Since there are more than 20,000 kinds being grown in environmental conditions from the arctic plain to the tropical rain forest, the orchids most elegant are species from tropical climates. Orchids are normally classified by cool, moderate, and warm temperature needs, that are created on the plants night needs that are 45 to 50 degrees F, 55 to 65 degrees F and more than 65 degrees F in the order given.



The new gardner ought to look at starting with tried plants which should flower the first year. Plants from seed are not as expensive but may not bloom for at least five years. Natural assortments may be raised, but the hybrids are often more vigorous and not as difficult to satisfy its needs.

The availability of a light source is often a factor limiting the growth of orchids. Most orchids require relatively high intensity light and should be grown in an east or south window. Even so, a little amount will develop well beneath low intensity fluorescent lights.

Orchids change in their water requirements. Many tropical orchids are air plants, attached to trees, and will not do well if their roots stay damp. These air plants should to be raised in a very porous potting medium like rough cut fir bark, granular perlite or lava rock. Forms rooted in soil require a well-drained, more fine-grained growth medium.

How frequently you water depends on the type medium in which they are planted. Most orchids can't live through drawn-out drought and should be watered often. Many want a dry season of six to eight weeks in which watering is reduced but not stopped. The dry season must take place immediately after growth of the current year's growth and is often required to begin blooming.

Nutrients must be provided in lower concentrations when orchids are raised on neutral substances. Slight air circulation is a must for best growth.

Remember there are many reasons that may halt blooming orchids. Lack of light is the most common reason. If there is small amount of light, the foliage become a deep, rich green. If there is excess light the foliage turns yellow-green.

To obtain correct blooming, the leaves ought to have only a slight yellow color. Many orchids may not bloom if the night and day temperatures are the same. Extended warm temps are healthful for vegetative growth, but may not be the best for the blooms.

A ten to fifteen degree reduction in the night temp for two weeks in the autumn or spring is needed to begin bloom growth. Dry air may result in stopping flower sprouts to spread out and the dying of plants in extreme situations. Relative humidity of 60 % will relieve the problem.

They can be hit by most of the same pests and diseases as other houseplants. Insects like mealybugs and aphids can be controlled with the right organic insecticide. Satisfactory habits and purchasing prospering plants will reduce the likelihood of disease although many fungal and bacterial diseases may be controlled using organic fungicides and antibacterials.

These plants are not as hard to grow as most think. The best thing to do is just buy one and give it a try. The rewards of its beauty is well worth the effort.