How to take proper care of your orchids
If you ever want to send flowers that will impress the socks of any lucky recipient, then orchids are the way to go. They might look like extremely delicate flowers but, of all the different kinds of fresh cut flowers, orchids can actually outlast any other flowers. It is ultimately the sheer beauty and hardy nature of these flowers that justifies the higher price that any florist is likely to charge. In addition to their appeal as cut flowers, potted orchid plants also make an exceptional gift and will obviously last even longer than any cut flower. These plants will also normally fetch a really fair price when compared to another flower arrangement.
When choosing to buy any potted plant, it is essential that you know and understand that particular plant's needs. Each plant has its own set of preferences in terms of care and the kinds of conditions in which it will thrive. Orchids are certainly no exception and, if you give them as a gift, you should also include some care tips to help the recipient keep the plant happy. It is also important to remember that there are different types of orchids and they do require slightly different care from one another. Not all orchids can be treated exactly the same. Ask your florist, nursery worker or conduct your research online to find out more precise care instructions.
As you might already know, orchids are considered to be tropical plants. Many people assume that tropical plants require a lot of water when, in fact, they only need to be watered ever 5 to 12 days. The quantity of water needed also depends on the weather conditions and temperature inside. Warmer conditions will obviously require more frequent watering while cooler conditions mean that you can water less often.
You might also know that tropical regions where orchids tend to flourish are quite humid. In order to recreate this type of humid environment in your home, you can place your orchid on a humidity tray. You should also ensure that there's sufficient air movement in the room. If humidity levels are high but the air is not moving, the plant can start to rot.
As far as fertilizer is concerned, you should only use special orchid formulas. Each package of fertilizer should include clear and easy to follow instructions. You should always follow these instructions to the letter and you can fertilize once a month. Adding fertilizer will help the plants grow and produce impressive flowers. However, if you fertilize too often, you can actually cause the roots to burn so do take care.
Orchids are vulnerable to a number of pests including slugs, snails, aphids and Mealybugs. It is always a good idea to consult with a professional regarding the best types of pest repellents to use.
With most plants, you can judge their health by looking at their leaves. With orchids, the roots are a better indicator. Experts suggest that you plant your orchid in a small pot just big enough to fit the root system. Clear pots are ideal for monitoring the growth and health of the root system. You should also wait until it is absolutely necessary before transplanting your orchid into a slightly larger pot.