Orchids have a reputation for being fussy plants. In order to successfully cultivate them, you must meet their requirements for light, temperature and humidity. But if you provide the proper environment, you'll be rewarded with fabulous blooms. Warm-temperature orchids require medium to strong light, which you can provide by placing them in a southern exposure during the winter and an east-facing window for the rest of the year. The temperature must be kept at 63 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 75 to 90 degrees during the day. Watering requirements for orchids are very specific. When plants are just approaching dryness, water very heavily from the top of the container, and make sure to water all the way around. It's best to water in the morning so foliage has time to dry during the day. Apply water until it flows freely from all drainage holes. Orchids are best grown not in soil but in a bark mix formulated especially for them, available at garden centers. Humidity trays are essential for the proper cultivation of orchids, which grow naturally in rain forests and jungles, where humidity is high. Fill the plants' saucers with gravel, or place pots on a gravel-filled tray. Water the gravel to supply humidity to plants, but don't permit pots to sit in standing water. If you want to grow orchids, it's important to research each plant's growing requirements. If you can meet them, you'll be rewarded with beautiful blossoms that last for months.
RESOURCES :
American Orchid Society
Orchid Species Culture
Orchids Simplified: An Indoor Gardening Guide
Model: 0395913276
Author: Henry Jaworski
1997
Chapters Publishing Ltd.
Phone: 617-351-3855
E-mail: chapterj@together.net
Taylor's Guide to Orchids
Model: 0395677262
Author: Judy White
1996
Houghton Mifflin Co.
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-351-5000
Email: tradecustomerservice@hmco.com
100 Orchids for the American Gardener
Model: 0761110712
Author: Elvin and Steven McDonald
(August, 1998)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Workman Publishing Co. Inc.
New York, NY 10003-9555
Phone: 212-254-5900
Fax: 212-254-8098
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