What makes the orchid one of the most popular plants today? Is it because of their beauty? Their fragrance? The many varieties? The vast amount of orchid information? All of the above.
Orchids, always elegant and in style, at one time were reserved only for the rich.
Today, because of the many varieties, everyone can enjoy the beauty of these flowers.
Seen as a sign of love, orchids are considered to be one of the most stunning and elegant plants known to man.
Their fragrances are much sought after, studied extensively by perfume makers.
They also provide us with other uses including giving us vanilla, a flavoring used in popular cooking.
Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to grow and cultivate.
They require no more work than any other house or garden plant.
With a little knowledge and tender loving care, orchids can be quite easy to maintain and keep alive.
The Phalaenopsis Phalaenopsis, a type of orchid know n as the "moth orchid" is the most popular and easiest to find.
It is because of this the Phalaenopsis is recommended for beginners.
It adapts well to the environment of a home or office.
It is most easily recognized by people as an orchid and also the least expensive.
It requires watering at least once per week, and temperatures between 50-75 degrees.
Cattleya is an indoor orchid and comes in a wide variety of colors.
A fragrant plant, the Cattleya also requires watering once per week and temperatures around 50-70 degrees.
Soil Type It is very important to use the correct type of soil for the orchid.
Depending on the orchid, whether it is terrestrial or epiphytic-tree dwelling the potting medium is essential.
Generally, tree bark is used.
Others types of potting soil used are fir bark, coconut husk, sphagnum moss, and sometimes a mixture of two or three of these materials.
If you are not sure what to use for your orchid, speak with someone at the store where you purchased the orchid.
Direct Light vs.
Artificial Light Lighting is a key factor in growing healthy orchids.
However, too much sunlight can cause the leaves to burn, and too little sunlight keeps the plants from flowering.
Lack of proper light is a major reason orchids do not bloom.
Orchids need a certain amount of light duration.
Orchids generally require 12-14 hours of light during winter and about 16 hours of light in the summer.
Some orchids can grow well under artificial lights.
Other orchids demand more natural light.
If you must use artificial light, keep them on for 14 to 16 hours per day.
Provide just as much artificial light as you would provide daylight, or about equal hours.
Do not extend beyond 16 hours.
This could prevent the orchid from blooming.
Darkness is as important to the orchid as the light.
Orchids, always elegant and in style, at one time were reserved only for the rich.
Today, because of the many varieties, everyone can enjoy the beauty of these flowers.
Seen as a sign of love, orchids are considered to be one of the most stunning and elegant plants known to man.
Their fragrances are much sought after, studied extensively by perfume makers.
They also provide us with other uses including giving us vanilla, a flavoring used in popular cooking.
Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to grow and cultivate.
They require no more work than any other house or garden plant.
With a little knowledge and tender loving care, orchids can be quite easy to maintain and keep alive.
The Phalaenopsis Phalaenopsis, a type of orchid know n as the "moth orchid" is the most popular and easiest to find.
It is because of this the Phalaenopsis is recommended for beginners.
It adapts well to the environment of a home or office.
It is most easily recognized by people as an orchid and also the least expensive.
It requires watering at least once per week, and temperatures between 50-75 degrees.
Cattleya is an indoor orchid and comes in a wide variety of colors.
A fragrant plant, the Cattleya also requires watering once per week and temperatures around 50-70 degrees.
Soil Type It is very important to use the correct type of soil for the orchid.
Depending on the orchid, whether it is terrestrial or epiphytic-tree dwelling the potting medium is essential.
Generally, tree bark is used.
Others types of potting soil used are fir bark, coconut husk, sphagnum moss, and sometimes a mixture of two or three of these materials.
If you are not sure what to use for your orchid, speak with someone at the store where you purchased the orchid.
Direct Light vs.
Artificial Light Lighting is a key factor in growing healthy orchids.
However, too much sunlight can cause the leaves to burn, and too little sunlight keeps the plants from flowering.
Lack of proper light is a major reason orchids do not bloom.
Orchids need a certain amount of light duration.
Orchids generally require 12-14 hours of light during winter and about 16 hours of light in the summer.
Some orchids can grow well under artificial lights.
Other orchids demand more natural light.
If you must use artificial light, keep them on for 14 to 16 hours per day.
Provide just as much artificial light as you would provide daylight, or about equal hours.
Do not extend beyond 16 hours.
This could prevent the orchid from blooming.
Darkness is as important to the orchid as the light.