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| Helpful Hints for Orchid Growers | |
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| Orchids are like any other houseplant
when it comes to care. They thrive when five basic needs are met: food,
water, light, temperature, and humidity. |
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1
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The best way to feed your new orchid is with regular, balanced (e.g. 12-12-12) liquid (it dissolves better in water) plant food. Feed it every other time you water, at ¼ the amount the instructions call for (unless it has specific instructions for orchids). We sell Peter's Cal-Mag and I use it in our greenhouses. |
| 2. | Water your orchid every 5(summer)-7(winter)
days. Have a schedule to prevent over/under watering but be flexible. If
it’s hot water more; if it’s cool, water less. When you do water it,
soak it thoroughly. What I do is soak in fertilized water
for 10-15 minutes and then drain well. Don’t ever let an orchid sit in water
for an extended period of time. The roots will rot and the plant will die.
If you have a clear pot, keep an eye on the condensation inside the pot.
When there is very little condensation, it is time to water your plant.
Remember if in doubt, wait a day to water. |
| 3. | Orchid plants in general only
like direct sunlight in the morning when it is not so intense. Like
humans, they can sunburn. The leaves will become discolored and
may die. Phalaenopsis thrive in an eastern window, a protected southern
window or an office with fluorescent lighting is perfect. Oncidiums like
more light, like a southern window with an eave. Others, like the Cattleya,
like even more light. If your plant doesn’t flower, it probably needs more
light. Ask me about what kind of light your orchid wants and I’ll suggest
a spot in your home or office. |
| 4. | In general, if you’re comfortable
your orchid is comfortable. 72-80 during the day and 58-65 at night
is fine. Don’t place your orchid near a heater vent or in an excessively
drafty spot. Orchids come from all types of climates and most will adjust
to moderate temperatures. If you have a specific spot you want to put an
orchid, ask me and I’ll make a suggestion. |
| 5. | Humidity is vital to an orchid
and usually lacking in homes and offices but that is easily fixed. Place
rocks, marbles, or wood chips in a plant tray or saucer that is one or two
sizes larger than your orchid pot. Fill the saucer with plain tap water
to a level that is just below the top of the material in the saucer and
then place the orchid on the saucer. This method allows water to evaporate
at a constant rate and create a humid “microclimate” for your plant without
letting the roots get soggy. |
| The reason most orchids are considered
hard to grow is people usually worry about them too much. The more you bother
it, the more unhappy it becomes. The best way to alleviate this is to treat
it like any other houseplant. A better option is to buy a whole bunch of
orchids so you can spread the love around! If you have any questions about your plant after you get it home call me (707-840-0223) or e-mail me orchidpeople@suddenlink.net and I will try to answer any questions you have. Two other great resources are the American Orchid Society and the Humboldt Orchid Society. The HOS meets at the Adorni Center on the fourth (not the last!) Monday of each month at 6:30PM. It’s a great group of people who are more than happy to share their knowledge. If you sign up for HOS ($15.00 a year), I’ll take 10%(up to $15.00) off your first purchase. HOS members always get 10% off at the nursery. |
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| Enjoy! | |