How to Care for Pink Orchid Plants
Orchids of all colors and shapes require similar care. Orchids are epiphytes: In their native habitat, they grow high in trees. Orchids aren't grown in soil but in a potting medium that simply supports their roots and allows them to stand. Because of this they require regular fertilization to provide the nutrients the potting medium lacks. They also require bright light, correct watering and good air circulation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select the variety of pink orchid you'd like to have based on its light requirements. According to Kent Kobayashi at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, improper light is one of the top reasons that orchids fail to flower.
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Place the potted orchid on a shallow tray of pebbles filled with water. This will supply additional humidity.
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Place the pebble tray near a sunny window. Placing it in the window could lead to problems, as windows tend to heat up and cool down dramatically. According to Kobayashi, a healthy orchid has light to medium green leaves and any new leaves have a soft sheen to them. Few flowers and dark green leaves indicate inadequate light, while yellow leaves indicate too much.
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Ensure that the temperature stays around 65 to 75 degrees. Orchids will do well in the average home because the average home remains at this temperature. Keep the orchid away from drafty areas.
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Use a fan near the orchids to ensure good air circulation.
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Mist the orchids in the morning to ensure the right level of humidity. Misting in the morning will give the foliage time to dry out during the day.
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Water the orchid more frequently when it's flowering. In general, the potting medium should be allowed to dry out somewhat between waterings and each watering should result in water coming out the bottom of the pot. Discard this water to help the plant leach salts from the growing medium.
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Fertilize your pink orchid once or twice a month. Select a fertilizer based in the type of potting medium. Orchids potted in bark need a higher nitrogen content, such as a 30-10-10, while orchids in most other types of media will do well with an 18-18-18, according to Kobayashi. If you choose to use a water-soluble fertilizer, you can fertilize about once a week, according to that particular fertilizer's instructions. Don't worry if you miss a week or a month of fertilizer --- the orchid will survive.
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References
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