Orchids add exotic flair to any indoor space.Due to the native conditions orchids grow in, you may need to take a few extra measures to ensure that your plant thrives.The air around your indoor orchid needs to be warm and humid at all times.
Step 1: Pick the right kind of orchid.
There are lots of different types of orchids, which makes choosing one dependent on the environment you can offer them.The temperature of your house, the amount of light you get, and how much attention you give will determine which orchid is best for you.One of the easiest orchids to grow indoors is the Phalaenopsis orchids.Orchids grow best in medium-grain bark mix, warm temperatures, and low to medium light.They are good for first-timers.You should go for slipper orchids if you tend to over-water your orchids.If you tend to ignore your orchids Cattleya, Oncidium, or Dendrobium are the best choices.If you don't get a lot of light in your house, then the Jewel orchids are the best choice.For those with a small windowsill, mini-cattleyas are the best choice.
Step 2: Pick the right pot.
The terracotta pot is the most basic pot.There are many different types to choose from.If you tend to let your orchids dry out, use a plastic pot and a fine potting mix.You can keep an eye on the orchid's root growth with clear plastic pots.If you don't have a lot of time, these can be good.If you over-water, Pots with a net basket insert or bi-level drainage are good for drainage and air circulation.The baskets are usually made of rot-resistant wood.If you use a basket, you'll need to line it with sheet moss and put it in your potting mix.
Step 3: Use the correct mix.
Orchid mixes don't have potting soil because the roots of orchids need more airspace.fir bark, coconut husk, sphagnum moss, tree fern fibers and perlite are some of the materials in the mix.slipper orchids, most oncidiums, miltonias are small and need to stay on the damp side, so a fine mix is best for them.A fine mix of fir bark, coco husk chips, perlite, and Aliflor can be made.If you don't know which mix to use, the medium mix is a good choice.It is good for mature orchids.It can be made out of four parts fir bark, coco husk chunks, charcoal, and Aliflor.If you don't want to make your own, you can find good orchid potting mixes at most home improvement and garden shops.There are lots of mixes that cater to a wide range of orchid types.
Step 4: The right light source can be found.
Depending on the type of orchid, they need full on light or a combination of both.Pick a window that faces south or west.The plant should get six hours of sunlight a day.Do you know if your orchid needs more or less light?That will tell you if you use sheer curtains or no curtains.Contribute to the natural light by using fluorescent lights.Gardeners have found that normal fluorescent lights can do the trick.On cloudy days or if you place your orchid near a window that only lets minimal sunlight through, the light that comes in through your window may not be consistent.If you invest in a couple of 20 watt fluorescent tubes or similar lighting, you can experience more ideal conditions.
Step 5: The temperature should be maintained.
Find out if your orchid is a "warm growing" orchid.The temperatures fall into a slightly different range for the two types.Vanda, phalaenopsis, and oncidium are warm growing orchids.Cool growing orchids include phragmipedium, miltonia, and cymbidium.Drop the temperature by 15 F at night.Orchids grow in places that experience a similar drop in nighttime temperature.Dropping the temperature dramatically in your home, at least in the room where your orchid grows, will encourage it to flower and thrive.Orchids can be kept warm at a temperature between 75 to 85 F.The temperature can fall between 65 and 75 degrees at night.Orchids can be kept cool at a temperature between 65 and 80 degrees.The temperature can be as low as 50 to 65 degrees at night.
Step 6: Good air circulation is maintained.
It's important during warm weather.On hot days, open the windows or place a small fan nearby.The orchid's growth will be hampered by stagnant air.
Step 7: It's a good idea to water your orchid properly.
There are different amounts of watering required for each type of orchid.Depending on the time of year and temperature, it's best to water your orchid every 5 to 12 days.You may need to water your orchid more frequently if you are going through a heat spell.The roots need to remain moist throughout the entire year, but the plant won't need as much water during cooler months when growth is naturally reduced, as it does during vibrant warm months.Some orchids need to be moist at all times.Cattleya, Oncidium, Brassia, and Dendrobium are orchids that are nearly dry between waterings.You need to let the orchids dry out between waterings.They include Phalaenopsis, Vanda, and Ascocenda.If you're unsure, follow the instructions that came with your orchid or look up the watering needs for your particular orchid online.
Step 8: Fertilize once a month.
This is only a general guideline, because it really depends on the orchid type.It is best to fertilize the orchid weekly or bi-weekly when it is growing.You want to make sure that you water it without fertilization at least once a month so that the water can flush excess salts.If you want the best results, use a fertilizer for orchids.You can use any balanced potting pot.fertilize too frequently.You're going to overwhelm the plant and have a negative effect on its growth if you do this.Some orchids don't need much.Many orchids are happy to bloom year after year without any help.
Step 9: The stem should be trimmed to allow for new growth.
When all the flowers are gone, trim the orchid's stem to the lowest point.Cut across the board.New growth will be encouraged.You should be able to see new flowers if you keep watering weekly.Orchids only bloom once a year.
Step 10: Put your orchid in a pot.
If you want to know whether or not your orchid needs to be re-potted, you can check its growth.If the levels of light, temperature, and humidity are not sufficient, you may need to re-pot the orchid.When it's in bloom, don't repot.You won't be repotting into a bigger pot if you choose a pot size that is based on the root mass.Orchids will not yield as much foliage or flowers if their pots are too large.Transfer the orchid over to a new pot.The orchids that require annual repotting are: Dendrobium, Miltonia, Paphiopedilum and Phalaenopsis.Orchids that require repotting every other year are: Cattleya, Dendrobium, Oncidium, and their hybrid.Vanda and its allies are orchids that need repotting every third year.
Step 11: There is an orchid that won't bloom.
There are a number of reasons why an orchid won't bloom.The most common reason is that it doesn't have the right light level.You can see the color of the leaves.The leaves should be medium green.The plant is not getting enough light if it is dark and lush green.There are other things to consider if that isn't it.The orchid may be too young.Plants only bloom during their natural cycle if they are mature enough.It's possible that your orchid is overpotted.Orchids need to be tight in their pots for best results.The orchid is in danger of not growing or blooming if the pot is too big.The wrongfertilizer could be a problem.There could be too much nitrogen in the air.You want the NPK value to be 10:10:10.
Step 12: An orchid has limp leaves.
If you're dealing with limp leaves, you should unpot the orchid and check the root system.A significant root loss has occurred if the roots are squishy.This can be done by over watering.It is possible to water an orchid about once a week, depending on the type and only as long as they are healthy and potted properly.You should check the mix to make sure it is drying out.The pot is too large.This can cause problems with your orchid's roots because they are spending too much energy trying to maintain their root system rather than caring for leaves and new flowers.Potting mix has degraded.Potting mixes should only be used for a short time before they need to be replaced.Don't let yours go past its deadline.
Step 13: If you have pests, deal with them.
Even though pests are less likely in an indoor orchid, you can still get them in a potting mix.Make sure you know how to deal with nuisances so you can keep your orchid alive.If you see holes in bloom spikes and buds, you might have aphids.These little nuisances will be controlled by most pesticides.You should check the mixes that you're putting your orchid in to make sure it's safe.They chew on the roots or leaves.Again, it is possible to take care of this problem with the use of insecticides or a new potting mix.You probably have mealybugs if your leaves are getting discolored and white on your orchid.If you use an oil of some sort, it will coat and suffocate the bug.It's a good idea to repot the plant after you've eradicated the menace.If you want to make a home-made insecticide, you should mix a quart of warm water, a quarter of rubbing alcohol, and a small amount of lightweight oil.Make sure the cap is on when you shake these in a spray bottle.The orchids will be sprayed.