AboutOrchids

If valentine romance is turning into worry over your new orchid, take heart. With a few care basics, orchids are as easy as common houseplants. Check out these tips, and then you can turn your thoughts back to your valentine.

• All orchids need high humidity. Dry air can lead to wilting flowers, drying leaves, and pests.
• You’ll eventually have to remove ribbons, wrapping paper, or decorative containers if they block the holes in the bottom of the flower pot. Orchids need good air flow and water drainage around their roots. They’ll quickly rot if left sitting in water.
• It will help to identify your orchid so you can learn specific light, temperature, and water needs. You don’t need to figure out its exact name, only the family of orchids where it belongs.
• Phals, or Moth Orchids, are the most common varieties sold. If the shape of your flowers look like the first photo below, then that’s probably what you have. Other common varieties include Cattleyas and Oncidiums.
• If you can’t identify your orchid, use these basic care tips.
• Established orchid growers should continue to maintain winter dormancy, keep up humidity, and watch for pests. When new roots or leaves start to appear, check to see if it’s time to repot.

Explore posts in the same categories: Growing, Photos

This entry was posted on Monday, February 14th, 2011 at 8:42 am and is filed under Growing, Photos.

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