Does anyone know anything about taking care of Orchids?

Question

I got one as a gift today, and it had no instruction about how to take care of it...and I don't have a clue...I have alot of violets...but I really think this is alot different as far as care goes.

Answer 1

Always water early in the day so that your orchids dry out by nighttime. The proper frequency of watering will depend on the climatic conditions where you live. In general, water once a week during the winter and twice a week when the weather turns warm and dry. The size of your orchid container also helps determine how often you need to water, regardless of climate conditions. Typically, a 6-inch pot needs water every 7 days and a 4-inch pot needs water every 5 to 6 days.

The type of potting medium being used can also affect your plant's water requirements. Bark has a tendency to dry out more rapidly than sphagnum moss, for instance. It is important to remember, however, that even when the surface of your pot is dry, the root area may remain moist. Poke your finger or a regular wooden pencil an inch into the pot; if it feels moist to the touch or if the pencil looks moist, do not add additional water. The potting medium should always be damp, but not soggy—neither should it be allowed to get extremely dry.

The quality of water used, whether for spraying or watering, is of great importance. Since tap water has often been chemically treated, generally with chlorine, it should be used with caution. The best water for orchids is undoubtedly rainwater. Rainwater, as it passes through the air, dissolves and absorbs many substances such as dust, pollen and other organic matter. This enriched rainwater contributes to the nourishment of the plant.

The temperature of the water is also important. If the water temperature and the surrounding air temperature are equal, no harm will result, and slight differences either way can be tolerated by healthy plants. Fatal or long-term damage, not easily discernible at first, can result from using water that is too cold.

Light is a key factor in growing healthy orchids. Direct sunlight may cause plants to burn, and too little light will prevent plants from flowering. An ideal location is behind curtains or window blinds. Leaf color is a good indicator of the amount of light a plant is receiving. Orchids should have bright green, healthy leaves. Dark green leaves indicate that a plant is getting insufficient light, and yellowish-green or red leaves indicate that a plant is getting too much light. If you suspect a plant is exposed to too much light, feel the leaves. If they feel noticeably warmer than the surrounding air, move the plant to a location with less intense brightness.

Answer 2

This is what I do to care for my Orchids, I have 32 and have'nt lost one yet. First,depending on what kind you have, use Orchid Potting Mix. There are two that most places have,Course and fine. Use course for the ones with fat roots, and fine for the ones with tiny, skinny roots. I don't think you need to worry about that right now,They usualy stay in one pot for about two years. About watering them, Different kinds of Orchids,like different watering habits.Some like to stay moist, some need to dry out in between. Some kinds need fertalizers more often than others too. And some can't have any when their asleep,which brings up the fact that some need to have at least 8 to 12 Hrs. of darkness every night and even a nightlite can disturb them. But I don't want to scare you, so do what I did. I told all of them that they are going to be watered at the same time,get the same food, and if they didn't like it they could just die! So, I water once a week in the winter,twice to three times during summer. I always water with warm water(warm to your touch) and add a quarter spoon of the recomended food dosage to it. Say you need to feed a spoon every four weeks, I feed a quarter spoon every time. I can't remember when the four weeks is up! I also set them in the sink,and fill the water up to the brim of the pot. They soak that way for 15-20 mins.They also need humidity,so I bought an inexpencive humidifier and set it in the window.You can fill a shallow container with rock,,and water than set the pot on that.But don't let the pot set in the water. You also need a fan to keep them healthy ,as they need air circulation. Mine is in a east facing bay window, and if it gets to hot, I have lace sheers curtains to pull closed. With the fan and humidifier,I haven't had to close them yet. I've had mine about five or six years now and they always bloom for me. When your flowers die,don't cut off the stick! Cut it just above where the first flower bloomed,and it will regrow more off the same stick. You probebley have a Phalaenpsis! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do mine. I forgot ,some had babys, so now I have 39! Bye

Answer 3

Give them indirect sunlight. Do not plant it....they like orchid bark. Water them once every week. Simply pour water over it and let it drain. Once every 4th week, mix in orchid fertilizer with the water. Pour over the orchid and let drain. Repeat.
They really are easy.

Answer 4

I actually have a pair orchid flora...i grow to discover ways to place an ice cube in the pot while it desires water. this is nonetheless residing... the quantity of solar is confusing to inform. i grow to learn while the leaves get great dark it desires solar yet while they turn an fairly gentle green they want much less solar. i don't understand how real this is. I even have mine sitting in my lounge it has average solar.