Orchids are popular among avid gardeners because of their breath-taking beauty. They have a long slender stalk that stretches out into an exquisite blossom consisting of three inner petals, three outer petals and a cupped petal that juts out from the center of the flower making it a truly extravagant species. The orchid has been a symbol of luxury, love and beauty for centuries. The delicate flower has a reputation for being hard to cultivate, but gardeners armed with a little knowledge can keep them alive easily.
Epiphytes, also known as air plants, are among some of the most popular types of orchids. They are often found growing on the surface of a rock or the side of a tree. The roots are completely exposed and they get the nutrients they need to survive when it rains. Orchids with air roots should be grown in pots filled with pebbles or tree bark. This type of orchid needs to be watered every 10 to 14 days in cooler climates and every three to five days in humid hot climates. This species of orchid stores the water it needs to survive in a bulb; therefore it doesn’t need to be watered as much as orchids from the Phalaenopsis family.
Popularly known as the ‚”moth orchid,” Phalaenopsis is a common orchid type that is recommended for beginning gardeners. These types of orchids are the most common types found at greenhouses or flower shops and are easily the most recognized orchid type. These plants are grown in potting mixes and generally respond to living in windows with a medium amount of light. The plant will respond to the amount of light it is given and gardeners can gauge the plant’s reaction by the way the leaves look. If the leaves start to have a yellowish tint the plant is getting too much light and those with leaves turning dark green in color aren’t getting enough light. Orchids in the Phalaenopsis family also need a decent amount of humidity in the environment which they live in. Gardeners can choose to use an air humidifier in their home or keep the orchids above a humidity tray. The potting mixture should never completely dry out and people caring for these types of orchids can simply put their finger in the soil to make sure that the potting mixture is damp to the touch.
Since most orchid species thrive in a humid environment misting is a good way to keep the plant happy. Those caring for orchids should mist the plant each morning using distilled water. Even though the plant likes a damp environment, they should never be kept soaking wet. Keeping orchids soaking wet throughout the day leaves the plant susceptible to bacterial and fungal diseases. Instead of misting the orchids, a good alternative is to set the plants on a tray filled with wet stones or gravel. The water from the tray will evaporate and give the plant the humidity it requires.
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