Orchid Plant Basics

Orchids are beautiful flowering plants that take a little extra care to grow. They don't grow in regular potting soil and they take some extra attention to get to bloom. Even though they need some extra attention, Orchids are well worth the time and the effort because of their beauty. Orchids are usually bought in bloom. This is good because otherwise you will need to rely on a picture to see what the orchid bloom will look like. There isn't much to do when the orchid first gets home. Here are some basics. Placement of the it in the home:

• Place in an area where the it will get at least 4 hours of light. This can be natural light or artificial light from a grow plant.
• The location should provide moisture or it should be a place that the orchid will be able to be misted.
• Find a place for the orchid in the home where you will be able to enjoy the blooms.
• When the orchid is not blooming it may be moved, but remember to put it somewhere in the home where it won't be forgotten.

Care:

• The orchid will need regular watering, but the orchid potting compost should not be waterlogged.
• Orchids care should change when orchids go dormant. It can be in the summer, winter, or after blooming depending on the type of orchid.
• Potting medium can be bought that are specifically designed for orchids or the orchid grower can create their own potting medium.
• Setting the orchid on a tray of pebbles sitting in water or misting it will help maintain a healthy level of humidity.
• Report as needed.

Blooming:

• Remove flower/bud spike if the orchid is unhealthy to give it a chance to recover.
• An orchid plant that is capable of blooming but doesn't, may not be getting enough nutrition and light.
• To encourage blooming be sure that the temperature is ideal for the orchid plant and fluctuates appropriately.
• It may be necessary to encourage orchid plant dormancy to get it to bloom.
• A few types will have subsequent blooming from the flower spike.
• After blooming the flower spike can be completely removed to encourage blooming.

Orchid plants' purchase price can be reasonable or very high for more specialized types. During certain seasons this plant will be readily available in grocery stores and other stores that sell plants. All year round, orchids can be purchased online. Most times of the year orchids are available for purchase from florists. During the "off" season (outside normal blooming season) the price for flowers will be higher. Blooms add elegance and interest alone or part of a flower arrangement. Orchids are well worth learning about their basic care to have the beautiful blooms in your home.