About two or three weeks ago, someone sent an orchid to the manager in the office I work at and he decided to put it up front with me (I'm the receptionist). It's still alive and healthy so I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the care an orchid requires and how long it's expected to live.
2007-01-31 03:47:21 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
It is a myth that orchids are always hard to care for, or that they are best left to the experts. Many varieties are very easy to take care of and make great houseplants, provided they are not neglected.
Yours is probably a very-easy-to-care-for "Cattleya", "Dendrobium", or "Phalaenopsis". These are very adaptable, and forgiving plants, and are often encountered as gift items.
The exact growth requirements depend on the variety. For the afore mentioned groups, they typically do not appreciate overwatering, and like well drained soil. They should be allowed to mostly dry between waterings, once every three days or so, except during the growth season from Jan.-May, when a little more moisture is needed. They like bright light but not full sunlight, a partially shaded south facing window is very good. If none is available, you can get a sun lamp or plant lamp and bulb rated for "partial sunlight" etc. Be careful not to get the lamp too close as they may have a tendancy to "cook" the plant.
Orchids also typically appreciate moderate humidity. If you live in a dry area, you can put the plant on top of a medium sized tray filled with moist gravel. This will provide humidity, and will also absorb any excess from waterings. Be sure to keep the gravel moist if you do this. You can also get a humidifier.
Orchids are usually planted in shredded bark or peat moss, so they need occasional fertilizer. Use a water soluble type, such as "Miracle Grow", which is just added to the usual water about every three weeks. Use a "10-10-10" blend, fertilizer can be found at any garden supply store, or at a local plant nursery. Be sure to ask for some advice at the store before you buy some. Also be sure to carefully follow the mixing directions on the fertilizer box, as too much fertilizer can damage or kill the plant.
Do these things, and have a little patience, and your orchid will most likely reward you with some new leaves, and hopefully, a new flower spike next year. Well attended orchids can live 15-20 years or more, and will bloom every year.
2007-01-31 04:52:56 · answer #1 · answered by WOMBAT, Manliness Expert 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Orchids aren't tricky to keep alive and healthy they are just tough to get to re-bloom. Orchids like bright light (avoid hot sun) and medium watering. This means once every 7-10 days (depending on the pot type, size, and drainage) you should water it in the sink. Soak the plant well and then leave it in the sink to drain for a bit. I don't like to fertilize my orchids while they are blooming but I do once a month when they are not. Orchids can bloom for 2 - 8 months so if you can't get it to re-bloom, don't feel bad think of it as very long living cut flowers with an elegant feel. Good luck.
2007-01-31 12:36:02 · answer #2 · answered by Kate 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have had an orchid going for 5 years. Make sure it is potted in plenty of bark--you might elevate the pot over a dish of gravel. Make sure it gets plenty of sun. Water at least 2 time a week--take it in the restroom, put it in the sink under the faucet and water thoroughly. Let it drain--if a little water still drips onto the gravel in the underneath dish, that is fine as it will add some humidity. Every few months, use some orchid fertilizer also. Good Luck.
2007-01-31 11:56:34 · answer #3 · answered by dbrcymry 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
orchids require moderate light, and 1-2 ounces of water per week, do not over water or let the orchid sit in water because the leaves will brown and fall off. orchids should live as long as you take care of them.
2007-01-31 11:50:41 · answer #4 · answered by MADLYNN 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been growing the same orchid since 2004 when my wife died. All I did was transplant it, put a vitiman b-12 in it, and just sit it in my window sill. 3 years later, it still produces a flower every year, and this year, I actually have 2 buds.
2007-01-31 11:53:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the plant is in a see through pot you must not cover in in anything as this is to allow light to get to the roots..
2007-01-31 11:54:21 · answer #6 · answered by Bella 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋