How to Care for Your Orchid

An orchid in bloom is a beautiful thing, and the blooms will last for months. If you have an assortment of houseplants, make your orchid the centerpiece. This arrangement will add beauty and interest to any room.

When you buy or receive an orchid, you will want to know how to take care of it so that the blooms will last as long as possible, and how to make it bloom again.
The following information that will help you learn about and enjoy your orchid.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fertilizer

1. 
   Locate Your Orchid

   Where to locate your orchid. Orchids need plenty of bright light but not direct sunlight. An east- or south-facing window is ideal. You can also keep it outside as long as it is protected from direct sunlight and frost.

2. 
   Water Your Orchid

   Water your orchid about once per week. It is best to water it thoroughly, letting excess water drain out of the pot. Then let it dry out slightly. The surface of the soil should feel dry, but a pencil or skewer inserted into the center of the plant will be slightly moist.

3. 
   Fertilize Your Orchid

   Fertilize your orchid lightly. The formula 20-20-20 is recommended, but if you have tomato fertilizer (18-18-21), that will be fine. While the orchid is in bloom, fertilize it every 2nd week. Once the flowers have all fallen off, fertilize it every week until new blooms open.

4. 
   Trim the Stalk

   To encourage new blooms, trim the stalk about 2" above the leaves. In time, this should cause new buds to appear. How soon depends on all of the above, plus temperature and humidity. You may see new buds in 8-12 weeks. Continue to fertilize weekly until the first bud opens into a flower. Then cut back to every 2nd week.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are buying your first orchid, the most commonly found and easiest to grow is the moth orchid (genus phalaenopsis). See Orchids 101 (www.orchids.suite101.com)for a photo and descriptions.
• The American Orchid Society (www.aos.org) is a good source of general information on the many varieties of orchids.
• Less is more when it comes to watering and fertilizing orchids.

[calwesttropical]

on 11/6/2009 Great article on orchid growing basics!

You can find everything you need to keep your orchid healthy at www.CalwestTropical.com or visit our eHow site for some great tips on orchid care!