AboutOrchids

With endless choices of brilliant colors and magic shapes, orchids have become Mother’s Day favorites. No need to worry if you don’t have a green thumb — most orchids don’t deserve their finicky reputations. With a few care basics, you can enjoy their tropical flowers for weeks or even months.

• Identify your orchid to learn its light, temperature, and water needs. You don’t need its exact name, just its orchid family. Phals, or Moth Orchids, are the most common types sold. Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Epidendrums, Oncidiums, and Paphs are also popular.
• If you cannot identify your orchid, use these basic care tips.
• When watering, soak roots and potting material thoroughly until water runs out of the holes in the pot. Let all excess water drain completely. Never allow the pot to sit in water for more than a few hours, or the roots may rot.
• Eventually you need to remove ribbons, wrapping paper, or decorative containers if they block water draining from the flower pot.
• All orchids need high humidity and good air movement. Dry, stagnant air can lead to wilting flowers and pests.
• As cut flowers, orchids don’t need any special care. Change the water every couple days to keep blooms fresh.
• Browse AboutOrchids for more growing tips, FAQ, and beautiful photos. Enjoying orchids has never been easier.

Explore posts in the same categories: Growing, Photos

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 12th, 2013 at 5:00 am and is filed under Growing, Photos.

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