AboutOrchids

Orchids amaze and inspire, but they also intimidate many gardeners. As flowering houseplants, orchids share basic care needs with other plants, like light, water, and fertilizer. However, as air plants, orchid care differs in a few important ways.

• Watering – Some other plants can tolerate light waterings, but orchids need thorough soakings. Even dormant orchids and low water varieties like Cattleyas want enough water to flow out the bottoms of their pots. In addition, orchids should not sit in water. Pots left in water will not permit air flow to orchid roots. This can kill plants.
• Humidity – Unlike cacti and succulents, all orchids need moisture in the air. Dry air quickly wilts flowers, causes plants to decline, and attracts pests. Orchids need at least 50% humidity to thrive. Check these helpful tips to increase humidity.
• Potting – Most orchids don’t grow in soil since they need air movement around their roots. Shredded bark or moss allows water and air to move through. Popular orchids like Phals, Dendrobiums, and Odonts fall into this category. Exceptions include terrestrials like Cymbidiums and Chinese Ground Orchids, which can grow in regular potting soil.

Explore posts in the same categories: Growing, Photos, Watering

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 26th, 2012 at 5:45 am and is filed under Growing, Photos, Watering.

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