How to Raise Orchids

Orchids are well known for their beauty, which may explain the myth surrounding their growth requirements. Because of their exquisite appearance, orchids are assumed to be tricky and difficult to grow outside of a greenhouse. However, anyone can grow and raise orchids in their homes alongside their houseplants, provided they follow the appropriate steps listed below.

Instructions

1. Provide bright light. In winter, place orchids in a south or east facing window. In summer, move outside to shade, similar to where you would summer houseplants. If kept inside during summer, move orchids away from the window or place in front of a sheer curtain in a south facing window.

2. Water orchids sparingly. Over watering is the most common reason orchids die. Water moderately once a week, making sure the water drains out the bottom of the pot. Do not let an orchid sit in water; empty any overflow right away.

3. Provide the correct temperature. Orchids are happiest at the same temperatures we are--about 80 degrees--although some varieties can flourish at temperatures as low as 55 degrees.

4. Make sure orchids are exposed to plenty of air movement. In their natural habitat, orchids grow high up in trees, so they need to feel air circulating around them. Serious orchid growers often keep a small oscillating fan in the room where their orchids grow.

5. Raise the humidity near the orchids. Place a portable humidifier near them, setting orchids on saucers filled with pebbles or small rocks. Add water to the saucers just below the tops of the rocks, so the pots of orchids don't actually sit in water. The evaporating water will add humidity to the air around them. Grow orchids in the same area as your other house plants; they all benefit from the increased humidity that a group of plants gives off.

6. Plant orchids in correct potting material. Do NOT plant in potting mix for regular houseplants. Orchids need a mix specially designed for them, with chunks of bark, wood chips, fiber from coconuts or tree ferns, perlite, charcoal and cork often among the ingredients.

7. Fertilize sparingly. Orchids don't need heavy doses of fertilizer, but they do need regular feeding in order to bloom. Feed with a water soluble fertilizer every other week, following the manufacturer's recommendations.

8. Repot only when necessary. The roots will reach the edge of the pot long before the plant will; do not repot at this time. Wait until the body of the plant has grown over the edge of the pot before repotting. Remove as much of the potting medium from around the roots as you can and place in a slightly larger pot. Replant in fresh orchid potting mix.

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