The Best Orchid Care Secrets

Orchid growing is considered an art as well as a science.

Orchids are temperamental flowers, and their growing needs vary from cultivar to cultivar, from region to region and from gardener to gardener. Still, all orchids are endangered by pests, disease and inadequate growing conditions. Learning to meet your flower's basic needs is fundamental.

Insect Control

Mealybugs have been known to infect orchids in the winter, just when the buds are ready to bloom. The American Orchid Society recommends cleaning the plant with diluted castille soap (1 teaspoon of soap to 1 quart of water) to repel insects. The Society also recommends following chemical controls carefully and always diluting the solutions.

Water

Orchid owners grow their plants in mediums such as peat, charcoal, stone and asmunda fiber. Horticulturists from the University of Florida recommend following the general rule that the coarser the growing medium, the more frequently the plant should be watered. Some growers place packing peanuts in their growth medium to better aerate orchid roots and prevent root rot.

Presentation

Some secrets for cleaning and presenting orchids are given by members of the Sacramento Orchid Society. Spotted leaves (caused by fertilizer or hard water) can be rendered clear by using lemon juice. Take a lemon, squeeze juice into a paper towel and polish the leaves with the paper towel, taking care to only wipe the tops of the leaves, not underneath them.

References

• American Orchid Society: Baby It's Cold Outside
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Tips On Growing Orchids In Florida
• Sacremento Orchid Society: Orchid Care Secrets