Orchid Care Tips for Beginners: Green Thumb Not Required
How to Take Care of an Orchid For Beginners
Are you searching for an eye-catching plant to add beauty and color to your home? Orchids are a perfect choice. Not only do they require minimal care, but a single bloom can bring life and energy into any room.
Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow without soil. Instead, they attach themselves to tree bark and use notches for food and moisture storage.
Watering
Watering an orchid is the most essential aspect of caring for your plant. Orchids are epiphytes, which grow on trees or rocks and get nutrients from air and rainwater.
However, they must also be potted in a breathable potting medium such as bark or sphagnum moss. A moisture meter isn't ideal for this media type, but you can check its hydration by inserting your pencil or finger into the mixture.
When your orchid's potting medium feels dry to touch or its roots appear white and shriveled, it's time for watering. Dry conditions will cause orchids to wilt and yellow; however, drinking water will restore their vitality.
Orchids are much tougher than many beginners may realize. They can survive short dry spells between waterings as long as they get some time to recover before needing another watering.
Light
Light is essential for orchid growth and flowering, so make sure your plant gets enough direct sunlight without being overly hot. You may also use fluorescent lights or LED lights to provide additional illumination.
Depending on your orchid species, you may need to move your plant as it matures and flowers. Some, like Moth Orchids, require low light conditions, so are best suited for an east-facing windowsill or spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
Watering your orchid regularly is essential for its health, but be careful not to overwater, as this could lead to issues like root rot.
Temperature
Temperature is essential for many orchids during their blooming process. Whether tropical or warm-growing, all orchids require a certain temperature to flourish.
Cold temperatures can harm your orchids, including bud blasts and wilted leaves. Furthermore, when temperatures dip below 50 degrees, they become vulnerable to mold growth.
Choose a location with temperatures between 65 degrees during the day and 75 degrees at night for optimal results. Orchids also prefer an intermediate humidity range between 40-70%.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for orchids to remain healthy and grow strong. Ensure you fertilize correctly so your orchid doesn't experience dry leaf tips or burned root tips.
Orchids can survive with relatively little nutrients but need fertilization to promote flowering and growth. Furthermore, regular rainfall that seeps into their roots and biological and chemical processes provide essential nutrients.
Many types of orchids are epiphytic or grow on trees or other hosts. To thrive, these plants need a humid environment and tend to do their best outdoors.
Maintain the health and happiness of your orchid by feeding it weekly. Use a half-strength water-soluble fertilizer, mix it with equal amounts of water, and give your plant one dose each time you water.