The best tips anyone can provide when it comes to growing orchids is to choose wisely the orchids you will be growing according to the environment they will live in once you purchase them. These beautiful flowers are not quite as delicate as you may have been led to believe. They do however have very specific environments in which they will flourish and thrive. Despite their seeming delicateness, orchids are one of the most versatile flowers you might come across.
Orchids are definitely not plants that you simply leave to the elements while many orchids do manage in nature without human intervention. The truth of the matter is that most orchids require a significant amount of care and tending. However, those who are truly passionate about their orchids are more than willing to take all the time they need in order to learn the best possible way in which to care for these beautiful blooms.
While there are a few things that are common to most orchid varieties, there is no one size fits all hard and fast rule for properly growing orchids. These plants are unique and exotic and each one will require a little something different when it comes to the best possible growing environment and conditions. Do a little research before you select the type of Orchid and choose one that will best suit your living conditions and the level of care you feel you can properly commit to your orchids.
Orchids like humidity and thrive in these sorts of conditions. Hot houses are a great place for orchids to thrive. One great way to keep them humid is by placing them on a saucer of pebbles that are kept moist as much of the time as possible. Contrary to popular opinion it is actually not a good idea to mist the orchid petals, as this will diminish the life of the bloom.
Peat moss, fir bark, volcanic rock, osmunda fiber, and charcoal are great for growing orchids but should be changed often for maximum effectiveness as a growing media. Orchid blooms are simply stunning and can last for quite some time if maintained properly. It is important when cutting the orchids once the bloom has fallen off that you cut at bottom of the leaves rather than the elbows. This keeps the blooms big and lovely.
Another good tip to keep in mind when growing orchids is that in addition to warmth and moisture, orchids love sunlight whenever they can get it. Different varieties of orchid prefer different types of sunlight and you should do a little research about the variety you choose in order to provide the best possible living and growing conditions for your floral investment. These plants are after all a significant investment not only in money but also in time and care.
The best tip when it comes to growing orchids is to take the time to learn about the specific variety you are planning to grow. There are more than 30,000 species of orchids not including all the hybrids that are available to you. Each species will have a few idiosyncrasies of its very own and you will need to learn the likes and dislikes of your chosen variety and cater to its every whim for some time in order to receive the maximum performance and beauty from your plant. When done correctly, it is well worth the time and effort to achieve great results!