Top 5 Tips For Growing Orchids for Dummies

With the popular belief that orchids are very hard to look after, most people that enjoy them for their stunning beauty and extraordinary elegance are scared to grow and look after their own. They will admire them from afar but are a bit wary to have their own collection. This growing orchid
for dummies article will let help you learn orchid's basics and hopefully stop you from fearing growing orchids of your own.

Growing Orchids For Dummies Tip #1

Start by choosing an orchid that is relatively easy to grow since you are a beginner. With over 20,000 species of orchids and not including the hybrids, it is safe to say that there is an orchid that you can look after. The Phalaenopsis variety is fairly easy to take care of. They are one of the most popular kinds in the orchid family. Most people buy them for gift giving and most groceries and nurseries have them. They are suited to survive in the home environment and do not need many special requirements apart from the basics.

Before you purchase an orchid, thoroughly check out the plant first to ensure you have a healthy orchid. You do not want to buy something that is sick because if the plant dies, you will think it is your fault and be discouraged to try again and look after another one. Select an orchid with unblemished and light green leaves and that the plant is securely in place in its pot.

Growing Orchids For Dummies Tip #2

Orchids do not grow in regular soil. In the rainforests where most orchids originate from, they attach themselves on the trees and rocks so that they can grow without restrains and that their roots are able to breath. It is an orchid 101 basic that you plant your orchids in potting mixes such as tree back, charcoal, moss and wood chips for a healthy plant. Find out from the original orchid grower the best suitable potting mix for the type of orchid you purchased.

Growing Orchids For Dummies Tip #3

Orchids love light. It is one of their basic requirements in able to grow into healthy and beautiful orchids. The best light for orchids is sunlight during the morning. Be sure to place your orchids where this is possible. Do not let your orchids receive direct midday sunlight as the ray during this time is very harsh on them. It will singe the leaves and eventually lead to your orchid's death.

If you opt for artificial light as a substitute for sunlight, make sure to place them 2 feet above your orchid. To check if your orchid is getting the right amount of light it needs, look at the color of the leaves. Light green color means your orchid is healthy, too dark of a color means not enough and yellowish to brown means that the light you provide is too much.

Growing Orchids For Dummies Tip #4

Too much water will make your orchid suffer and eventually lead to its early death. Orchids need to be watered only once or every 5 days depending on the variety. Before watering your orchid, check the pot to see if it is dry. You can test by sticking a pencil inside the pot and if the pencil is moist then there is no need to water the plant.

Growing Orchids For Dummies Tip #5
Orchids are surprising tough plants. They can stand withstand moderate variations of temperatures. The most suitable temperature however for orchids are those in the range of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. With this temperature, your orchid is ensured to flower during blooming season.

This growing orchid for dummies article will set you up with the basic knowledge on how to take care of your orchids. Find out as much as you can about the special requirements of your orchid to develop your beginner skills to expert orchid grower quickly.

For more valuable orchids information, please visit Orchid Growing Secrets where you will find great insights and many tips on orchid growing. Be sure to sign up for our Free Orchid Growing Mini-Course.



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