Orchids add an 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 a lot 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 all affect which orchid is best for you.The easiest orchid to grow indoors is the Phalaenopsis orchids.Medium-grain bark mix, warm temperatures, and low to medium light are the best places to grow orchids.They are good for first-timers.You should go for the 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, the Jewel orchids are the best choice.For those with a small windowsill, mini-cattleyas are the best choice.
Step 2: The right pot should be chosen.
The terracotta pot is the most basic pot.There are many 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 mix.
Step 3: Use the correct mix.
Orchid mixes don't have potting soil because the roots of orchids need more airspace than dirt.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.The medium mix is good if you don't know which mix to use.It is good for mature orchids.It can be made out of four parts fir bark, coco husk chunks, charcoal, and Aliflor.You can find good orchid mixes at most home improvement and garden shops if you don't want to make your own.There are many 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.Choose a window that faces south or west.The plant needs at least six hours of sunlight a day.Do you know if your orchid needs more or less light?Whether you use sheer curtains or no curtains will be determined by that.Contribute to the natural light by using fluorescent lights.Gardeners have found that 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.
You can 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 breeds are warm growing orchids.Cool growing orchids include phragmipedium, miltonia, and cymbidium breeds.The temperature should be 15 F at night.Orchids grow in places that experience a drop in nighttime temperature.Dropping the temperature dramatically in your home, at least in the room where your orchid grows, will encourage the plant 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 grown 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 important.
It's important during warm weather.On hot days, open the windows or place a small fan nearby.The orchid's growth will be affected by stagnant air.
Step 7: It's a good idea to water your orchid properly.
The amount of watering for the type of orchid is slightly different.Depending on 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're 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.Orchids that need to be moist at all times are Paphiopedilum.The orchids that need to be moist during active growth are the ones that are nearly dry between waterings.You need to let the orchids dry out between waterings.Phalaenopsis, Vanda, and Ascocenda are included.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 afertilizer made for orchids.You can use any balanced pottingphosphate.fertilize too frequently.You're going to overwhelm the plant and have an adverse effect on its growth if you do this.Some orchids don't need anything.Many orchids are happy to bloom year after year without any help.
Step 9: The stem should be trimmed to allow for new growth.
If all the flowers have fallen off, trim the orchid's stem to the lowest point.Cut in half.New growth will be encouraged by this.You should be able to see new flowers if you keep watering.Some orchids only bloom once a year.
Step 10: Put your orchid in a pot.
If you want to know if 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 is in bloom, avoid repotting.You won't be repotting into a bigger pot if you choose a pot size based on the root mass.Orchids will not yield as much foliage or flowers if their pots are too large.Transfer the orchid from a previous pot to a new one.The orchids that need annual repotting are: Dendrobium, Miltonia, Paphiopedilum and Phalaenopsis.Orchids that need 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.The leaves have different colors.The leaves should be green.The plant is not getting enough light if it is dark and green.There are more things to consider if that isn't it.The orchid may be too young.Plants need to be mature enough to bloom, but only during their natural cycle.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 the problem.There could be too much nitrogen in the air.You want the NPK value to be 10:10:10.
Step 12: An orchid with limp leaves needs care.
If you're dealing with limp leaves, you should unpot the orchid and check the root system.There are several likely culprits if the roots are squishy.It 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.If the mix is drying out properly, you should re-water it.The pot is too big.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 deteriorated.Potting mixes are only good for a short time before they need to be replaced.Don't let yours go past its deadline.
Step 13: Don't deal with pests.
Even though pests are less likely in an indoor orchid, you can still get them in pots.If you know how to deal with nuisances, you can keep your orchid alive.If you see holes in bloom spikes and buds, you might have a bug.These little nuisances will be controlled by most insecticides.Make sure you check the mixes that you're putting your orchid in because snail and slugs can get into them.They chew on leaves and stems.Getting a new potting mix is usually enough to take care of this problem.You probably have mealybugs if your leaves are 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.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 shaking these in a spray bottle.The orchids can be sprayed.