Care of Orchids?

Question

I have a potted orchid inside the house. I've never had one before, and I'm pritty nieve about the whole thing, but it's stem is starting to turn yellow, obviously dieing. I don't know if the stem is supposed to do this and then grow another stem next spring, or if my orchid is dieing. Please someone help me. It was a gift, and very precious to me. Thank You.

Answer 1

Those websites will give you lots of info but I have found that pretty much you can take good care of an orchid by keeping it out of direct sunlight, just a bright indirect window light is good. Feed once weekly with a weak, diluted orchid fertilizer. Don't try an all-purpose fertilizer, go for the orchid fertilizer and very, very weak in the water you provide them. Also, Don't water more than once a week. When you water it, submerge the pot in the fertilizer water (I do mine inside a deep round tupperware) so that it comes almost to the top rim. Soak like that 5 minutes, then lift and let drain before you put it back but only do this once a week. I was killing my orchids until I found out I was over-watering.

Answer 2

Here are a few places you can look ....

http://www.beautifulorchids.com/orchids/orchid_care_tips/orchid_introduction/orchid_care_tips.html

I have always heard that orchids do better outdoors, but this would depend on where you live. If you are in Florida for example, the humid air along with shade and a breeze are a lovely place for your plant.

http://www.orchidcare.com/

http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/kobayashik/Orchids.html

Answer 3

Orchid are from tropical climates, so they need lots of humidity (moisture in the air). Put it in a room with a humidifier, or place a large shallow bowl of water in the room (will evaporate). You should also mist it with a water bottle and make sure the soil is always damp. I like to keep mine in the bathroom, so it gets the steam from hot showers.

Answer 4

I love them too. It is much easier in the tropics. The following sites are quite useful:

http://www.orchidforums.net/

http://www.orchid.org.uk/

http://orchidlady.com/