How To Grow Orchids

Orchids generally grow slow as compared to houseplants. Most of the orchids are required to be repotted about once every two years. In order to pot an orchid, the pot is filled with about two-thirds orchid potting medium and then the plant is set in the pot with its roots spread out properly. The growing tip of the orchid is either centered (monopodials) or placed two fingers away from the pot rim (sympodial). Then the additional media is packed very tightly around the orchid plant to hold it in place. You should be able to turn the pot upside down carefully without the orchid or medium falling out. More and more practice of growing orchids will insure successful repotting.

The various factors which are required to grow orchids are:

Light:
The ideal place in the home for growing orchids is a place which has a bright window, free from drafts, where your plants can receive indirect sunlight both in the morning and in the afternoon. (A south window is recommended for the best result.)During winters, always give orchids all the light possible. The light intensity for growing orchid should be between 1500 and 2000 foot candles the equivalent to a bright south-facing window. With the provision of an extra large windows or especially intense sunlight, the light may be adjusted downward by moving orchid plants 18 to 36 inches away from the window. Many orchids can also be grown in a greenhouse or outdoors.

Artificial Light:
If you neither have a greenhouse nor the proper windowsill conditions, then the fluorescent lighting provides a very good result. You can also grow and flower many types of orchids in the darkest basement or the shadiest apartment with the addition of just one shop light.

Humidity:
The evaporation of water from the pebbles provides humidity to the plant. The pebbles also make the growing area more attractive, with the assurance of a good drainage system. One should always moist the plants with distilled water as the tap water can lead to salt deposits on the leaves.

Watering:
Watering is the most important factor for growing any plant. When you grow the plants in the pots suspended in the air, they will generally dry out more rapidly than in the bench grown plants and will need watering more frequently. Orchids which are potted in the bark requires more frequent watering as compared than those in most other potting media. Orchids can be grouped into three categories as per their moisture requirements.

Fertilization:
While fertilizing the plants growing in osmunda, bark or peat/bark mixes, always use a complete liquid fertilizer with a 20-20-20 analysis, or a 30-10-10 orchid-special fertilizer. Always apply the fertilizer in place of a normal water application.

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