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Orchids need a different manner of care than common houseplants because they are a completely different type of plant. Here is some valuable advice to follow when growing your own orchids:

Give Your Orchid The Correct Amount Of Light

Giving your orchid sufficient light is entirely vital if you expect your orchid to grow into the lovely plant that it was meant to be. When orchids are exposed to limited light, they produce less flowers, or none at all. When your orchid leaves turn a dark green, it's an indication that your orchid is getting deficient light. However, too much light will burn your orchid and will consequently harm it. If this is the case, the leaves will offer a clue. If the leaves turn a yellowish-green or red color, your orchid is getting too much light. The leaves of your orchid will display a bright green when the plant is exposed to the optimum amount of light.

For the best light, place a filter between the sunlight and your orchid. You can do this by placing your orchid on a windowsill that gets direct light and draping see-through curtains on the window to disperse the light somewhat. Feeling the leaves of your orchid is another good way to tell if the plant is getting adequate light. Offer more diffusion if the leaves feel warmer to the touch. If the leaves feel cooler than the surrounding air, you may have to move your orchid to another spot where it will get more sunlight.

Give Your Orchid the Correct Amount and Type of Fertilizer

Giving too much fertilizer to an orchid is uncharacteristic of how the specie acquires its nutrition in the wild. If an orchid is given too much fertilizer, the roots will burn and this will drastically affect its flowering. In their native surroundings, orchids are nourished from rain water that is absorbed by its roots. When it rains, nutrients from organic debris of rotting vegetation mixes with the water. This water feeds the roots of the orchid, and in most cases it is the only way orchids are fed.

Orchid's nutritional needs are different from crops and common household plants. As a result, you should not use conventional plant fertilizers. These fertilizers contain a compound called urea that's great for crops and houseplants, but not for orchids.

Ideal orchid fertilizer contains variations of three fundamental ingredients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as well as trace minerals including iron.

Roots Are The Root Of Your Orchid's Health

It's essential that the roots of your orchid gets adequate air circulation. Get rid of rotted roots with a blade that has been sterilized. Using sterilized tools for cutting is vital to eliminate the risk of spreading infection from other plants to your orchid. After cautiously removing the old mix, add fresh potting mix in a new pot slightly larger than the old one. If you want to keep watch over the roots without removing the plant from its pot, use a clear glass or plastic pot. An orchid's first task is to guarantee that the roots, including the bulbs, are well established before it can concentrate on producing beautiful flowers.

is not rocket science, but you must realize the conditions that make orchids grow into the exotic beauties they are.

Simon John Adams is an avid flower gardener from Canada. If you've found these tips on orchid care helpful, and would like to know more about orchids including growing and caring for orchids, please visit the author's website at: Loving Orchid Care [lovingorchidcare]