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ORCHID
TIPS
(The following tips
are
very
general. As it has been
pointed out, there is
constantly new research
being developed as to
what is best for your
Orchids. You must choose
Orchids for your geographical
area and study what
they need and want!)
LIGHT
Light is one of the
key factors in successful
orchid growing. Leaves
are burned if the plants
receive too much light,
not enough light or
light at the wrong time
- will keep the plants
from flowering. Follow
these tips to make sure
your plants are getting
the right light that
they need to grow and
to produce those showy
blooms.
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To make sure your plants grow evenly;
regularly turn them. But if your plants
are in bud, don't turn them. The flowers
may twist all different directions to
face the sun.
• Plants that are not receiving enough
light, gradually move them into stronger
light. Only increase light intensity
by 100 to 200 foot candles at a time
if you are using a light meter.
• If your plants are in bloom, move
them away from full sun. Very bright
sunlight can make the blooms fade and
discolor.
• Know your plants. Some orchid plants
will not flower without uninterrupted
darkness at night.
TEMPERATURE
No Matter where you grow your orchids,
temperatures can vary considerably.
• Orchids that have lower temperature
needs, place them near the floor, and
on shelves above them, you can place
the orchids that require higher temperatures.
Those plants that are at the highest
will most likely receive the highest
temperatures.
• Use curtains to mimic climates of
warmer during day hours and cooler during
night hours.
• Don't ever let your plants touch the
windows in cold weather or hot weather.
It will damage your leaves.
• Use fans to circulate warm and cool
air and to circulate air around your
plants. Don't let cold or hot drafts
blow on your plants.
HUMIDITY
Orchid plants like to have the moisture
in the air around them maintained. Create
evaporation trays so your orchids can
set on top of them.
• The pebbles or rocks that you use
should be washed every 2-4 months in
a weak bleach solution to remove any
salts and algae that might have collected.
DO NOT add the bleach to the water in
your trays when they are in use.
• Use a suction tube to remove any excess
water out of the trays after you have
watered your plants.
• Mist your plants. They love it. It
mimics the steamy air in there natural
habitat. Only mist your plants if they
have time to dry off BEFORE nightfall.
• Make sure your plants are evenly spaced
apart so their air circulation is not
restricted.
WATER
Your watering habits can make or break
your orchid plant.
• So excess water will evaporate, water
your plants in the morning.
• Orchid plants in small pots or clay
pots are going to need to be watered
more often than those plants that are
in plastic pots or larger pots.
• Pseudo bulbs can be a real indicator
whether a plant needs water or not.
If the pseudo bulbs are shriveled you
plant needs water. If they are nice
and plump, then most likely your plant
is receiving the right amount of water.
• Plants just recently repotted need
to be watered more often than those
that have been in their potting medium
for a while. The air space in older
potting medium shrinks, thus making
it retain more water. At watering time,
separate the plants in aged potting
mediums from those that have been recently
repotted.
FERTILIZER
Fertilizing your plants must be done
with care.
• Over-fertilizing your orchid plants
can cause the tips of the leaves to
become dry and blackened. If this happens,
cut off the burned tips with sterilized
scissors and flush water through the
potting medium to rid it of the fertilizer.
If the symptoms are severe, you may
need to repot the plant regardless the
time of year.
• Only when your plant is in "active"
growth should you fertilize your plant.
• Never guess at your fertilizer amount,
always use a measuring device to use
the proper amount.
• If your plants have damaged roots
or is suffering from lack of water,
don't fertilize them. Water them with
regular water until they have recovered.
• Fertilizers contain salts that can
damage your plants. Water your plants
immediately before you fertilize them.
This prevents damage. Don't try to force
fertilizer to your plants. Over-fertilization
actually stunts their growth.
BUYING
ORCHIDS
Plant maturity are how orchids are priced,
which is often measured by the size
of the pot in which the plant is growing.
When buying your first orchid, select
a well-grown healthy plant. This is
determined by making sure (1) pseudo
bulbs are firm and plump, (2) leaves
are green and firm, (3) roots are firm
and healthy. If you buy a seedling plant,
the wait for a bloom can be too long,
with a much greater chance of things
going wrong. Mature plants are stronger,
more established, and less sensitive
to environmental change and grower goofs.
Beware of bargains and sickly plants
due to disease and dehydration. Your
learn from experience as your orchid
grows. Do not give up! If necessary
spend a little extra for a desirable
plant. One perhaps that is in bud or
bloom - giving you instant happiness.
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Determining plant health
is important to all
orchid growers. Healthy
plants have medium-green
leaves and pseudo bulbs,
showing no signs of
shriveling or wrinkling
or new growths, with
vigorously roots, preferably
white with green tips,
some of which may stick
out of the pot the plant
is growing in. Orchid
plants frequently have
some dead or dying roots,
but the majority should
be strong live ones.
If not, reject the plant.
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