the exact required sunlight, temperature, and even fertilizer. If you don’t know how to grow these flowers then it is best to just try another type that is readily available.
The Lady Slipper is a Unique Plant To Grow
Paphiopedilums or the lady slipper orchids are sometimes considered rare ones. These were once a very popular plant to have especially in Great Britain and throughout much of Europe. But because people harvested too much of them they became very rare and people stopped growing them almost going extinct. Today they are very hard to find and if you do find one of these flowers, they can be another difficult type to grow without the proper knowledge.
If you happen to want to purchase one of these plants make sure that the flower came from somewhere that was environmentally friendly. You don’t want to get ones that were grown in environmentally harmful ways. Always remember when purchasing these flowers that you are going to spend much money on them because they are not that easy to find at all. Good luck adding rare flowers to your collection.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Hawaii Orchids That are Naturally Grown on These Islands
One of the best places to visit if you are an avid orchid grower or you just love the beauty of these plants then you need to visit Hawaii. These are some of the best flowers in the world because the island contains the perfect climate for them to grow and thrive properly. Although they are beautiful only three types are naturally grown here.
The First in a Long Line of Exotic Flowers
The first Hawaii orchid is called Liparis Hawaiensis. You can normally find these plants mainly in the rain forests on the islands. These actually are found particularly attached to these trees. They get their nutrients from the trees, but are not considered parasites because they will not take nutrients from the tree it’s attached to. These flowers are not the usual ones you find in many greenhouses. The blooms are much smaller than other species, but are still beautiful green colored blossoms.
Jewel Orchids Can be a Great Way to Brighten Your Day
The next type we will discuss is Anoectochilus sandvicensis. Although the name may not be familiar I’m sure that you have heard of a jewel orchid which is the common name they are given among most enthusiasts. These are the most common species you will find in the natural habitat in Hawaii. If you want to check out these beautiful jewel types you can always take a walk through the forests at around 1000-5000 feet.
The Last One You Need to Understand
The last one that you should understand and learn about is Platanthera Holochila. They are sometimes called the fringed orchid because of the shape of the flower. Now, this is one of the rarest types of orchids you can find anywhere in the world. It actually reached the endangered species list because that’s how rare they are. So if you wanted to grow one of these you might as well look for a different type of flower to grow. Greenish and yellow in bloom colors and can be found in high moisture settings like a swamp or a bog.
These are just some types of natural Hawaiian orchids that you can find when you first visit these islands. They are mostly rare, but if you are lucky you may be able to find jewel ones at your local greenhouse or nursery if you search for them.
The First in a Long Line of Exotic Flowers
The first Hawaii orchid is called Liparis Hawaiensis. You can normally find these plants mainly in the rain forests on the islands. These actually are found particularly attached to these trees. They get their nutrients from the trees, but are not considered parasites because they will not take nutrients from the tree it’s attached to. These flowers are not the usual ones you find in many greenhouses. The blooms are much smaller than other species, but are still beautiful green colored blossoms.
Jewel Orchids Can be a Great Way to Brighten Your Day
The next type we will discuss is Anoectochilus sandvicensis. Although the name may not be familiar I’m sure that you have heard of a jewel orchid which is the common name they are given among most enthusiasts. These are the most common species you will find in the natural habitat in Hawaii. If you want to check out these beautiful jewel types you can always take a walk through the forests at around 1000-5000 feet.
The Last One You Need to Understand
The last one that you should understand and learn about is Platanthera Holochila. They are sometimes called the fringed orchid because of the shape of the flower. Now, this is one of the rarest types of orchids you can find anywhere in the world. It actually reached the endangered species list because that’s how rare they are. So if you wanted to grow one of these you might as well look for a different type of flower to grow. Greenish and yellow in bloom colors and can be found in high moisture settings like a swamp or a bog.
These are just some types of natural Hawaiian orchids that you can find when you first visit these islands. They are mostly rare, but if you are lucky you may be able to find jewel ones at your local greenhouse or nursery if you search for them.
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Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Simple Orchid Growing Basics You Can Use For Producing Amazing Blossoms
In the natural habitat of orchids these flowers flourish successfully and beautifully. But the truth is that many enthusiasts tend to be very nervous when planting these exotic plants. The reality is that with the proper growing basics anybody can become successful at cultivating these magnificent flowers.
It doesn’t take much time to grow them and it involves very little work, but many people think because they are grown in tropical climates that you can’t grow them in a temperate climate. Here is a short post that you may find useful because it describes just some of the basics you will need to have thriving plants.
Growing These Plants Indoors Vs. Outdoors
First of all you need to decide whether you want them to be grown indoors or outdoors. Some people actually have been known to grow them in proper greenhouses as well as on the bark of trees. In their natural habitat they are normally found on trees, rocks, and other organic materials. You can easily grow them in your home or office with just a little knowledge.
Fluorescent Lights and Sunlight Work Best
When growing orchids indoors you must find the best spot for them in order for them to grow and bloom properly. Supplying your flowers with the right amount of light is crucial because they do not like any type of bright sunlight. Sunburn or sun-scald as it’s called on these flowers could be apparent on your plants if you don’t have filtered sunlight.
If you can’t filter the sunlight then you can always use fluorescent lights to grow them as well. Incandescent lights are no good because they can serious burn and damage your plant and its leaves. Make sure when using lights that you use fluorescent lights.
Temperatures Need To Stay at a Constant Range for Success
Keep the temperature in your house or the place you are growing them at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Orchids can sometimes withstand 50 degree temperatures, but by keeping it at 60 degrees you avoid having to worry about killing your plant because of cold temperatures. Humidity may also be added to provide the correct habitat for them. Try using a humidifier to add the correct amount of humidity to your plants. Using a hydrometer you can easily get the humidity in the habitat to 60-80%. This will ensure proper orchid growth.
These are just some orchid growing basics that you need to know if you really want beautiful blossoms. Using these tips can definitely increase the growth and health of your plants.
It doesn’t take much time to grow them and it involves very little work, but many people think because they are grown in tropical climates that you can’t grow them in a temperate climate. Here is a short post that you may find useful because it describes just some of the basics you will need to have thriving plants.
Growing These Plants Indoors Vs. Outdoors
First of all you need to decide whether you want them to be grown indoors or outdoors. Some people actually have been known to grow them in proper greenhouses as well as on the bark of trees. In their natural habitat they are normally found on trees, rocks, and other organic materials. You can easily grow them in your home or office with just a little knowledge.
Fluorescent Lights and Sunlight Work Best
When growing orchids indoors you must find the best spot for them in order for them to grow and bloom properly. Supplying your flowers with the right amount of light is crucial because they do not like any type of bright sunlight. Sunburn or sun-scald as it’s called on these flowers could be apparent on your plants if you don’t have filtered sunlight.
If you can’t filter the sunlight then you can always use fluorescent lights to grow them as well. Incandescent lights are no good because they can serious burn and damage your plant and its leaves. Make sure when using lights that you use fluorescent lights.
Temperatures Need To Stay at a Constant Range for Success
Keep the temperature in your house or the place you are growing them at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Orchids can sometimes withstand 50 degree temperatures, but by keeping it at 60 degrees you avoid having to worry about killing your plant because of cold temperatures. Humidity may also be added to provide the correct habitat for them. Try using a humidifier to add the correct amount of humidity to your plants. Using a hydrometer you can easily get the humidity in the habitat to 60-80%. This will ensure proper orchid growth.
These are just some orchid growing basics that you need to know if you really want beautiful blossoms. Using these tips can definitely increase the growth and health of your plants.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Simple Tips For Growing Orchids Successfully
When it comes to growing orchids there is some basic knowledge you should know before planting these exotic flowers. The three important elements to having productive flowers are sunlight, humidity, and temperature. By knowing how to use these basic elements you will be able to grow amazingly happy and healthy plants starting immediately.
The Amount of Light Every Orchid Needs
The first thing I will discuss when cultivating these plants is using the proper amount of sunlight for your orchid plants. Light is important for green leaves and beautiful blooms. You need to give them the correct amount of sunlight that is needed to achieve this. Direct sunlight is not healthy for them and you will need to supply them with filtered sunlight or use fluorescent lights. You can filter the sunlight by placing a transparent cloth in front of your plants to protect them from the strong light.
Temperature is Quite Simple To Maintain With These Tips
The Next element needed for proper orchid growth is temperature. Temperature changes beween the different types you eventually decide to grow, but all species have a minimum and maximum temperature that you must keep in mind. The minimum temperature for any orchid is fifty degrees Fahrenheit and the maximum temperature for them is eighty degrees Fahrenheit. When growing these plants you need to make sure that your flowers are not exposed to these extreme temperatures.
Creating Moisture in The Air for Your Flowers
Humidity is needed to simulate their natural growing environment. Although not all climates have the proper amount of humidity needed for all types of flowers. They require at least 60-80% humidity for blooming flowers. You can easily get these conditions by using a simple humidifier that can be purchased in any hardware store.
Use these tips when growing orchids and you will have beautiful blossoms that will bring you all the beauty that you need in your home.
The Amount of Light Every Orchid Needs
The first thing I will discuss when cultivating these plants is using the proper amount of sunlight for your orchid plants. Light is important for green leaves and beautiful blooms. You need to give them the correct amount of sunlight that is needed to achieve this. Direct sunlight is not healthy for them and you will need to supply them with filtered sunlight or use fluorescent lights. You can filter the sunlight by placing a transparent cloth in front of your plants to protect them from the strong light.
Temperature is Quite Simple To Maintain With These Tips
The Next element needed for proper orchid growth is temperature. Temperature changes beween the different types you eventually decide to grow, but all species have a minimum and maximum temperature that you must keep in mind. The minimum temperature for any orchid is fifty degrees Fahrenheit and the maximum temperature for them is eighty degrees Fahrenheit. When growing these plants you need to make sure that your flowers are not exposed to these extreme temperatures.
Creating Moisture in The Air for Your Flowers
Humidity is needed to simulate their natural growing environment. Although not all climates have the proper amount of humidity needed for all types of flowers. They require at least 60-80% humidity for blooming flowers. You can easily get these conditions by using a simple humidifier that can be purchased in any hardware store.
Use these tips when growing orchids and you will have beautiful blossoms that will bring you all the beauty that you need in your home.
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Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Greenhouse Orchids That are Perfect for Growing Indoors
The best thing about having your own greenhouse is that you can grow your favorite orchids much earlier than you would if you didn’t have one of these. With a well built building you can easily simulate the natural climate of any plant that you plan on growing. Even if you have one of these there are some guidelines that you should follow as well as some basic tips that you should not neglect.
Using a Proper Housing for All Your Flowers
When it comes to growing greenhouse orchids most plants like to have filtered sunlight and can easily burn if it is placed directly in the sunlight. That is why most people place a curtain or cloth in front of their plants in order to filter the sunlight slightly and provide the proper environment. If you are growing them indoors it is important to provide some shade for your flowers throughout the day in order for them to grow correctly.
How To Grow Them in Cooler Conditions
Some climates will require a heater especially if you want to grow greenhouse orchids all year round in cold conditions. If you live in cooler climates then you are going to need a way to keep it at the proper temperature otherwise your plants will surely die. You can purchase a heater from any home improvement store such as home depot or any other store.
Using an Outdoor Heater to Keep The Temperature in Your Greenhouse Optimal
An outdoor heater is probably what you will need if you have a large one. If you happen to have a small type then you can get away with using an indoor heater for them. Make sure not to let the temperature drop below 50 degrees because you are risking their life if the temperature gets too low.
Humidity is Something That You Cannot Ignore
As you know orchids love humidity and they need lots of it if you want them to thrive. Greenhouses usually will have enough humidity to supply them, but if it happens to need more you can always use a humidifier to add more to the environment.
There is not much to growing orchids in a greenhouse as it is relatively the same as growing them in your house. These tips should help you grow beautiful blooms within any indoor environment whether it’s small or a very large one.
Using a Proper Housing for All Your Flowers
When it comes to growing greenhouse orchids most plants like to have filtered sunlight and can easily burn if it is placed directly in the sunlight. That is why most people place a curtain or cloth in front of their plants in order to filter the sunlight slightly and provide the proper environment. If you are growing them indoors it is important to provide some shade for your flowers throughout the day in order for them to grow correctly.
How To Grow Them in Cooler Conditions
Some climates will require a heater especially if you want to grow greenhouse orchids all year round in cold conditions. If you live in cooler climates then you are going to need a way to keep it at the proper temperature otherwise your plants will surely die. You can purchase a heater from any home improvement store such as home depot or any other store.
Using an Outdoor Heater to Keep The Temperature in Your Greenhouse Optimal
An outdoor heater is probably what you will need if you have a large one. If you happen to have a small type then you can get away with using an indoor heater for them. Make sure not to let the temperature drop below 50 degrees because you are risking their life if the temperature gets too low.
Humidity is Something That You Cannot Ignore
As you know orchids love humidity and they need lots of it if you want them to thrive. Greenhouses usually will have enough humidity to supply them, but if it happens to need more you can always use a humidifier to add more to the environment.
There is not much to growing orchids in a greenhouse as it is relatively the same as growing them in your house. These tips should help you grow beautiful blooms within any indoor environment whether it’s small or a very large one.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Orchid Mounting Techniques That Maximizes Flower Growth
Orchid mounting can seem pretty difficult because there are not many enthusiasts that like to perform this process. Although there are not many people doing this, it is possible to properly attach them to trees, rocks, and other natural objects.
In their natural habitat it is not common to find one of these plants growing on the side of a tree or a rock. They actually don’t use the nutrients from the tree and are able to collect all the nutrients it needs from the ground. In this post I am going to explain the process to properly mounting your orchids.
Using The Exact Materials Needed to Complete This Process
Before going straight into this procedure you will need to have the proper materials in order to get them to thrive and flourish. It is recommended to use organic materials such as tree bark, wooden boards, and many other types of materials.
The Precise Instructions for Successful Mounting of These Plants
Now let’s get into the process of mounting orchids. First you need to take your material that you plan to use and leave it in a bucket of water for usually 12 hours or overnight. This will ensure that they will be grown in a habitat that is similar to its natural environment. Simulating their climate will bring you many more colorful blooms and will be worth it in the end.
Attaching Your Plants Using These Tips
The next thing you need to do is to attach your orchid to the soaked material that you are using. You need to tie it with either fishing line or a strong type of string which will not break while your flower is mounting its roots to the organic material. Keep the fishing line tight otherwise it could end up falling off the material, but keep them loose enough to keep proper aeration between your plants.
Once the roots have anchored itself to the tree fern or wooden boards you can now remove the fishing line from your plants. To make sure that they have been inserted correctly you could move your orchid back and forth. This will ensure that the process has been performed correctly and successfully.
How You Can Easily Water Your Flowers
Watering your them is essential for proper growth and you need to know how to perform this process correctly. The roots will dry out very quickly because the roots are exposed to the elements as well as the hot weather which can dry up the roots of your orchids quickly. Once a day or every other day should be enough for your flowers to live.
These are just some simple tips for mounting these plants. These techniques can be easily used with any species and can be very easy if the correct knowledge is in your hands.
In their natural habitat it is not common to find one of these plants growing on the side of a tree or a rock. They actually don’t use the nutrients from the tree and are able to collect all the nutrients it needs from the ground. In this post I am going to explain the process to properly mounting your orchids.
Using The Exact Materials Needed to Complete This Process
Before going straight into this procedure you will need to have the proper materials in order to get them to thrive and flourish. It is recommended to use organic materials such as tree bark, wooden boards, and many other types of materials.
The Precise Instructions for Successful Mounting of These Plants
Now let’s get into the process of mounting orchids. First you need to take your material that you plan to use and leave it in a bucket of water for usually 12 hours or overnight. This will ensure that they will be grown in a habitat that is similar to its natural environment. Simulating their climate will bring you many more colorful blooms and will be worth it in the end.
Attaching Your Plants Using These Tips
The next thing you need to do is to attach your orchid to the soaked material that you are using. You need to tie it with either fishing line or a strong type of string which will not break while your flower is mounting its roots to the organic material. Keep the fishing line tight otherwise it could end up falling off the material, but keep them loose enough to keep proper aeration between your plants.
Once the roots have anchored itself to the tree fern or wooden boards you can now remove the fishing line from your plants. To make sure that they have been inserted correctly you could move your orchid back and forth. This will ensure that the process has been performed correctly and successfully.
How You Can Easily Water Your Flowers
Watering your them is essential for proper growth and you need to know how to perform this process correctly. The roots will dry out very quickly because the roots are exposed to the elements as well as the hot weather which can dry up the roots of your orchids quickly. Once a day or every other day should be enough for your flowers to live.
These are just some simple tips for mounting these plants. These techniques can be easily used with any species and can be very easy if the correct knowledge is in your hands.
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Thursday, July 15, 2010
How To Successfuly Begin Growing Orchids Indoors
Growing orchids indoors is much easier to accomplish than what many people actually think it is. Planting beautiful flowers in your own home is an enthusiast’s ultimate goal and it can easily be done with just a little bit of correct information and knowledge. That’s what this post is about; successfully cultivating these flowers in order to produce amazing blossoms. Here are just a few things that you need to know when planting orchids indoors.
The Best Types Made for This Job
When it comes to indoor orchids there are a few that are the best for this job. Almost all of them can be grown inside, but there are a few that are made for this purpose. First of all moth orchids are one of the best to grow in your home because of their variety of colors and beautiful blooms.
You can even grow Lady Slippers indoors as well. These are just two of the best ones you should try out for yourself. Just remember that almost any type can be easily cultivated inside, but they must have the right conditions in order for them to thrive.
Best Places To Setup a Habitat for Your Flowers
First of all you need to determine the best place to produce the results you are looking for. You need to find a spot such as a window sill, usually one that is facing the south side as this is where the sun is at its strongest, but you need to make sure it is not direct sunlight. Since you don’t want to burn your plants you will need to filter out some of the sunlight especially during the hot summer months when the sun is really bright.
You can place a curtain or a cloth in front of your flowers to give them the right amount of filtered sunlight. If you don’t have a curtain or a cloth you can always place them in direct sunlight in the morning or late in the day and during the daytime you can put it in the shade.
Moisture is One Factor Most People Forget About
Another factor that is critical for these plants is maintaining correct humidity levels. Keeping proper humidity inside of your house or the area of where your flowers are growing is essential for optimum growth. If you give your orchids at least 60-80% humidity in their area this will result in beautiful and colorful blossoms.
During the cold months or when the air is especially dry you will need to add humidity to the air. A humidifier is a good thing to purchase if you want to grow healthy flowers. I would also suggest getting a hygrometer to measure the level of humidity in the air.
These are just a couple of tips that should help you to grow orchids indoors successfully. Remember that with the right information you can easily plant any type of flower and have strong thriving plants.
The Best Types Made for This Job
When it comes to indoor orchids there are a few that are the best for this job. Almost all of them can be grown inside, but there are a few that are made for this purpose. First of all moth orchids are one of the best to grow in your home because of their variety of colors and beautiful blooms.
You can even grow Lady Slippers indoors as well. These are just two of the best ones you should try out for yourself. Just remember that almost any type can be easily cultivated inside, but they must have the right conditions in order for them to thrive.
Best Places To Setup a Habitat for Your Flowers
First of all you need to determine the best place to produce the results you are looking for. You need to find a spot such as a window sill, usually one that is facing the south side as this is where the sun is at its strongest, but you need to make sure it is not direct sunlight. Since you don’t want to burn your plants you will need to filter out some of the sunlight especially during the hot summer months when the sun is really bright.
You can place a curtain or a cloth in front of your flowers to give them the right amount of filtered sunlight. If you don’t have a curtain or a cloth you can always place them in direct sunlight in the morning or late in the day and during the daytime you can put it in the shade.
Moisture is One Factor Most People Forget About
Another factor that is critical for these plants is maintaining correct humidity levels. Keeping proper humidity inside of your house or the area of where your flowers are growing is essential for optimum growth. If you give your orchids at least 60-80% humidity in their area this will result in beautiful and colorful blossoms.
During the cold months or when the air is especially dry you will need to add humidity to the air. A humidifier is a good thing to purchase if you want to grow healthy flowers. I would also suggest getting a hygrometer to measure the level of humidity in the air.
These are just a couple of tips that should help you to grow orchids indoors successfully. Remember that with the right information you can easily plant any type of flower and have strong thriving plants.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Cymbidium Orchid Care That is Simple for Anyone to Accomplish
Now it’s time for all of you Cymbidium orchid lovers to read this post because I am going to discuss everything you need to know about caring for these interesting flowers. These plants are not that hard to take care of, but if you don’t have the right knowledge there is no way that you will be able to have healthy plants that will bloom all year round. That is why I decided to write a brief post about them in order for you to understand the simple steps it takes to grow beautiful and colorful flowers.
Take a Look at Some Simple Facts You Should Know
Let’s first of all talk about some simple Cymbidium facts. These flowers are the most widely crossed plants that you can find. What this means is that there are a vast number of hybrids that you can choose from because of the crossbreeding that has been done with these flowers. These beautiful flowers come in a variety of colors as well including red, blue, pink, yellow, and even white.
Lighting and Temperature are Important Factors to Consider
Proper temperature and lighting is very important not just to orchids, but any type of flower. Living in a high humidity environment is beneficial for you because most of them love humidity and flourish in this moist habitat. Although you don’t necessarily need to live in a humid climate you can create your own humidity by using a humidifier which can add moisture into the air.
Cymbidiums are an excellent plant because they can tolerate much cooler temperatures compared to many other orchid species. You should plant them in a temperature of about 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure proper conditions for you flowers. Don’t let the temperature drop below 50 degrees.
You shouldn’t leave your flowers in direct sunlight as this is very dangerous for any orchid and could cause much harm to the leaves and flower. It’s much better to place them on a windowsill with some type of filter in front of your plant. For example you can place a curtain in front of them and this will act as a filter for your plant and will not be direct sunlight. If you have a south facing window this would be ideal.
Watering Can Easily be Completed With This Simple Procedure
Proper watering is also another essential factor of Cymbidium care. The ideal way of watering the soil medium is to make sure you keep it moist. Having too much is more harmful for your plant than having not enough. Both of these conditions you want to avoid, but under-watering your plant is safer for them than having too much. Having too much water can spread disease, fungus, viruses, bacteria and many other harmful spores.
How Exactly to Fertilize Your Flowers Correctly
Fertilizer should be used for proper care as well. Many people believe that fertilizer will harm their flowers and will never use it. This is not true because at some point the medium will have no more nutrients for your plants and your flowers will crave for more nutrients. This is when you should feed your flowers. Usually after they have bloomed you should feed them a 20-20-20 mixture. This should be adequate for having healthy and thriving flowers.
Cymbidium orchid care is an easy process and you don’t need to be a professional to understand the simplicity of it. Now you can purchase them and start growing them in your home starting right now.
Take a Look at Some Simple Facts You Should Know
Let’s first of all talk about some simple Cymbidium facts. These flowers are the most widely crossed plants that you can find. What this means is that there are a vast number of hybrids that you can choose from because of the crossbreeding that has been done with these flowers. These beautiful flowers come in a variety of colors as well including red, blue, pink, yellow, and even white.
Lighting and Temperature are Important Factors to Consider
Proper temperature and lighting is very important not just to orchids, but any type of flower. Living in a high humidity environment is beneficial for you because most of them love humidity and flourish in this moist habitat. Although you don’t necessarily need to live in a humid climate you can create your own humidity by using a humidifier which can add moisture into the air.
Cymbidiums are an excellent plant because they can tolerate much cooler temperatures compared to many other orchid species. You should plant them in a temperature of about 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure proper conditions for you flowers. Don’t let the temperature drop below 50 degrees.
You shouldn’t leave your flowers in direct sunlight as this is very dangerous for any orchid and could cause much harm to the leaves and flower. It’s much better to place them on a windowsill with some type of filter in front of your plant. For example you can place a curtain in front of them and this will act as a filter for your plant and will not be direct sunlight. If you have a south facing window this would be ideal.
Watering Can Easily be Completed With This Simple Procedure
Proper watering is also another essential factor of Cymbidium care. The ideal way of watering the soil medium is to make sure you keep it moist. Having too much is more harmful for your plant than having not enough. Both of these conditions you want to avoid, but under-watering your plant is safer for them than having too much. Having too much water can spread disease, fungus, viruses, bacteria and many other harmful spores.
How Exactly to Fertilize Your Flowers Correctly
Fertilizer should be used for proper care as well. Many people believe that fertilizer will harm their flowers and will never use it. This is not true because at some point the medium will have no more nutrients for your plants and your flowers will crave for more nutrients. This is when you should feed your flowers. Usually after they have bloomed you should feed them a 20-20-20 mixture. This should be adequate for having healthy and thriving flowers.
Cymbidium orchid care is an easy process and you don’t need to be a professional to understand the simplicity of it. Now you can purchase them and start growing them in your home starting right now.
Monday, July 12, 2010
What You Need To Know about Successfully Pruning Orchids
I have found that many people are not that fond of pruning orchids and they believe that they will survive without it. Well unfortunately this is not the case and you will have to do some trimming of these plants. Don't worry though, because this process takes only two seconds as long as you know exactly what you are doing. This post I have made especially for those who are struggling with cutting their flowers and want to learn how easy it can really be for them.
Using The Select Tools That Will Help You Succeed
First you need to have the right tools and equipment before going off and cut your orchids. Pruning shears are the most common tool to use among many enthusiasts and it is the one that I recommend. You don’t need to have shears and you can use your hands to cut your flowers as well. If you use your hands when trimming, then it is important to wear gloves when handling these plants.
Why Pruning is So Important for These Flowers
Remember that performing this task is not that difficult. The reason you need to perform this process is so that you can stimulate new plant growth on the stem of your plants. This is a very important step especially if you want to keep your flowers blooming all year long. With most types of plants you should clip off the flower as soon as it begins to wilt or die. This is a perfect time because your orchid has given most of its energy to the flower and will need to utilize what it has left.
Once you have pruned them you will see some new growth normally on the stem of your plant. You should see some sort of a nob where the new growth will sprout from. I believe as long as you cut the flower off as soon as it dies then you should some new growth within a couple of weeks or so.
Special Instructions for Certain Plants
Some orchids need special instructions when it comes to this simple process. For example Dendrobiums generate new growth from the stem and if you cut the whole stem or too far down, then the plant will most likely die or won’t be able to sustain new growth. So when you embark on this task with these plants make sure that you only cut about halfway down the stem and nothing more.
Vandas are another example of a special pruning flower. When their roots have turned to a black or yellow color it is time to stimulate their growth with some trimming. When you do this with these specific plants you need to make sure that you leave the green alone because this signals a healthy plant and as soon as it’s ready it will generate new growth.
Using This Process for Phalaenopsis
When it comes to Phalaenopsis orchids it is pretty easy. Cut off the flower as soon as it begins to wilt and it should bring you amazing new growth that will last for many years to come. After the season has finished and your flower has begun to shrivel then cut down to at least the second notch or node on the stem. This will allow for proper health of these flowers.
As you can see from this post pruning orchids is a very easy task and can be accomplished in just one minute. Take this information and start trimming all your flowers right away.
Using The Select Tools That Will Help You Succeed
First you need to have the right tools and equipment before going off and cut your orchids. Pruning shears are the most common tool to use among many enthusiasts and it is the one that I recommend. You don’t need to have shears and you can use your hands to cut your flowers as well. If you use your hands when trimming, then it is important to wear gloves when handling these plants.
Why Pruning is So Important for These Flowers
Remember that performing this task is not that difficult. The reason you need to perform this process is so that you can stimulate new plant growth on the stem of your plants. This is a very important step especially if you want to keep your flowers blooming all year long. With most types of plants you should clip off the flower as soon as it begins to wilt or die. This is a perfect time because your orchid has given most of its energy to the flower and will need to utilize what it has left.
Once you have pruned them you will see some new growth normally on the stem of your plant. You should see some sort of a nob where the new growth will sprout from. I believe as long as you cut the flower off as soon as it dies then you should some new growth within a couple of weeks or so.
Special Instructions for Certain Plants
Some orchids need special instructions when it comes to this simple process. For example Dendrobiums generate new growth from the stem and if you cut the whole stem or too far down, then the plant will most likely die or won’t be able to sustain new growth. So when you embark on this task with these plants make sure that you only cut about halfway down the stem and nothing more.
Vandas are another example of a special pruning flower. When their roots have turned to a black or yellow color it is time to stimulate their growth with some trimming. When you do this with these specific plants you need to make sure that you leave the green alone because this signals a healthy plant and as soon as it’s ready it will generate new growth.
Using This Process for Phalaenopsis
When it comes to Phalaenopsis orchids it is pretty easy. Cut off the flower as soon as it begins to wilt and it should bring you amazing new growth that will last for many years to come. After the season has finished and your flower has begun to shrivel then cut down to at least the second notch or node on the stem. This will allow for proper health of these flowers.
As you can see from this post pruning orchids is a very easy task and can be accomplished in just one minute. Take this information and start trimming all your flowers right away.
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Thursday, July 8, 2010
More Orchid Tips On The Way
It has been a little while since I posted some orchid care tips. It's been quite busy especially around Independence Day in the United States. I hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July and enjoyed all the festivities.
I just wanted to write a post about what I hope to be discussing in the next couple of months regarding growing, planting, and caring for orchids. So far I have discussed some caring techniques, but I wanted to get into specific orchid caring methods that you should know.
For example I plan on posting more on dendrobium care, phalaenopsis care, paphiopedilum care, some more basic orchid care tips, and so much more. So if you want to know more about caring for orchids and how to properly plant them, then you need to visit this blog often to get all the orchid care tips you will possibly need to grow healthy and strong orchids.
Any way that is all I wanted to talk about in this post. Don't forget to check back for the latest tips and updates on orchid care.
I just wanted to write a post about what I hope to be discussing in the next couple of months regarding growing, planting, and caring for orchids. So far I have discussed some caring techniques, but I wanted to get into specific orchid caring methods that you should know.
For example I plan on posting more on dendrobium care, phalaenopsis care, paphiopedilum care, some more basic orchid care tips, and so much more. So if you want to know more about caring for orchids and how to properly plant them, then you need to visit this blog often to get all the orchid care tips you will possibly need to grow healthy and strong orchids.
Any way that is all I wanted to talk about in this post. Don't forget to check back for the latest tips and updates on orchid care.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Rare Green Orchids That Have Exquisite Beauty
Are you looking for green orchids to grow in your home or outside? Unfortunately they are a very rare type of orchid. Although beautiful they are, it is somewhat difficult to obtain a single flower of this color. Here I will discuss some different types plants that I think you might want to check out before dismissing these beautiful flowers.
Let's Begin With The Platenthera Genus
One type of green plant that you might enjoy growing is the Platenthera genus. These, although an endangered species, can be grown in almost any type of temperate climate. If you are located in an area that has a temperate climate then this may be the perfect one for you to begin growing. These flowers natural habitat is located in temperate conditions unlike other species. These might be somewhat difficult to find, but if you search around I bet you could find a place that will have these types of flowers.
Cymbidiums Also Contain a Variety of These Colors
The Green Cymbidiums are another type of plant that you might find enjoyable. These flowers are actually a more popular type that is usually found among wedding bouquets and other flower arrangements. Because of the many different hybrids that are associated with Cymbidiums it is not unusual to find a this colored flower among this species. They are an amazing flower to grow in your home or office especially if you are a beginner orchid grower. Find out how to grow these simple flowers with just a few simple guidelines.
The Last on The List for Today
The last one that may intrigue you is the slipper orchid. They are also referred to as Paphiopedilum and have many varieties of green that can be grown with the right habitat. They are native flowers from China and Vietnam and require a tropical habitat for maximum growth. Although they differ in appearance from many others, they do require the same basic nutrient requirements as well as the proper climate.
These are just some types of green orchids that you can begin growing in your backyard or home. All you need is some information and you too can start planting these beautiful plants in your home. Have fun and enjoy the beauty of these magnificent flowers.
Let's Begin With The Platenthera Genus
One type of green plant that you might enjoy growing is the Platenthera genus. These, although an endangered species, can be grown in almost any type of temperate climate. If you are located in an area that has a temperate climate then this may be the perfect one for you to begin growing. These flowers natural habitat is located in temperate conditions unlike other species. These might be somewhat difficult to find, but if you search around I bet you could find a place that will have these types of flowers.
Cymbidiums Also Contain a Variety of These Colors
The Green Cymbidiums are another type of plant that you might find enjoyable. These flowers are actually a more popular type that is usually found among wedding bouquets and other flower arrangements. Because of the many different hybrids that are associated with Cymbidiums it is not unusual to find a this colored flower among this species. They are an amazing flower to grow in your home or office especially if you are a beginner orchid grower. Find out how to grow these simple flowers with just a few simple guidelines.
The Last on The List for Today
The last one that may intrigue you is the slipper orchid. They are also referred to as Paphiopedilum and have many varieties of green that can be grown with the right habitat. They are native flowers from China and Vietnam and require a tropical habitat for maximum growth. Although they differ in appearance from many others, they do require the same basic nutrient requirements as well as the proper climate.
These are just some types of green orchids that you can begin growing in your backyard or home. All you need is some information and you too can start planting these beautiful plants in your home. Have fun and enjoy the beauty of these magnificent flowers.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Dendrobium Care For The Young Enthusiast
This is going to be a short post, but I will get straight to the point with some tips for caring for these easy orchid plants. Dendrobium care can be very easy if you have some information on exactly how to maintain them. I am going to discuss just a few tips that you will need to know in order to have thriving flowers in your home immediately.
Pay Close Attention to The Watering and Moisture of These Flowers
While your flowers are being grown in your home you must pay attention to the wetness of your orchid medium. You will need to keep the soil a little more damp than usual because Dendrobium care requires that you allow enough water to grow healthy plants. During the dormant phase of these plants you will have to do the exact opposite when watering.
Instead of leaving the soil moist or damp you will need to allow the roots to dry out properly when it enters its dormant phase. When they are in this phase they will not absorb as much nutrients as in the normal growing process. Because these flowers will not absorb much nutrients it will not need as much water as it usual would when it comes out of dormancy. When your plants come out of this phase then you can begin to water your flowers on a regular basis.
Understanding and Applying The Proper Watering Needs
There are some simple ways you can properly water this orchid. Some gardeners and enthusiasts prefer spraying a little water daily on the medium and roots when they start to show. Use a small spray bottle to give your flowers the moisture that will result in flowering and beautiful orchids.
There is a process that you water down all the areas that happen to be around your plants which includes the pot walls, paths, and everything that happens to be close to your orchid container. This ladder method will allow for less damage to your Dendrobium plants and will allow for much easier growing of these beautiful flowers.
Like I said this will be a short post and I wanted to give you just a little bit of information that can help you caring for Dendrobiums. It is time to start growing these flowers right now and see how much help these tips can give you when planting them.
Pay Close Attention to The Watering and Moisture of These Flowers
While your flowers are being grown in your home you must pay attention to the wetness of your orchid medium. You will need to keep the soil a little more damp than usual because Dendrobium care requires that you allow enough water to grow healthy plants. During the dormant phase of these plants you will have to do the exact opposite when watering.
Instead of leaving the soil moist or damp you will need to allow the roots to dry out properly when it enters its dormant phase. When they are in this phase they will not absorb as much nutrients as in the normal growing process. Because these flowers will not absorb much nutrients it will not need as much water as it usual would when it comes out of dormancy. When your plants come out of this phase then you can begin to water your flowers on a regular basis.
Understanding and Applying The Proper Watering Needs
There are some simple ways you can properly water this orchid. Some gardeners and enthusiasts prefer spraying a little water daily on the medium and roots when they start to show. Use a small spray bottle to give your flowers the moisture that will result in flowering and beautiful orchids.
There is a process that you water down all the areas that happen to be around your plants which includes the pot walls, paths, and everything that happens to be close to your orchid container. This ladder method will allow for less damage to your Dendrobium plants and will allow for much easier growing of these beautiful flowers.
Like I said this will be a short post and I wanted to give you just a little bit of information that can help you caring for Dendrobiums. It is time to start growing these flowers right now and see how much help these tips can give you when planting them.
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caring for dendrobiums,
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Friday, June 25, 2010
Phalaenopsis Orchid Care Techniques
Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most sought after and beautiful plants that any gardener can grow. Although they are naturally found in the Himalayan Mountains, northern Australia, and even in the Philippines they can be easily grown in your own home. Performing the precise Phalaenopsis care doesn't take that much work once you know exactly what to do. Here are some tips that should help you with your brand new hobby.
Humidity is a Big Concern With These Flowers
Since Phalaenopsis plants are one of the most popular orchids for most enthusiasts, then it is important to know all about them and what they need. First of all supplying humidity is one of the most common problems found with these types of flowers. Normally they are used to high humidity because their natural habitat has an enormous amount of humidity which they thrive in.
A humidifier is one of the easiest ways to supply the right amount of humidity to your new plants. It can also be accomplished by placing a tray of water below your flowers as well. Use a hydrometer to measure the correct amount of humidity around your plants. Sixty to eighty percent should be supplied to your flowers.
Keeping Them in The Correct Sunlight That is Required
Place your orchids in a sunny area, which is usually a southward windowsill. If you put your plants in these types of places it should provide an adequate amount of light to them. All you need to pay attention to is the temperature where your flowers are residing. Keeping the temperature between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimal range for thriving blossoms.
You will also need to make sure the temperature does not dip below 60 degrees at night. If the temperature is expected to be below 60 degrees then you will have to bring in your plant right away. A temperature too low will seriously harm or even damage your orchids.
Keep The Watering Needs at Proper Levels
Watering your Phalaenopsis orchids is something that you need to perform correctly as you do with other flowers. A dried out plant is not healthy as well as an over-watered one either. What many people don't know is that drying out the medium in which the plant resides can be healthier than having an over-watered soil. Once the soil inside of the pot has dried this is a good indication that it is time to water your plants. During the colder months you will not have to water your orchids as often as you would during the warm humid seasons.
With these simple techniques you will be able to correctly grow healthy and thriving flowers. Just pay attention to the small details of growing these plants and give it the proper care that it needs and you will see a difference in the health and vitality of your plants.
Humidity is a Big Concern With These Flowers
Since Phalaenopsis plants are one of the most popular orchids for most enthusiasts, then it is important to know all about them and what they need. First of all supplying humidity is one of the most common problems found with these types of flowers. Normally they are used to high humidity because their natural habitat has an enormous amount of humidity which they thrive in.
A humidifier is one of the easiest ways to supply the right amount of humidity to your new plants. It can also be accomplished by placing a tray of water below your flowers as well. Use a hydrometer to measure the correct amount of humidity around your plants. Sixty to eighty percent should be supplied to your flowers.
Keeping Them in The Correct Sunlight That is Required
Place your orchids in a sunny area, which is usually a southward windowsill. If you put your plants in these types of places it should provide an adequate amount of light to them. All you need to pay attention to is the temperature where your flowers are residing. Keeping the temperature between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimal range for thriving blossoms.
You will also need to make sure the temperature does not dip below 60 degrees at night. If the temperature is expected to be below 60 degrees then you will have to bring in your plant right away. A temperature too low will seriously harm or even damage your orchids.
Keep The Watering Needs at Proper Levels
Watering your Phalaenopsis orchids is something that you need to perform correctly as you do with other flowers. A dried out plant is not healthy as well as an over-watered one either. What many people don't know is that drying out the medium in which the plant resides can be healthier than having an over-watered soil. Once the soil inside of the pot has dried this is a good indication that it is time to water your plants. During the colder months you will not have to water your orchids as often as you would during the warm humid seasons.
With these simple techniques you will be able to correctly grow healthy and thriving flowers. Just pay attention to the small details of growing these plants and give it the proper care that it needs and you will see a difference in the health and vitality of your plants.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Caring For Orchids: Simplified for The Beginner Enthusiast
Many people don't understand how to take care of orchids and therefore assume that maintaining them is very complicated and only professional should grow them. This is an unfortunate falsehood and should not be taken seriously, because the fact is they are simple plants that need the precise conditions for vibrant blossoms.
I am going to show you in this short post how you too can have vibrant and colorful blooms with some simple tips and tricks you can use today. Caring for them is easy as 1-2-3! Learn these secret tips and find out how simple it is to grow them in your own home or office.
What You Need To Know in Order To Keep The Soil Moist
Watering is the number one problem or difficulty when it comes to properly cultivating them. It is really simple to water orchids, but the problem lies within not having the correct information to water them properly. Anybody can water a plant it's just how much water should you give your plants. There is a simple rule of thumb that you should use when watering them that you should know. First weigh your plant before watering it and after the medium has dried out.
Once you mark down the weight of the plant then you can water your flower making sure that it gets a good soaking, but you don't have to drown it. Once you have soaked it really good, then you will need to weigh it again and write down the weight. Now you will know the next time your orchid needs to be watered. If your plant loses some weight, then you need to water it. If the weight is the same then you can wait on watering your flower.
Fertilizer Will Enhance The Blossoms and Beauty of Your Plant
Fertilizing your orchids is another factor of growing beautiful blooms. So many times do I hear of stories about gardeners using too much fertilizer or not using enough and it ends up damaging their plant. Fertilizer should only be used when your plants are showing signs of mineral deficiency. There are three main macro-nutrients that you need to know about. These include nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. These three are the most important nutrients that you can find in all fertilizers represented as N-P-K.
For example nitrogen should be used if your leaves are showing signs of yellowing as nitrogen will create greener leaves. Phosphorous is best used during transplanting or mounting them from a pot to a tree or other natural object. Potassium should only be used sparingly as it's not as important as the others when caring for orchids.
As you can see with these simple tips that you should implement when trying to easily care for them. Alll you need is the information contained within this article and everything will work out perfectly.
I am going to show you in this short post how you too can have vibrant and colorful blooms with some simple tips and tricks you can use today. Caring for them is easy as 1-2-3! Learn these secret tips and find out how simple it is to grow them in your own home or office.
What You Need To Know in Order To Keep The Soil Moist
Watering is the number one problem or difficulty when it comes to properly cultivating them. It is really simple to water orchids, but the problem lies within not having the correct information to water them properly. Anybody can water a plant it's just how much water should you give your plants. There is a simple rule of thumb that you should use when watering them that you should know. First weigh your plant before watering it and after the medium has dried out.
Once you mark down the weight of the plant then you can water your flower making sure that it gets a good soaking, but you don't have to drown it. Once you have soaked it really good, then you will need to weigh it again and write down the weight. Now you will know the next time your orchid needs to be watered. If your plant loses some weight, then you need to water it. If the weight is the same then you can wait on watering your flower.
Fertilizer Will Enhance The Blossoms and Beauty of Your Plant
Fertilizing your orchids is another factor of growing beautiful blooms. So many times do I hear of stories about gardeners using too much fertilizer or not using enough and it ends up damaging their plant. Fertilizer should only be used when your plants are showing signs of mineral deficiency. There are three main macro-nutrients that you need to know about. These include nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. These three are the most important nutrients that you can find in all fertilizers represented as N-P-K.
For example nitrogen should be used if your leaves are showing signs of yellowing as nitrogen will create greener leaves. Phosphorous is best used during transplanting or mounting them from a pot to a tree or other natural object. Potassium should only be used sparingly as it's not as important as the others when caring for orchids.
As you can see with these simple tips that you should implement when trying to easily care for them. Alll you need is the information contained within this article and everything will work out perfectly.
Monday, June 21, 2010
A Few Types Of Orchids You Should Know About
Now that you have decided on growing orchids it’s time that you learn about a few different types that are easy to grow and care for. If you are a beginner at this fun and exciting hobby, then you will have to learn about the kinds of plants that are best for amateur growing enthusiasts. In this post I will discuss a few orchids that are great for beginners and should be one of the first ones to grow especially if you are new to growing these flowers.
Looking At Oncidiums for Bright Blossoms
One of the first flowers you can choose that will brighten your home are Oncidiums. There is not much to growing oncidium plants and you do not need anything special to successfully care for them. The most important element for these types is an abundance of sunlight or artificial light. The basics of these orchids are very easy to learn and can be easily found in any orchid garden store or greenhouse. With the right care methods you can easily get these plants to bloom at least twice per year.
A Quick Producing Plant That Will Benefit You
Another type of orchid that is easy to plant is the comnara wildcat. With very little effort towards this plant it will give you beautiful flowers that will last over three months. That’s right when these flowers bloom they will give you an amazing fragrance and beauty in your home for over three months. Because you don’t need to care for them as much as you would any others it is great for any beginner grower.
Phragmipediums are a Unique Flower to Consider
Other types of orchids best for beginners include Phragmipediums. Although this is a very rare flower it really is amazingly easy to plant with a couple of tips that you can use today. For example they need much light just as the Oncidium orchid does. They will also need some special fertilizer as well as special watering needs and can be found in most resources where you can purchase them.
The Most Common Types Selected by Beginners
One of the most popular beginner types are phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum flowers. You can find these flowers in almost any greenhouse because they are the most popular and easiest to care for. You will not need a special environment for them because they will likely bloom in any habitat that you provide it. As long as you put this flower on a windowsill that receives sunlight they will give you beautiful blooms every single year.
All you need is the right information and you can grow beautiful and magnificent orchids all year round. These are just a few types of plants that I thought you should know about. They are really the best and easiest ones to care for because they don’t need much effort.
Looking At Oncidiums for Bright Blossoms
One of the first flowers you can choose that will brighten your home are Oncidiums. There is not much to growing oncidium plants and you do not need anything special to successfully care for them. The most important element for these types is an abundance of sunlight or artificial light. The basics of these orchids are very easy to learn and can be easily found in any orchid garden store or greenhouse. With the right care methods you can easily get these plants to bloom at least twice per year.
A Quick Producing Plant That Will Benefit You
Another type of orchid that is easy to plant is the comnara wildcat. With very little effort towards this plant it will give you beautiful flowers that will last over three months. That’s right when these flowers bloom they will give you an amazing fragrance and beauty in your home for over three months. Because you don’t need to care for them as much as you would any others it is great for any beginner grower.
Phragmipediums are a Unique Flower to Consider
Other types of orchids best for beginners include Phragmipediums. Although this is a very rare flower it really is amazingly easy to plant with a couple of tips that you can use today. For example they need much light just as the Oncidium orchid does. They will also need some special fertilizer as well as special watering needs and can be found in most resources where you can purchase them.
The Most Common Types Selected by Beginners
One of the most popular beginner types are phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum flowers. You can find these flowers in almost any greenhouse because they are the most popular and easiest to care for. You will not need a special environment for them because they will likely bloom in any habitat that you provide it. As long as you put this flower on a windowsill that receives sunlight they will give you beautiful blooms every single year.
All you need is the right information and you can grow beautiful and magnificent orchids all year round. These are just a few types of plants that I thought you should know about. They are really the best and easiest ones to care for because they don’t need much effort.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Some More Orchid Care Tips
I don't think there is a such thing as too much information. The more knowledge you have about orchid care the better your results will be. I want to discuss just a few tips about growing them including proper soil, watering, and the correct amount of light.
These three aspects are some of the most important steps to growing beautiful flowers. If you do not perform these steps correctly you can end up having a garden full of dead plants. Lets discover these simple tips and find out how to perform each step precisely.
The Orchid Medium
Many times I have seen orchid enthusiasts showing off their orchids only to find that they have planted them in normal potting soil. What they don't know is that their plants will not last very long in this type of soil because it is not made for orchid plants. If you want to grow them you will have to purchase special mix or soils that can be easily found in most garden stores or hardware stores that have a garden section.
These mixes are best for beginners and can be quite valuable when planting these beautiful flowers. Fir bark, sphagnum moss, osmunda fiber, and even coconut husks are other solutions for proper mediums. Use any of these methods and you can save yourself some time caring for orchids.
Orchid Light
Light is another essential ingredient in the production of magnificent orchids. Without the correct light requirements your orchid flowers are destined to die. For proper orchid care you will need to provide your orchid with enough sunlight or artificial light. You can do both, but it is recommended to choose one option. For example you can use artificial lights for during the cold, dry, winter months. While using sunlight during the summer will provide your orchid with the perfect amount of sunlight.
Watering Orchids Perfectly
Now let's talk about how to water your plants thoroughly. Believe it or not watering is actually one of the easiest tasks that an enthusiast can do. One of the easiest methods that many people do is they allow the medium to dry out, then they will begin watering their flowers before it starts to wilt from lack of moisture.
The dry out method is very straightforward and can be used pretty much every single day, depending on the season and the temperature in the room. This is the easiest method but you must be very careful not to over water your orchids. It is better to dry them out rather than having too much water contained within the soil. The water will create a condition that is conducive to fungal infections and even bacterial wilts and viruses.
These three aspects are some of the most important steps to growing beautiful flowers. If you do not perform these steps correctly you can end up having a garden full of dead plants. Lets discover these simple tips and find out how to perform each step precisely.
The Orchid Medium
Many times I have seen orchid enthusiasts showing off their orchids only to find that they have planted them in normal potting soil. What they don't know is that their plants will not last very long in this type of soil because it is not made for orchid plants. If you want to grow them you will have to purchase special mix or soils that can be easily found in most garden stores or hardware stores that have a garden section.
These mixes are best for beginners and can be quite valuable when planting these beautiful flowers. Fir bark, sphagnum moss, osmunda fiber, and even coconut husks are other solutions for proper mediums. Use any of these methods and you can save yourself some time caring for orchids.
Orchid Light
Light is another essential ingredient in the production of magnificent orchids. Without the correct light requirements your orchid flowers are destined to die. For proper orchid care you will need to provide your orchid with enough sunlight or artificial light. You can do both, but it is recommended to choose one option. For example you can use artificial lights for during the cold, dry, winter months. While using sunlight during the summer will provide your orchid with the perfect amount of sunlight.
Watering Orchids Perfectly
Now let's talk about how to water your plants thoroughly. Believe it or not watering is actually one of the easiest tasks that an enthusiast can do. One of the easiest methods that many people do is they allow the medium to dry out, then they will begin watering their flowers before it starts to wilt from lack of moisture.
The dry out method is very straightforward and can be used pretty much every single day, depending on the season and the temperature in the room. This is the easiest method but you must be very careful not to over water your orchids. It is better to dry them out rather than having too much water contained within the soil. The water will create a condition that is conducive to fungal infections and even bacterial wilts and viruses.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
How To Take Care Of Orchids With These Three Techniques
What a beautiful and delicate flower orchids are. Can anyone grow their own flower or should that be left to professional gardeners? The short answer is YES anyone can learn how to take care of these beautiful plants just by learning a few tips and tricks about growing and caring for orchid plants. In this post I will show you just a few tips that will help in properly caring for these amazing flowers. Discover how to take care of them with these three easy and simple tasks.
Task #1 Humidity
As many enthusiasts know that they are very moisture hungry organisms that will need enough humidity to thrive properly. The humidity level in your greenhouse if you have one or on the windowsill should be at least 60%. They thrive in plenty of moisture and can actually have up to 80% humidity in their environment. You can purchase a device called a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home, greenhouse, or wherever you happen to be growing these flowers.
Normally the summer months will supply them with the correct amount of humidity required for optimum growth. The winter months is when you need to worry about humidity levels. Place a tray underneath your plants that is filled with water and gravel. Place them on the tray making sure it doesn't touch the water. This will give your flowers adequate amount of moisture for proper growth. If you don't like this idea then you can always purchase yourself a humidifier to provide them a more accurate amount of humidity.
Tip #2 Temperature
They are very sensitive when it comes to the proper temperature you keep the room or greenhouse at. There are three classes of orchid temperatures: medium, cool, and warm classes. This seems pretty simple doesn't it? Cool temperature plants will tolerate temperatures from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but not any lower than this. Keep the medium class types at around 60 to 70 degrees. The warm class ones should be at least 70 degrees but not any higher than 80 degrees. Once you find out what class your flower is then you can find out the proper temperature you should keep the room at.
Tip #3 Fertilizer
Not many orchid growers think twice about using fertilizer for their flowers. It is important to use fertilizers for proper growth. They are not very critical to these plants, but they might be need down the road when your flowers have used up all the nutrients from its pot. If you do need to use a fertilizer for your plants you should apply a combination of 10-10-10. This means you should use 10% of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.
Learning how to take care of orchids is really quite simple when you are given precise instructions. By discovering tips here and there you will be able to grow awesome looking flowers that everybody will look at. Now that you know the secrets to producing blossoms it's time for you to start your new hobby today.
Task #1 Humidity
As many enthusiasts know that they are very moisture hungry organisms that will need enough humidity to thrive properly. The humidity level in your greenhouse if you have one or on the windowsill should be at least 60%. They thrive in plenty of moisture and can actually have up to 80% humidity in their environment. You can purchase a device called a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home, greenhouse, or wherever you happen to be growing these flowers.
Normally the summer months will supply them with the correct amount of humidity required for optimum growth. The winter months is when you need to worry about humidity levels. Place a tray underneath your plants that is filled with water and gravel. Place them on the tray making sure it doesn't touch the water. This will give your flowers adequate amount of moisture for proper growth. If you don't like this idea then you can always purchase yourself a humidifier to provide them a more accurate amount of humidity.
Tip #2 Temperature
They are very sensitive when it comes to the proper temperature you keep the room or greenhouse at. There are three classes of orchid temperatures: medium, cool, and warm classes. This seems pretty simple doesn't it? Cool temperature plants will tolerate temperatures from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but not any lower than this. Keep the medium class types at around 60 to 70 degrees. The warm class ones should be at least 70 degrees but not any higher than 80 degrees. Once you find out what class your flower is then you can find out the proper temperature you should keep the room at.
Tip #3 Fertilizer
Not many orchid growers think twice about using fertilizer for their flowers. It is important to use fertilizers for proper growth. They are not very critical to these plants, but they might be need down the road when your flowers have used up all the nutrients from its pot. If you do need to use a fertilizer for your plants you should apply a combination of 10-10-10. This means you should use 10% of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.
Learning how to take care of orchids is really quite simple when you are given precise instructions. By discovering tips here and there you will be able to grow awesome looking flowers that everybody will look at. Now that you know the secrets to producing blossoms it's time for you to start your new hobby today.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Using Proper Orchid Light For Magnificent Looking Blossoms
Orchids are very sensitive plants especially when it comes to the amount of sunlight it needs. Some of them can tolerate much more sunlight than others, but most plants prefer to have filtered light rather than direct sunlight of any kind. First of all the sun can seriously damage the leaves of your flowers and may result in an plant not flowering correctly. That is why it is really important to supply them with the correct amount of light that is required for optimum growth.
Filtered Sunlight is Always the Best For These Plants
The sun's rays should always be filtered when using it for growing orchids. The amount of sun that is required usually depends on the type that you have selected to grow. As a general rule for most of them, I would recommend giving your plants at least eight hours of sunshine per day. Remember if you are using the sun you should try to dilute it before it reaches your flowers.
Many people place them on windowsills and then place a curtain in front of their plants to simulate filtered sunlight. You can leave your flowers in the sun for up to 12 hours especially if you have long summer months. Just make sure that your orchids get some rest.
Using Fluorescent Lights Can Be an Excellent Substitute
Artificial light is another great way to provide the correct amount of light to your plants. This is especially useful during long winter months where the sun isn't as strong and does stay out very long. If you live in a region that has long winter months then I would recommend purchasing one of these lights. The best type of orchid light you should use is fluorescent.
Fluorescent fixtures allow your orchid to grow much faster and the light will not burn the leaves. Incandescent light bulbs can burn your leaves and that is why I wouldn't recommend these types of lights. Although they are cheaper they are not worth the cost of your plant if they happen to get burned. Stick with fluorescent because they will pay off in the end.
By now you should have your orchid in your home or office and have decided where you should put your flowers. Give them the right amount of light and they will reward you with many blooms during the year and for many years later. Have a great time with these amazing and colorful flowers today!
Filtered Sunlight is Always the Best For These Plants
The sun's rays should always be filtered when using it for growing orchids. The amount of sun that is required usually depends on the type that you have selected to grow. As a general rule for most of them, I would recommend giving your plants at least eight hours of sunshine per day. Remember if you are using the sun you should try to dilute it before it reaches your flowers.
Many people place them on windowsills and then place a curtain in front of their plants to simulate filtered sunlight. You can leave your flowers in the sun for up to 12 hours especially if you have long summer months. Just make sure that your orchids get some rest.
Using Fluorescent Lights Can Be an Excellent Substitute
Artificial light is another great way to provide the correct amount of light to your plants. This is especially useful during long winter months where the sun isn't as strong and does stay out very long. If you live in a region that has long winter months then I would recommend purchasing one of these lights. The best type of orchid light you should use is fluorescent.
Fluorescent fixtures allow your orchid to grow much faster and the light will not burn the leaves. Incandescent light bulbs can burn your leaves and that is why I wouldn't recommend these types of lights. Although they are cheaper they are not worth the cost of your plant if they happen to get burned. Stick with fluorescent because they will pay off in the end.
By now you should have your orchid in your home or office and have decided where you should put your flowers. Give them the right amount of light and they will reward you with many blooms during the year and for many years later. Have a great time with these amazing and colorful flowers today!
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Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Orchid Care Tips: Where Can You Grow Orchids?
When people think of orchids they usually think they can only be grown by the pros and not by a typical enthusiast. Not only can anyone grow these flowers, but they can grow them quickly and easily with just a little bit of knowledge. In this post I want to give you a few simple tips on orchid care and where the best places are to grow them.
Using The Sun for all Your Plants
If you want to grow them in your home you need to have a place that gets at least eight hours of sunlight. For example one place that many people prefer to place their plant is in a windowsill. A window on the south side of your house or apartment is the best place to grow them.
You don't want to give any of them too much continuous sunlight. Although they need sunlight to grow, too much sunlight can actually harm many of them if you are not too careful. It's pretty easy to avoid your flowers from getting sun burn. All you need to do is to place a transparent piece of cloth such as a curtain. This should allow enough light for your plants to flower correctly.
Growing Them Outdoors Can be a Great Advantage Too
You don't have to grow these plants in your home if you don't want to. You can always grow your orchids outdoors especially if you live in the proper climate to do so. They are naturally found in very humid climates and they love lots of moisture. If you live in an area that has very moist air then you can grow your orchids outside in your backyard.
The great thing about these plants is that they attach themselves to trees, rocks, and other objects in their local environment. Even if you don't live in a humid climate you can still grow them outside. You will have to make sure that when winter comes around you should bring in all your plants. If you leave them outside they will die from the very cold air instantly.
These are just a few places that you can grow orchids. In either location you can grow beautiful and magnificent flowers with long lasting blooms.
Using The Sun for all Your Plants
If you want to grow them in your home you need to have a place that gets at least eight hours of sunlight. For example one place that many people prefer to place their plant is in a windowsill. A window on the south side of your house or apartment is the best place to grow them.
You don't want to give any of them too much continuous sunlight. Although they need sunlight to grow, too much sunlight can actually harm many of them if you are not too careful. It's pretty easy to avoid your flowers from getting sun burn. All you need to do is to place a transparent piece of cloth such as a curtain. This should allow enough light for your plants to flower correctly.
Growing Them Outdoors Can be a Great Advantage Too
You don't have to grow these plants in your home if you don't want to. You can always grow your orchids outdoors especially if you live in the proper climate to do so. They are naturally found in very humid climates and they love lots of moisture. If you live in an area that has very moist air then you can grow your orchids outside in your backyard.
The great thing about these plants is that they attach themselves to trees, rocks, and other objects in their local environment. Even if you don't live in a humid climate you can still grow them outside. You will have to make sure that when winter comes around you should bring in all your plants. If you leave them outside they will die from the very cold air instantly.
These are just a few places that you can grow orchids. In either location you can grow beautiful and magnificent flowers with long lasting blooms.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tips about Pruning Orchids
Pruning can be easily accomplished with some quick and simple tips. This technique is not very difficult, but it does require some patience and a sharp eye. You will need to know when to properly cut them and how exactly you can start doing this. Let's discuss the simple pruning procedure.
How The Exact Process Begins
After they have bloomed for about a month or so, it will be time to start trimming your flowers. The reason we cut them is to encourage brand new plant growth. This will allow our flowers to continue to bloom for years. You will want to prune your flowers as soon as the heads die and fall off of the plant. While the stem of the plant no longer has a flower this is the perfect time for starting this process.
What is Involved With This Task?
Trimming the plant actually involves cutting the stem of the plant which will then give your flower a chance to start growing new leaves and then eventually into a brand new flower. That is why it is important to wait for the flower to die because your plant has given all its energy into the flower. By waiting for the bloom to fall it will now give all its energy into the new shoots that emerge from your plants.
Using The Tools That are Useful for This Job
When it comes to pruning you will want to use the proper tools for performing this simple procedure. Pruning shears are one of the best tools to use for this process and is a tool that I recommend using. You can wear gloves when trimming them, but it is not essential that you do because you are only cutting the stalk of your plants. Once you have your tools ready it's time to cut your plants.
Some Special Cutting May be Required
Not all orchid plants are cut the same, but most of them will need to be trimmed a certain length for optimum plant growth. Cutting the stalk about halfway is a good guideline to follow and will result in healthier flowers later on. Some flowers such as the Phalaenopsis types need to be cut down to the second node. You don't want to get any lower than that otherwise your plant may die. That is why when trimming them you need to make sure that you can see where you are removing before you make the cut.
How The Exact Process Begins
After they have bloomed for about a month or so, it will be time to start trimming your flowers. The reason we cut them is to encourage brand new plant growth. This will allow our flowers to continue to bloom for years. You will want to prune your flowers as soon as the heads die and fall off of the plant. While the stem of the plant no longer has a flower this is the perfect time for starting this process.
What is Involved With This Task?
Trimming the plant actually involves cutting the stem of the plant which will then give your flower a chance to start growing new leaves and then eventually into a brand new flower. That is why it is important to wait for the flower to die because your plant has given all its energy into the flower. By waiting for the bloom to fall it will now give all its energy into the new shoots that emerge from your plants.
Using The Tools That are Useful for This Job
When it comes to pruning you will want to use the proper tools for performing this simple procedure. Pruning shears are one of the best tools to use for this process and is a tool that I recommend using. You can wear gloves when trimming them, but it is not essential that you do because you are only cutting the stalk of your plants. Once you have your tools ready it's time to cut your plants.
Some Special Cutting May be Required
Not all orchid plants are cut the same, but most of them will need to be trimmed a certain length for optimum plant growth. Cutting the stalk about halfway is a good guideline to follow and will result in healthier flowers later on. Some flowers such as the Phalaenopsis types need to be cut down to the second node. You don't want to get any lower than that otherwise your plant may die. That is why when trimming them you need to make sure that you can see where you are removing before you make the cut.
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Monday, June 14, 2010
Simple Orchid Information You Need to Consider Before Purchasing One of These Flowers
In this small detailed post I want to share with you just one simple tip for proper orchid care and for healthier and happier orchid plants. If you really want to have magnificent orchids then you need to read the rest of this post in order to get these secret orchid care tips that you can implement right away.
Choosing The Perfect Orchid To Grow
I think this is one of the best orchid tips that every orchid enthusiast needs to learn. If you pick an orchid that is not suited for your climate or you don't want to care for this particular orchid then you are not going to have any fun caring for your plants and you might just give up growing flowers altogether. Some questions that you ask yourself before purchasing an orchid is:
1. What type of climate do I live in? (temperate, tropical, or cold climates)
2. Do I want to spend the majority of my time caring for my orchid or do I want something that is simple to take care of? (all orchids are simple to care for, but there are different types of orchids that are easier than others to care for such as moth orchids and lady slippers.
3. How much do I want to spend on my orchid plant and supplies for creating the perfect orchid environment? (this could include purchasing a humidifier, orchid medium, fertilizer, extra pots and more.
These are some general questions that you should ask yourself before purchasing an orchid because all these answers will affect what type that you will be ending up buying.
Choosing The Perfect Orchid To Grow
I think this is one of the best orchid tips that every orchid enthusiast needs to learn. If you pick an orchid that is not suited for your climate or you don't want to care for this particular orchid then you are not going to have any fun caring for your plants and you might just give up growing flowers altogether. Some questions that you ask yourself before purchasing an orchid is:
1. What type of climate do I live in? (temperate, tropical, or cold climates)
2. Do I want to spend the majority of my time caring for my orchid or do I want something that is simple to take care of? (all orchids are simple to care for, but there are different types of orchids that are easier than others to care for such as moth orchids and lady slippers.
3. How much do I want to spend on my orchid plant and supplies for creating the perfect orchid environment? (this could include purchasing a humidifier, orchid medium, fertilizer, extra pots and more.
These are some general questions that you should ask yourself before purchasing an orchid because all these answers will affect what type that you will be ending up buying.
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Welcome To My New Orchid Care Blog
Welcome, and I want to thank you for visiting my new orchid care blog that I have put together for all the orchid enthusiasts out there. If you are interested in orchids and want to learn everything there is to know about these beautiful flowers then you have come to the right website.
My name is Carl Harrison and I am an orchid enthusiast. I am so passionate and enthusiastic about growing orchids that I decided to create a website about them and share all my knowledge with others. I want to share with everything that I have researched about orchids and there amazing ability to grow in anyone's home, office, or garden. I hope you enjoy my orchid blog and will visit often.
Carl Harrison
My name is Carl Harrison and I am an orchid enthusiast. I am so passionate and enthusiastic about growing orchids that I decided to create a website about them and share all my knowledge with others. I want to share with everything that I have researched about orchids and there amazing ability to grow in anyone's home, office, or garden. I hope you enjoy my orchid blog and will visit often.
Carl Harrison
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