How to Create a Controlled Environment for an Orchid

Orchids are known for being delicate flowers that are difficult to care for. But by maintaining the right environment, you can successfully grow your favorite orchids year round. The process will require plenty of your attention, but the blooms will be well worth your efforts.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Use a well-ventilated potting medium that provides support for the plant to stand upright. Most experts recommend peat moss to retain moisture, or wood chips to provide stability. Add a water-soluble fertilizer to the pot.

2. Regulate the humidity in the orchid's environment to between 60 and eighty 80 percent.

3. Keep the room temperature between 50 and 75 degrees F. While some orchids can do well outside of this range, go by this guideline until you're familiar enough with orchid care to improvise.

4. Set up growth lights and adjust them as necessary to maintain the proper lighting for your orchids. The foliage should be light green, and you want to see it develop purple stripes. This indicates the plant is getting the correct amount of light.

5. Water sparingly, as orchids prefer to be dry rather than wet. Allow the water to run through the pot for best results. Watch for wrinkling leaves to determine if you need to water more often.

6. Maintain a constant air flow. Orchids thrive best in breezy environments. To create this environment, you can mount a fan from the ceiling.

7. Inspect the orchids daily. They will tell you what care they need.