Caring For Orchids

Tips on Caring For Orchids

There is a long standing myth that it is impossible to grow orchids indoors. Many people believe that only an expert gardener with a greenhouse can successfully grow orchids. Like many other myths, this one is not true. It is true that, because of their unique growing conditions, Caring For Orchids can be difficult. This difficulty does not make it impossible to grow orchids. As long as you know the basics about Caring For Orchids, you can grow orchids inside your home.

Caring For Orchids indoors is difficult because they are normally found growing in the wild. Just as you can train a dog or tame a horse, you can grow orchids indoors. The easiest type of orchid to grow indoors is the epiphyte. This kind of orchid is found in the jungle growing on the tree bark. To grow an epiphyte indoors you will need to plant it in tree bark or some other loosely packed substance. Do not plant the orchid in soil; this is a sure way to kill it.

Another part of caring for orchids is making sure they are getting enough water. Because they are accustomed to absorbing water through their roots from the air, orchids do not like to be in standing water. This is one of the reasons that orchids are planted in tree bark instead of soil. You can tell if the orchid is getting the right amount of water by looking at the leaves. If the leaves are dry and crinkled, the orchid needs more water. If the leaves are droopy or soggy, the orchid is getting too much water.

The third element of caring for orchids is the amount of light it receives. The color of the leaves will indicate how much light the plant is getting. Unlike other plants, dark green leaves means the orchid is not getting enough light. Yellow leaves signify it is getting too much light. Leaves that are the color of grass show the plant is getting the perfect amount of light. Light conditions must be perfect in order for the orchid to bloom.