| Yes, growing orchids for beginners is very | | | | Plhalaenopsis orchids like to almost dry out |
| easy. They are like any other house plants, | | | | between watering. To decide on the next |
| they need water, light, fertilizer and, oh | | | | watering is to stick your finger about an |
| yes, you should talk to them or even play | | | | inch into the medium which should feel spongy |
| some music. | | | | and not bone dry. |
| | | | |
| Get a complete Orchid Growing Guide with the | | | | Growing orchids like Paphiopedilum and |
| Purchase of any Orchid Plant. Here is what | | | | epidendrum should be slightly moist so that |
| you get with the course | | | | watering can be twice a week. |
| | | | |
| Check out our specials - Free Shipping - in | | | | Humidity |
| The Orchid Store | | | | |
| | | | If the humidity in your home is low (below |
| One of the long standing myths that I still | | | | 40%) you may need to either mist the plant |
| hear is that growing orchids as house plants | | | | occasionally or use a humidity tray. The tray |
| are difficult and finicky to grow. Well, | | | | is simply a metal or plastic tray that is |
| plain and simple, the answer is No. In fact, | | | | filled with pebbles and 1/2 of water. The |
| care for orchids as house plants are easy to | | | | plant would sit would sit on the pebbles. Be |
| grow and will continue to bloom for years. | | | | sure not to let the plant or roots sit in the |
| Some orchid plants have been around for | | | | water while on the tray. |
| centuries. | | | | |
| | | | The Right Lighting |
| Here are some highlights you can use as a | | | | |
| guide to growing orchids for beginners. | | | | Growing orchids for beginners requires the |
| | | | right light. It is the next most important |
| Watering | | | | element to growing orchid plants. As a |
| | | | general statement most orchid house plants do |
| One of the two top items in growing orchids | | | | well in medium light. This would in a window |
| for beginners is Water. The other is light. | | | | or an area that could get about 4 hours of |
| Orchid house plants and orchid plants in | | | | sun or bright light a day. Cattleya orchids |
| general will need watering periodically, | | | | do well in this light but can also do well in |
| usually you can water once a week. Remember, | | | | a sunlit area for up to six hours. Phals do |
| most orchids are air plants and this means | | | | well in indirect but bright light. |
| you will see their roots. Their root system, | | | | |
| especially the pseudpods, are very efficient | | | | What about temperature? |
| in storing water. | | | | |
| | | | Most orchids do well in normal house |
| Here is a watering guide you can use: | | | | temperature. The low temperature at night do |
| Cattleya, oncidium and dendrobium orchids | | | | not impede the growth. Here is a little guide |
| like to dry out between watering. An easy way | | | | you can use. Growing orchids for beginners |
| to water is to put the plant in the sink and | | | | should understand that there needs to be |
| let water flow through the plant for about | | | | fluctuation in temperatures in order for the |
| 20-30 seconds. Remember, let the water drain | | | | plants to bloom. For example, there should be |
| from the plant before putting it back into | | | | about 10 degree fluctuation for cattleyas |
| the decorative pot. | | | | between the day and night temps. |
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