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Orchid care is surprisingly easy with just a little bit of knowledge and information .  It is really essential to have the correct information about orchid care, otherwise your orchids may not grow to its full potential.   There are some basics that you will need to understand in order to have amazing orchids.   In this article you will discover all about light, temperature, humidity, proper watering, and the right soil medium for perfect orchids.

Proper Orchid Medium

Proper orchid medium is needed when caring for orchids correctly.   If you plant your orchids in regular potting soil your orchid plant will surely die because they grow in very different soil.   There are many different types of orchid mediums you can choose from such as fir bark, redwood bark, coconut husks, sphagnum moss, and tree fiber which are all organic.   Inorganic types of orchid medium include lava rock, charcoal, turface, and even pearlite can be used to grow orchids.   Most of the time if you go to your local greenhouse or garden store they have prepackaged orchid medium for sale.   With the popularity of orchids you can find these mixes almost anywhere nowadays, and are great for growing your orchids.

What Type of Light Is Best For Growing Orchids?

Like most plants that grow in the wild orchids need a certain amount of light to thrive as well.   If you want to place your orchids on the windowsill make sure that you don’t place it directly in the sunlight.   That’s why if you are planting your orchids indoors it is important not to place them directly in sunlight.  For example if you place your orchid plant on a windowsill it is important not to leave it in direct sunlight for too long or at all.   During the summertime is when you need to make sure your plant is not in direct sunlight because the sun is strongest during the summer months.   If you live in an area that doesn’t get much sun then I suggest using artificial lights to grow your orchids.   If you do happen to use artificial lights then you don’t need to leave your lights on all the time, you only need them for certain times.

Keeping Your Orchids In The Correct Temperature

It is important for proper orchid care that you keep your orchids in the correct temperature.   The three temperature classes you should know are cool, medium, and warm.   If you have cool temperature plants such as cymbidiums then you want to keep them in a temperature of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.   Orchids that are in the medium class require 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for proper growth.  Some orchids in this class include cattleyas, epidendrums, and oncidiums.   The last class or warm class needs at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but no more than 80 degrees.  Orchids in this class include the phalaenopsis and vanda orchids.   A dark and mush orchid means that the temperature is too low and you need to put your orchid in warmer temperatures.   When the temperature becomes too high you might see your orchid leaves turning black and yellow because of sunburn.

Humidity

Humidity plays an important role in the growth of orchids and must be at the correct levels.   Having the incorrect amount of humidity can cause potential harm to your plants and it may not bloom correctly.   During the summertime the humidity that is around should be adequate for your orchids to thrive.  Unless you happen to live in a dry climate.   If you happen to live in a dry area or during the cold dry months you may need to supply your orchids with extra humidity.   You need to supply your orchids with at least 60% humidity or your orchids may not thrive.   A humidifier is one way to add humidity to the air helping your orchids to grow better.   Placing your plants in a tray of gravel filling the tray with water making sure your plants don’t touch the water is another way of adding humidity.  

The Proper Technique To Watering Orchids

Last but definitely not least is how to properly water your orchids.   When watering your orchids you need to be careful that you do not over-water them or under-water them.   Follow these simple steps to keep your orchids moist and vibrant and avoid over-watering them.  

1.  First warm tap water should be used to keep your orchids moist, but not dripping wet.  

2.  Next, testing the weight of the orchid after it has been watered will give you an idea of how heavy your plant is when it has been watered correctly.  

3.  You will want to test the weight of your orchid plant everyday to determine if your orchids need water or not.  

4. You can also place your finger about an inch into the soil to make sure that your orchid medium is still moist.  If the orchid medium is dry then you need to water your orchid, if it is still moist then leave it alone.

These are some of the basic orchid care tips that I think should get you started with growing and maintaining your orchids quickly and easily.  Good luck growing your orchids and have fun at the same time!

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